Awards & Grants

Each year, Tuscaloosa Education Foundation proudly honors and invests in those making a lasting impact in our schools. Through our grants and awards, we recognize outstanding educators, fund innovative classroom ideas, and support students facing financial barriers to opportunity.

Whether it’s a teacher sparking creativity with a new project, a student striving for a better future, or a leader inspiring change—these programs help us celebrate excellence and expand what’s possible in Tuscaloosa classrooms.

Honoring Outstanding Educators & Innovators

The Thomas J. Joiner Award of Education Excellence was name after the late Tom Joiner, scientist, philanthropist, dedicated civic leader and longtime resident of Tuscaloosa who passed in March of 2019 at age 86.

We are proud to support our hardworking teachers each year through grants that help fund their creative ideas. TEF has funded tubas, science books, tablets, math cards, and everything in between.

The Hope Institute Academy provides a place for teachers and administrators to connect with each other, learn how schools can contribute to students’ character development, and understand why good character is essential to their success in life.