JACKSON, Tenn. (October 21, 2025) – Leaders Education Foundation, a non-profit 5019c3, hosted a ceremony at Union University awarding $35,000 to West Tennessee educators through the L.E.A.D.S. Educator Grant program.
The L.E.A.D.S Grant program awards grants to local educators whose initiatives empower students to Learn, Experience, Advocate, Dream, and Serve. To be eligible for these grants, educators were required to be in public and private K-12 schools, Technical Schools, University, and Colleges in West Tennessee.
“Teachers make a tremendous impact on their students each year, often dedicating their own time and resources to help them succeed,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation. “We hope the L.E.A.D.S. Grants serve as another way to provide valuable resources and opportunities for both teachers and students—whether that’s supporting a field trip, enhancing classroom learning, or funding professional development.”
Twenty-five Classroom Grant recipients were given $1,000 each by submitting a video highlighting their idea, vision, or project that was voted on by the public on the Foundation’s Facebook page. These videos reached over 100,000 people with over 13,000 likes and shares, which served as the votes. They are encouraged to pour the money back into their classrooms; they will be able to use these funds towards needs they have for their students, such as new books, school-wide projects, or a STEM initiative. Six educators received Professional Development Grants to use for their growth in pursuing a certification, taking a development class, or another educational opportunity. The ten Teacher Appreciation Grants were applied for by a principal or school administrator, and they each received $500. These leaders can use this money to purchase classroom supplies, materials, or goodies to celebrate other teachers or staff.
Recipients of the L.E.A.D.S Classroom Grants include:
Recipients of the L.E.A.D.S Professional Development Grants include:
Recipients of the L.E.A.D.S Teacher Appreciation Grants include:
To learn how to apply for L.E.A.D.S. Grants in the future, visit leadersgives.org/grants. Become a supporter of Leaders Education Foundation to empower educators and students in our community by visiting leadersgives.org.
About Leaders Education Foundation
Leaders Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Jackson, Tenn., and established in 2019. The Foundation allows community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to unite to make lives better together. It invests back into its community through scholarships, grants, and additional resources that provide educational opportunities and promote workforce development, lifelong learning, and training for students, teachers, and communities.
For more information about Leaders Education Foundation or to become a member and Give Forward, please visit their website, leadersgives.org.