GEF is starting the 2026-27 school year with a big investment in Gloucester students and educators: $293,000 in funding for seven programs across Gloucester Public Schools.

This is possible because of the tremendous generosity of the Gloucester community, which continues to step up for our schools. Every gift to GEF, from individual donations to business support to foundation grants, helps create opportunities for Gloucester students. The $293,000 awarded at the start of September will support:

• O’Maley Academy: $30,000
• Grades 4-8 Band: $30,000, with another $30,000 coming in January
• GHS Medical Assisting: $64,000
• K-8 STEM Coordinator: $100,000
• O’Maley Science Central Wilson Intern: $5,000
• GHS Engineering Lab: $50,000
• Gender Equity in STEM Club: $14,000

Together, these programs expand opportunities for Gloucester students in music, STEM, career and technical education, enrichment and more, across grades K-12.

And this is just the start!

GEF’s competitive grant program gives GPS educators the opportunity to bring forward new ideas, creative approaches and promising pilots for their students. Grants will be awarded in November, February and May this school year, and we’re making sure educators across the district know how GEF can help turn their ideas into reality with colorful new teachers’ lounge posters and detailed instructions on how to apply, delivered to every GPS staff member’s mailbox over the past two weeks.

To everyone who donates to GEF, sponsors an event, supports a campaign, or helps spread the word: thank you. Your generosity is what makes investments like this possible, and what allows GEF to keep expanding opportunities for Gloucester students year after year.