Lighting the Fire

E³ ➙ Enabling Educational Excellence

For over 25 years, our mission has been to support the Jefferson County School District in meeting a commitment to a strong tradition of teaching excellence and outstanding student achievement. We enable educational excellence by expanding business partnerships, enhancing community awareness, encouraging educational innovation, and elevating outstanding teaching and exemplary student achievement throughout public schools in Jefferson County, Alabama.

wifi-on-the-go — WIFI ON THE GO

Support Jefferson County Schools and get a
FREE Hotspot and Unlimited Internet in return!

SIGN UP TODAY

IMPACTING THE LIVES OF OVER 36,000 CHILDREN IN JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Public education is in the spotlight across our nation and at home as our communities take
a look at the academic progress of students
as well as the effectiveness of programs and educators. For centuries, our region’s largest school district, Jefferson County Schools, has walked a determined path to fulfill and exceed expectations while finding innovative ways to improve schools and meet the diverse needs of all students.

Hello To All,

My name is Dr. Gertrudis (Trudy) A. Hunter the new Executive Director of the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation, I am thrilled to be here, and most of all, I am excited to be part of the Jefcoed community—a space where empowerment, excellence and engagement are not just ideals, but everyday realities for our students.

At Jefcoed Foundation, I am deeply invested in the journey of each student we serve. From the unique programming of our Leadership Academy to the transformative experiences in the Career Pathway initiative, to our Lead Teacher Mentorships, we are fostering a culture of capability and self-reliance. Our unique approach, which weaves our International Baccalaureate and arts-based programming into the fabric of our curriculum, has proven to unlock potential and pave pathways to personal and professional independence. In the very short time I’ve been here, I have been impacted beyond words. I truly believe in the teachers, staff, and mission of the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation.

Our commitment extends beyond the classroom; it is about building an ecosystem that nurtures and supports. With over 36,000 students who rely on our services, we are not just an educational institution—we are home away from home. Our future is a testament to this vision, with plans for magnet schools tailored to the needs of our region.

We understand the power of community and the strength it brings to our students, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds and different circumstances. In recognizing their unique needs, we provide more than just education and training; we offer hope and a tangible route to a life filled with possibilities.

Our programs are expanding, and so is our impact. In launching our WiFi on the Go Program, at Jefcoed Foundation, we created a program that eases family concerns and charts a course to autonomy with broadband internet access. We’re proud to see our students develop and flourish through life skills and career training and activities, acquiring vital skills that integrate them into the community. We are planting the seeds of self-sufficiency early, nurturing growth, and preparing for a future where our students can stand tall as independent, contributing members of society.

Together, we are embarking on a journey to reshape the public’s perception and community investment in our students, staff and teachers. With your support, we can continue to offer these vital services, uplift our students, and enrich our community. Every member of our community, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical, is entitled to equal access to resources to ensure their success.

Join us as we champion the cause of enabling educational excellence and celebrate every milestone along the way. Your belief in our mission fuels our progress, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Best Regards,

Dr. Gertrudis A. Hunter, MSW, JD, PhD

Executive Director

Our Programs

Leadership Academy

We believe the key to dynamic, successful schools is leadership. The Foundation/District partnership provides a five-tiered approach to build leaders at all levels of experience in our schools. Using many best practices from the business community, along with exposure to nearby districts exhibiting those practices successfully, emerging and veteran leaders address management skills, personal traits for leaders, instructional guidance and a plan to manage a culture of change and to utilize valuable community resources.

Lead Teacher Mentorships

To place a high quality teacher in every classroom has been the number one goal of JEFCOED’s new teacher mentorships since the Foundation-supported program began in 2006. Designed to support educators in years 1-3 of their practice, the program assigns a highly skilled mentor for each teacher and offers stipends to mentors for the shared professional development. Lower attrition rates, relationship-building, and sharing of teaching strategies are consistent outcomes of the program.

Career Pathway Initiatives

The challenge for our 13 JEFCOED high schools to produce graduates who are fully prepared for their next steps toward a meaningful, sustainable and successful career has never been greater than today. Whether that means “prepared” to attend a two or four-year college, technical or trade/skills training programs or entry level application to a job directly after high school, the JEFCOED Foundation supports and helps to expand opportunities for all post-grad students to succeed.