STUART — Martin County residents can help teachers prepare for the new school year by adopting a classroom, funding a project or donating supplies through the Education Foundation of Martin County.
As Martin County students prepare to return to school Aug. 10, the Education Foundation of Martin County is inviting residents, civic groups, nonprofits and businesses to help meet classroom needs through three online programs.
Adopt-A-Class allows supporters to adopt a specific classroom or school program with a donation of $100 or more. Classrooms and programs may be adopted multiple times, and the foundation hopes to have every classroom adopted at least once during the school year.
To adopt a class and make a donation to a classroom or program, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org/p/251/adopt-a-class.
Through Fund-A-Project, teachers can post requests for classroom projects designed to support student learning. Donors can select and fund specific educational projects.
To view teacher requests, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org/p/285/fund-a-project.
Bulletin Board Listings connect community members with nonmonetary classroom needs. Participants may volunteer their time or donate materials, gently used equipment, books, magazines, shoe boxes and other reusable supplies. Community members also may offer subject-matter expertise or advisory board support.
To support the Bulletin Board, visit https://www.educationfoundationmc.org/p/284/community-opportunities.
“Every great classroom innovation begins with an idea,” said Chanda Leon, a pre-AICE biology teacher at Martin County High School and the Education Foundation’s 2025-2026 Martin County Teacher of the Year. “Too often, that idea never becomes reality because of cost. Adopt-a-Classroom and Fund-a-Project have helped to remove financial barriers, allowing me the opportunity to convert creative solutions into meaningful learning experiences for my students.”
The foundation said 100 percent of donations go directly toward classroom needs because program sponsors cover administrative costs.
Lead sponsors include Napoli Orthodontics, the Kelley Decowski Team at RE/MAX of Stuart, Tami Karol Insurance, Diagnostic Radiology Center of the Treasure Coast, Seacoast Bank, and Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa Injury Lawyers. Other sponsors include Precision Site Contracting, Stuart Pediatric Dentistry, Sullivan Electric & Pump, Searcy Law, New Wave Compass – Sara Crombie, Ampersand Graphics, JoAnna Oster, RE/MAX of Stuart, Pinder’s Nursery, All Jetting Technologies, Elegant Entries, Lesser Landy Smith & Siegel PLLC, SwissMango and Sal’s Air.
“Every adopted classroom, funded project and donated resource sends a powerful message to our teachers and students that this community believes in them,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “When local residents and businesses step forward, they help turn classroom ideas into learning experiences that can inspire achievement all year long.”
Steven C. Simon, managing shareholder at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa Injury Lawyers, said his firm was pleased to support the foundation’s Your Classroom Connection program.
“Educators make a lasting difference in the lives of students, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen classrooms across Martin County. It is a privilege to stand with many leading community businesses and join the Education Foundation in investing in educational excellence and student success,” he said.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s nonprofit partner. It raises and distributes private and corporate donations through classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM programs, teacher professional development, scholarships and other educational initiatives.
To adopt a classroom, fund a project, respond to a classroom need or learn more about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call 772-600-8062.