AFCEA Educational Foundation

The AFCEA Educational Foundation provides incentives, opportunities and assistance to students and teachers engaged in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. 

What We Do
Our programs focus on information technology, cybersecurity, telecommunications and electronics supporting the cyber, defense, homeland security and intelligence communities. The foundation, in conjunction with AFCEA chapters worldwide, provides more than $1.8 million in scholarships a year.

 

Why We Do It
As a conduit to the advancement of STEM education, the foundation cultivates and perpetuates funding that supports its mission, making a difference in all areas of education, from the students to the teachers to the workforce. Our programs exist to ensure tomorrow’s workforce has the necessary technical skills to be competitive in the fast-paced, ever-changing global security arena.

 

Who We Are
The AFCEA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to solicit, receive, administer and expend funds for scholarships in AFCEA’s areas of interest. Donations may be tax-deductible; please check with your personal tax adviser.
 

 

Donate Now

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Educational Foundation Donation QR Code

 

Scan the QR code to donate through Venmo.

 

 

 

Foundation Opportunities

Resources

Scholarships 

Awards 

Teaching Grants 

SIGNAL Kids

Chapter Programs

& much more

Ways to Donate

Leadership Society 

Sponsorships 

Matching Gifts 

Endowments 

Estate Planning

& much more

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Foundation Information
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FOUNDATION MISSION
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The AFCEA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational incentives, opportunities and assistance for people engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines focused on information technology, cybersecurity, telecommunications and electronics supporting the defense, homeland security and intelligence communities.

The components of the AFCEA Educational Foundation's present efforts are:

  • Scholarships and Grants Program
  • Awards for Excellence and Merit

The foundation actively promotes opportunities for diversity in STEM fields.

AFCEA International supports local chapters, sponsors events, publishes the award-winning SIGNAL Magazine, promotes education and provides member benefits—all with the purpose of equipping its members to meet the governments' challenges while enhancing and furthering their careers.

AFCEA and its chapters provide a common ground for learning that is unquestioned in its integrity and unequaled in the reach of its relationships. Members support AFCEA International for the same reason: We enable our members to serve and help them succeed.

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LEADERSHIP
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The foundation is governed by a board of directors dedicated to providing meaningful support of STEM education to those within the AFCEA community. Board members reflect a high level of expertise from industry and academia, and many have military service experience. They are a powerful force in advancing the foundation’s reach. 

AFCEA Educational Foundation Board of Directors 

Chair, AFCEA International Board of Directors 
Ex-Officio member
Lt. Gen William Bender, USAF (Ret.) 

President and CEO, AFCEA Educational Foundation
Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.)

Secretary, AFCEA Educational Foundation
Nancy Temple

Treasurer, AFCEA Educational Foundation
Pat Miorin

General Counsel
Eileen Johnson

 

AFCEA Educational Foundation Board Members

Stephanie Chenault 

Bill Dunahoo 

Natalie Lorenz-Anderson 

Capt. Glenn Hernandez, USCG (Ret.) 

Dr. Jennifer Miller 

Sue Myers 

Lucinda Spaney 

Col. Kathy Swacina, USA (Ret.) 

John West 

Allen Greene

Linda Newton

Gretchen Stewart

 

 

 

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SCHOLARSHIPS AND TEACHING GRANTS
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AWARDS
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HOW TO GIVE
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DONATE DIRECTLY

Without your support, we would not exist—so thank you for your investment in STEM education. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.* Financial statements are available upon written request from the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs. If you require information on our IRS 501(c)(3) status or have questions, please contact the Educational Foundation

DONATE ONLINE

MAIL YOUR DONATION

The AFCEA Educational Foundation, 4114 Legato Road, Suite 1000,  Fairfax VA 22033 

MATCHING GIFTS

Work with your employer to make your contribution go even further. Many corporations in the United States will match their employees' contributions to qualifying nonprofit organizations, often doubling or sometimes even tripling the amount of the contribution. Check with your company's human resources department. If your company does match such gifts, you will need to obtain a form from your company and send it to the AFCEA Educational Foundation along with your contribution. The foundation can follow up to arrange for payment of the matching donation. For more information, contact the Educational Foundation

SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

Contact the Educational Foundation for more information on endowing a scholarship.

ESTATE PLANNING

Remember the AFCEA Educational Foundation in your estate planning. Contact the Educational Foundationfor more information. 

Your gift is tax-deductible. IRS regulations require us to state as a matter of record that no goods or services were offered in exchange for or in recognition of your gift. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires us to inform you that a financial statement about the AFCEA Educational Foundation is available upon written request from the Office of Consumer Affairs. 

 

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STEM TEACHER RESOURCES
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David Benhaim
The scholarship started my career by allowing me to do an internship at Raytheon IDS after high school. After attending MIT, I co-founded Markforged, an additive manufacturing company that designs, develops and manufactures industrial 3D printers, software and materials.
David Benhaim
Senior Adviser, Technology, Markforged
Corporate Sponsors
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Ciena logo
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FTI logo
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booz allen logo
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American Systems logo
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afcea nova logo
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mantech new logo
More than 100 golfers came out to the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, on August 7, 2023, to support AFCEA International's Educational Foundation to directly affect the education of students who aspire to be cyber operators, engineers, scientists, data analysts, teachers, cryptographers, entrepreneurs and so much more. AFCEA thanks all the sponsors! AFCEA’s Educational Foundation and the global chapters raise $2 million a year for programs that focus on information technology, cybersecurity, telecommunications and electronics supporting the cyber, defense, homeland security and intelligence communities.
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Work with children
Be Part of a Great Story
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AFCEA Educational Foundation FAQs
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IS THE FOUNDATION TAX EXEMPT?
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The AFCEA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to solicit, receive, administer and expend funds for scholarships in AFCEA’s areas of interest. Donations may be tax-deductible; please check with your personal tax adviser. 

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HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?
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HOW MUCH MONEY IS DISTRIBUTED EACH YEAR?
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The foundation, in conjunction with  AFCEA chapters worldwide, provides more than $2 million in scholarships a year.

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HOW DO I CONNECT WITH A CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
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The AFCEA website provides links to our chapters worldwide and includes contact information for the chapter’s point of contact for their educational programs.

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WHAT AGE GROUPS DO YOU SERVE?
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Our scholarships provide funding for undergraduate degrees and those students pursuing higher education. Our teacher grants provide funding in support of students from K-12. 

Learn More About The AFCEA Educational Foundation