Teeing Off for STEM: Raising Funds for Students and Teachers

The fourth annual AFCEA Educational Foundation Golf Tournament, held July 27 at Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, brought three dozen teams together and raised nearly $50,000 for STEM education. 

“What’s happening here is much bigger than golf,” said Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, USA (Ret.), president and CEO of AFCEA International. “Every dollar raised here today goes to two things: scholarships for students and grants for the teachers who inspire them.” 

AFCEA’s Educational Foundation and its global network of chapters provide more than $2 million in scholarships and grants per year. 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 students to the teachers to the workforce. 

“When we fund a teacher grant, we’re not just making a donation. We’re removing a barrier between a good teacher and a kid who’s about to fall in love with this field,” said Crawford. “And when we fund a scholarship, we’re telling a student that the door to opportunity is open for them, as education truly is the great equalizer.” 

As the event’s Top Quantum Eagle Sponsor, Asc3nd Technologies Group CEO Sarn Bien-Aime, who moved to the United States when he was 9 years old, echoed that commitment to education during his remarks. 

“Knowing what I left behind in Haiti and seeing the amazing opportunities that this country provided, I realized that education was my single most important hope,” said Aime, a former high school educator in Maryland.  

“What excited me about sponsoring this and jumping up to the opportunity to take the top tier was that passion in education. I really believe in this.” 

The comfortable temperatures and a refreshing July breeze created ideal playing conditions. Spirits were high, swings were strong and the event was a hole-in-one for STEM education. 

The tournament might last only one day, but the impact lasts all year, and contributions to the AFCEA Educational Foundation are always welcome.  

The 2026 tournament  winners were: 

1st place winner (score: 50) 

• Mike Ellerbe Jr. 

• Jack Gruninger 

• Ken Wood  

• Chad Hess 

2nd place winner (score: 55) 

• Frank Sturek 

• Frank Sturek Jr. 

• Brian Patterson 

• Jack King 

3rd place winner (score: 57) 

• Matthew Gillman 

• Ryan Huss 

• Scott German 

• Correy Thomas 

Longest drive/closest to pin - men: Alex Daltorio 

Longest drive/closest to pin - women: Nancy Lim 

Learn more about the AFCEA Educational Foundation. 

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