The Foundation for Rural Education Excellence, a registered 501 (C)(3) organization, was founded in 1998 to facilitate philanthropic support for rural school districts of the North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC): Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, Suwannee, and Union Counties as well as the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and PK Yonge Developmental Research School. Working collaboratively, our mission is to enhance academic success and career opportunities for rural students in northeast Florida.

Science Connect for Grades 3-5

Last week over 30 science teachers from across the NEFEC region attended the second session of Grades 3-5 Science Connect. They focused on high-leverage practices, engaging students in complex thinking through the Nature of Science benchmarks, and making the scientific method come alive.

CTE Teachers Start SkillsIgnite Year Two

We are proud to celebrate the continued growth of amazing CTE teachers who are back for a second year of SkillsIgnite professional learning sessions.

FREE partners with NEFEC to provide these educators with mini-grant opportunities for those who share their innovative practices to help others learn and grow. Three mini-grant winners from session one are highlighted below.

Putnam Professional Learning Day

NEFEC was honored to join Putnam County Schools for their district-wide Professional Learning Day, working with 6th–8th grade teachers on writing in the content areas and word analysis/morphology across the disciplines. Teachers explored practical strategies and engaging tasks they can take back and apply in any content-area classroom.

A huge thank you to the Putnam Department of Teaching and Learning for including NEFEC in this impactful day of collective efficacy—empowering educators to strengthen learning for all students!

28th Annual Golf Scramble

FREE's annual golf scramble is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at The Palatka Golf Club.

Summer Leadership Conference

NEFEC's Annual Summer Leadership Conference is scheduled for July 20-21, 2026,

at the Sawgrass Marriott in

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.



Conference Information & Vendor Registration