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.

2025 Annual E-Rate Training Well Attended

Led by the Florida Department of Management Services, NEFEC was honored to host the 2025 Annual E-Rate Training earlier this month. E-Rate plays a vital role in helping districts secure funding for internet access and technology infrastructure.

Thank you to Jasmine Davis and Russell Hamblin from FLDMS for sharing their expertise with our districts to ensure students stay connected and supported.

New Worlds Reading Program

We are proud to partner with #NewWorldsReading, Florida’s free at-home reading program, to help children across the state discover a love for reading!

See if your VPK-5th grade child is eligible to receive free books and reading activities by visiting www.newworldsreading.com

New Teacher Network Gets Underway

NEFEC recently launched its first New Teacher Network professional learning opportunity of the school year.

Nearly 40 educators from across the northeast Florida region came together to collaborate, share ideas, and learn about topics such as classroom management, evidence-based practices, and the importance of establishing strong rapport and trust with students.

FREE is proud to support our new teachers as they grow, connect, and inspire!

28th Annual Golf Scramble

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