The Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF) is running a countywide initiative titled 
“Empowering Douglas County’s Next Generation: Bridging Opportunities through Digital Innovation and Community Engagement.” The initiative is supported by a grant from Microsoft and will be carried out during the FY26 school year to serve students and educators across the Douglas County School System.
The Douglas County Education Foundation supports the Douglas County School System by generating, managing, and distributing resources that fund scholarships, classroom grants, and community-based educational initiatives that strengthen academic achievement, innovation, and opportunity for students and educators. Through partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations, DCEF enhances learning opportunities and student success across the district and is governed by a local board of directors led by Michelle English, Board Chair.
This support from Microsoft addresses seven integrated program areas:
Scholarships and Academic Excellence ($25,000): Scholarships for DCSS graduates pursuing STEM degrees with an emphasis on leadership, academic strength, and community engagement.
Classroom Impact Grants ($25,000): Funding for innovative, culturally responsive classroom projects that strengthen real world STEAM learning through robotics, engineering, digital arts, and research-based instruction.
Digital Empowerment and Tech Skilling with Hello World CS ($25,000): Supports expansion of 
advanced computer science instruction across four DCSS high schools through educator professional development and ongoing coaching.
Community Empowerment and Environmental STEM Education with Plantlanta ($25,000): Hands-on environmental science learning through urban forestry and sustainability projects embedded into school environments.
Bridging the Digital Divide with Compudopt ($40,000): Distribution of refurbished devices and delivery of digital literacy training for students and families with limited technology access.
Workforce Development with MWI Workforce Institute ($10,000): Employability readiness training for 12 DCSS 2026 high school graduates ages 17 to 19 focused on digital skills, financial literacy, mental wellness awareness, and professional soft skills.
Trees Atlanta Environmental Restoration ($10,000): Tree planting and invasive species removal at Jessie Davis Park to support environmental education, applied STEM learning, and long-term community infrastructure.
Kenya Elder, Executive Director of the Douglas County Education Foundation, stated:
“This grant strengthens our ability to support students and educators through access to technology, education innovation, and workforce preparation. We are grateful for Microsoft’s support and for the collaboration of our community partners who are helping us expand opportunity across Douglas County.”
Microsoft Statement:
“We’re committed to helping communities build digital equity, strengthen education, and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our partnership with the Douglas County Education Foundation reflects that commitment and our shared goal of expanding access to technology and career pathways for students and educators.” said Jon McKenley, Senior Community Affairs Manager at Microsoft.
This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Pledge to build and operate digital infrastructure that not only powers innovation but also creates benefits for the communities where we live and work. More than 7,500 students and educators are expected to benefit from enhanced access to digital tools, classroom innovation, workforce preparation, and environmental education.