The Education Foundation of Yuma County is a private, non-profit organization established to support and recognize the profession of teaching and raise public awareness of the importance and value of education.
Resources are directed to projects that are consistent with this purpose and that enhance public support of education. The Foundation is composed totally of volunteers from business and education sectors.
Each year the Education Foundation of Yuma County identifies and celebrates teachers of excellence in Yuma County through the Teacher of the Year program. We also continuously raise funds through our endowment efforts to support creative initiatives for students and teachers that supplement normal operations of Yuma County's schools.
The 2025-26 Mini-grant application cycle is complete, and over $12,000 in grant funding was provided to 14 educators in Yuma County. Click on our MINI-GRANT tab above for more information.
The Legacy Gala fundraising dinner occurred on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Yuma. A new addition to this event was the induction of honorees into the Education Foundation of Yuma County's Hall of Fame. We hope you can join us in January 2027 at our next Legacy Gala.
The 39th annual Teacher of the Year Banquet will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Yuma Civic and Convention Center.
We hope to see you at this very special event to celebrate education and educators!
Our current Teacher of the Year, Neomi Pharmes, will be featured before the announcement of our 2026 Teacher of the Year. Yuma High School graduate, Jason Maas, will be inducted into our Hall of Fame as the recipient of our Estelle Dingus Award for the person who is a product of Yuma County schools who has made a significant impact outside of Yuma County. Join us for a great evening of celebration!
Rotary Clubs of Yuma County
