What We Do

Every program. One mission.

Davis Education Foundation removes barriers to learning and creates opportunity for every student in Davis School District. Here is everything we do—from Teen Resource Centers to classroom grants to holiday support.

92
Schools Served
72,000+
Students Reached
$64M+
Invested Since 2012
57+
Scholarships Managed
Teen Resource Center front desk

Teen Resource Centers — safe spaces in every high school.

Davis Catalyst Center exterior with students

Davis Catalyst Center — profession-based learning.

Teacher receiving grant at school assembly

Teacher grants that transform classrooms.

Kids Closet clothing resource room

Kids’ Closet — clothing for students who need it.

Two children sharing treats

Community moments that make the difference.

Student Supports

Meeting students where they are.

When students have food, clothing, stability, and a trusted adult in their corner, they can focus on learning. These programs make that possible.

Flagship Program

Teen Resource Centers

A 5-year capital project that built safe, consistent spaces in every DSD high school. Centers provide food, laundry, showers, mental health referrals, and career prep. All 11 high school centers now open.

Explore Teen Centers
District-Wide

Family Advocates

Pioneered by DEF and now adopted district-wide. Trusted adults at every school level—Family Advocates in elementary, Family Coordinators in junior high, and Teen Center Coordinators in high school—all focused on removing barriers to education.

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Year-Round

Kids’ Closet

A clothing resource for DSD students who need new or gently used clothing, shoes, coats, and accessories. Available to families through school referral year-round.

Explore Kids’ Closet
Capital Project

Teen Residential Center

A planned residential facility for displaced students in Davis County, designed to keep them in school and break cycles of abuse, addiction, and homelessness. Operated with DSD, Layton City, and Davis County as partners.

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Basic Needs

School Pantries & Food Programs

Food pantries stocked at Clearfield, Layton, Northridge, Syracuse, Mountain High, and Davis Community Learning Center. Weekend pantry packs ensure food-insecure students have meals outside of school.

Ways to Give

Academics & Grants

Investing in educators and students.

Direct funding for teachers who innovate, students who excel, and classrooms that need resources. Over $64 million invested since 2012.

Now Open

Innovative Grants

Competitive grants that encourage creative instructional programs. Teachers and counselors can apply for up to $5,000; schools and departments up to $10,000. Application window: October 1–31, 2025.

Apply for Grants
92 Schools

Cash for Classrooms

Direct classroom funding that gives teachers the resources they need to serve students. Hundreds of grants awarded each year to educators across all 92 DSD schools.

Explore Cash for Classrooms
57+ Awards

Scholarships

Over 57 scholarships administered through the foundation, helping DSD students pursue higher education, vocational training, and career goals. Funded by donors, families, and community partners.

Explore Scholarships
Strategic Initiative

Catalyst

DEF’s flagship strategic initiative to identify, strengthen, and scale high-impact strategies across the district. Catalyst investments are designed to grow and sustain over time.

Explore Catalyst
Imagination Library

Early Literacy

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, DEF is building home libraries for children from birth to age five. Launching with Head Start families and expanding across the district.

Explore Early Literacy

Opportunity & Enrichment

Building belonging and confidence.

Athletics, activities, and enrichment programs that help every student find their place and build confidence beyond the classroom.

Best of State 2025

Unified Sports

Inclusive athletics that pair students with and without disabilities on the same teams. A nationally recognized program that builds belonging, friendship, and confidence through sport.

Explore Unified Sports
All Students

Athletics & Activities

Funding and support for extracurricular activities, club programs, and athletics access across the district, ensuring cost is never a barrier to participation.

Explore Athletics & Activities
Flexible Funding

Student Opportunity Fund

A flexible fund that covers fees, field trips, competition costs, and other opportunities for students who would otherwise miss out due to financial barriers.

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Community Programs

Connecting community to classroom.

Programs that bring the community together around students—from holiday giving to school communications.

Back-to-School

Child Spree & KIND Program

Young Automotive’s Kids In NeeD program pairs volunteers with children for a $150 holiday shopping experience. Child Spree provides additional seasonal support for families identified through school referrals.

Learn About Child Spree
Seasonal

Holiday Assistance

Each November, community members sign up to provide clothing and holiday cheer for students and their families. A powerful way to make the season brighter for children who need it most.

Learn More
All DSD Schools

Peachjar Digital Flyers

A paperless flyer distribution system that connects families with school and community events, activities, and resources. Available across all DSD schools.

Learn About Peachjar

Support Our Work

Every program starts with someone who gives.

Whether you give monthly, volunteer your time, or donate supplies, you’re part of the work that keeps students on track and moving forward.