Public Education Foundation has received a $5.3 million grant to expand access to the world's leading multi eLabs," says Michael Stone with PEF. The program started in 2017, with a million-dollar grant from Volkswagen and the state. "This represents the largest investment, the largest expansion ever, in this innovative initiative that was piloted right here in Chattanooga," says Stone.

"Within three years, a total of 53 Volkswagen eLabs will be open in Hamilton County Schools. In one of the largest investments ever in Hamilton County Schools, more than $5 million in grant money will add 17 new Volkswagen eLabs to Hamilton County Schools. It's a major step forward for local students seeking a career in the tech industry."

For the 12th consecutive year, Hamilton County public school teachers have earned grants for self-designed summer fellowships that they will use to enrich the knowledge of their students. The grants are made possible by the national non-profit Fund for Teachers.

Michael Stone, Vice President of Innovation Learning for the Public Education Foundation said, “It’s just really incredible what they’re doing in our community, the kind of opportunity they’re providing for students here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County is really unparalleled. This doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.”

“Taking the time to get to know my students has been, and always will be, worth it,” Davenport said.

On October 6, Public Education Foundation (PEF) celebrated the most recent cohort of Hamilton County teachers who were selected as Fund for Teachers Fellows. For the tenth consecutive year, Hamilton County teachers worked with PEF to earn grants from the national non-profit organization Fund for Teachers to design and pursue self-designed professional development opportunities that enrich the learning of Hamilton County students. Over the past decade, 196 Hamilton County teachers from 52 schools have received more than $785,000 in grants from Fund for Teachers.