
KEF is the convening organization supporting Knox County Schools with an innovative high school model that empowers students through hands-on learning and real-world experience to explore career pathways and graduate with a clear plan—whether pursuing college, military service, or entering the workforce prepared to succeed.



KEF facilitates One Book Read City, a community-wide literacy initiative that engages all Knox County elementary school students through two weeks of captivating events and activities centered around a thoughtfully selected book. It brings together businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools for a unified effort to support literacy.

KEF has created a private-public fund to help reverse three decades of challenges for our public schools and reinforce the importance of play for our students. This innovative funding solution will support playspaces across Knox County Schools.



KEF provides grants across multiple levels that support projects that accelerate student learning, address a challenge, or promote innovative ideas. These projects align with the four priority areas of Knox County Schools and have measurable outcomes.

Project GRAD provides community and family resources to help ensure successful transition to post-secondary enrollment and supporting scholar completion through efforts to inform, equip, and support graduates from Austin-East and Fulton high schools.
