About LEAF

The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of Lamar CISD, dedicated to enriching teaching, inspiring learning, and enhancing opportunities for every student and educator in our district. Since 2000, LEAF has awarded over $6 million in grants, scholarships, and district‑wide programs—all made possible through the generosity of community supporters, local businesses, and CISD staff.

What We Do

• Teacher Grants: Funding for innovative, hands‑on classroom projects that wouldn’t fit within standard school budgets.
• Student Scholarships: Financial support helping graduating seniors pursue college, technical training, or other career pathways.
• Staff Scholarships & Professional Development: Scholarships and grants for Lamar CISD educators and staff to attend workshops, earn certifications and teaching degrees, or bring new ideas back to their classrooms and roles.
• District‑Wide Enrichment: Programs and partnerships that benefit whole campuses, from technology upgrades to performing‑arts initiatives.

Why It Matters

As one of the fastest‑growing school districts in Texas—now serving over 43,000 students across 56 campuses—our community’s needs evolve every day. LEAF ensures that rapid growth never compromises quality or opportunity. By turning creative ideas into real‑world resources, we help prepare each learner and educator to succeed in school, their careers, and life beyond the classroom.

Explore More

Ready to learn how you can get involved or take advantage of LEAF’s programs? Explore the resources below to discover grant guidelines, student and staff scholarship applications, sponsorship opportunities, and upcoming events. Your journey starts here!

LEAF Grants empower Lamar CISD educators to bring exciting, hands‑on learning experiences to their students. Available throughout the school year, we offer two grant tiers—each designed to spark creativity, enrich academic opportunities, and transform classrooms across every campus.

💡 Tip: Review the LEAF Grant 101 PDF before you begin. It walks you through eligibility, budget guidelines, and best practices for a winning proposal.

LEAF is proud to invest in the future of our Lamar CISD family through a variety of scholarship opportunities. Each year, we partner with generous donors and community supporters to help graduating seniors pursue their dreams of higher education, workforce training, or specialized certifications.

In addition to student scholarships, LEAF also offers scholarship opportunities for Lamar CISD staff who wish to continue their professional growth through education degrees and SPED certifications.

Our scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and personal commitment to growth. We encourage staff to share this resource with students and families — and to take advantage of the opportunities available for their own development as well.

Please review the scholarship resources below for details on eligibility, deadlines, and application processes for both students and staff.

Applications will be accepted March 1 – March 31, 2026

General Student Scholarship Resources - Application will open on March 1, 2026

• 2025-2026 General Student Scholarship Overview Page - coming soon!
• Downloadable Application (for planning purposes only)- coming soon!
• Link to General Student Application - coming soon!

Staff Scholarship Resources – Application will open on March 1, 2026

• Staff Scholarships Overview Page -- coming soon!
• Downloadable Application (for planning purposes only) - coming soon!
• Link to SPED Scholarship Application – coming soon!
• Link to Paraprofessional Scholarship Application – coming soon!

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our office at leaf@lcisd.org or (832) 223– 0345.

Together, we can help ensure every student and staff member has the support they need to achieve their goals!

At the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), volunteers are at the heart of our mission. Every hour given and every connection made helps us expand opportunities for students and staff across Lamar CISD.

When you volunteer with LEAF, you’re investing your time and talents to make a direct impact — whether you’re helping at an event, supporting grant programs, or serving as an ambassador for our foundation.

What Makes LEAF Volunteers So Important?

• Amplify Impact: Volunteers help us support our growing number of students and campuses than we ever could alone.
• Build Community: Volunteering strengthens connections between our schools, families, and local partners.
• Inspire Giving: Your service shows others the power of supporting public education.
• Grow Together: Volunteers gain valuable skills, friendships, and a deeper understanding of the needs and successes within Lamar CISD.

 How Can You Get Involved?
 LEAF offers many ways to serve — from one-time opportunities at fundraising events to ongoing support as a campus representative or committee member. There’s a place for everyone to make a difference!

• Complete our Volunteer Form HERE
• Attend our Volunteer Recruitment Event on August 21 HERE

If you’d like to get involved or have questions about volunteering with LEAF, please reach out to us at leaf@lcisd.org or (832) 223 – 0345.

At the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), we believe in the power of giving back — and no one understands the needs of our students and schools better than the dedicated employees of Lamar CISD.

Our Employee Giving Program provides staff members with an easy and meaningful way to support innovative classroom grants, scholarships, and special programs that directly benefit our students and campuses.

Why Give?

• Direct Impact: 100% of employee contributions stay right here in Lamar CISD, funding creative projects and opportunities that go beyond what the regular budget can provide.
• Lead by Example: As district employees, your support demonstrates your commitment to student success and helps inspire our community to give too.
• Flexible & Simple: Contributions can be made through convenient payroll deductions, one-time gifts, or participation in campus fundraising challenges.

How Your Gift Helps:

• Supports Classroom Innovation Grants that bring new ideas and learning experiences to life.
• Provides scholarships for graduating seniors and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Expands LEAF’s ability to respond to emerging needs and special initiatives across the district.

Ready to Join Us?
Enrolling is quick and easy! Complete the Employee Giving Form below and return it to our office to start making a difference today.

Access our Employee Giving Form.

If you have questions about the Employee Giving Program or want to learn more about how your contribution makes an impact, please reach out to us at leaf@lcisd.org

Together, we are transforming possibilities into realities for every student and educator in Lamar CISD.

Connecting with the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) means becoming part of a community that believes in the power of education to transform lives. As the official education foundation for Lamar CISD, LEAF is dedicated to enriching student learning by funding innovative classroom grants, supporting teachers, and celebrating academic excellence. Whether you're a parent, business owner, educator, or community member, your involvement helps bridge the gap between traditional resources and the creative, real-world experiences that make learning come alive.

When you engage with LEAF—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word—you directly support the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers in our district. It’s more than giving; it’s investing in the future of our community, one classroom at a time.

⤓  Blog

⤓  Newsletter

Visit our foundation website to learn more.

At the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF), we know it takes a community to help students and educators thrive. Our Community Giving Program invites businesses, families, alumni, and local supporters to join us in transforming classrooms, expanding opportunities, and celebrating excellence throughout Lamar CISD.

Why Give?
 When you give to LEAF, you’re investing in the future of our students, teachers, and schools. Community contributions help bridge gaps in funding and fuel programs that go beyond what traditional budgets can provide — from innovative classroom grants to student scholarships and district-wide initiatives.

Ways to Give:
 LEAF’s Community Giving Program offers flexible options to fit every supporter:

• One-Time or Recurring Donations: Make a gift that works for you — once or every month!
• Sponsorships: Partner with LEAF through event sponsorships, program underwriting, or campus initiatives.
• Tribute Gifts: Honor a loved one, teacher, or student with a gift that makes a lasting impact.
• Workplace Giving & Matching: Many local businesses offer payroll giving or matching gift programs — multiply your impact!

Your Impact:
 Community gifts directly support:

• Classroom Innovation Grants for teachers to bring new ideas to life.
• Scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing higher education, workforce training, or certifications.
• Professional development opportunities for Lamar CISD staff.
• Special projects and initiatives that benefit students across the district.

How to Get Involved:
 Whether you’re a local business, a proud alumni family, or a community member who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you in LEAF’s mission.

• Download the Give 5 Campaign Brochure 
• Access our Donate Now

Learn more about giving options, sponsorship opportunities, and how your support makes a difference.

To discuss partnership opportunities or make a gift today, please contact our office at leaf@lcisd.org.

Together, we can open doors, spark ideas, and brighten the future for every Lamar CISD student!