Dysart Education Foundation

DEF is composed of volunteers who are passionate about supporting education in our community.  We are a nonprofit organization committed to raising funds for the purpose of enriching student learning in the Dysart Unified School District and supporting continued education for high school graduates.

More Information

Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) was established in 1985 by employees and community members of the Dysart Unified School District. The Dysart Education Foundation was established for the purpose of raising, receiving, and disbursing funds to enrich the education and activities of students, teachers, and staff in the Dysart Unified School District. DEF is completely run by volunteers which ensures that every donation goes directly to funding scholarships and grants. Our board is comprised of retired teachers, professors, administrators, community leaders, and parents. DEF cares about our community and is dedicated to supporting our future leaders through education!

Are you passionate about supporting student education?  Do you have time, skills, or community connections that you’d like to use to help further the mission of the Dysart Education Foundation?  If so, please contact us today at general@defweb.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Currently the Dysart Education Foundation supports students through providing scholarships that high school graduates from the Dysart Unified School District can use toward higher education tuition costs.  Also, each year teachers are selected through a competitive grant process to receive mini-grants for innovative classroom learning activities.  Programs like this can only be sustained through the generous contributions of the community we serve.

Funding

Individual and Business Donations
The Dysart Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and, as such, donations to the organization may be tax deductible. The Foundation relies on contributions from the Dysart community for its funding and volunteer assistance.
United Way Campaign

United Way donations can be designated specifically for the Dysart Education Foundation. In 2019, DEF raised over $6,500 through the United Way.

Amazon Smile
DEF is registered as a non-profit on Amazon Smile. Register today and select Dysart Education Foundation on the website below. When you purchase items from Amazon Smile, a small percentage of your total will be donated to DEF helping us support students and teachers in the Dysart School District. Thank you for your support!
Fry's Community Rewards

DEF is registered as a non-profit with Fry’s Food Stores. Log in to your Fry’s account, select Community Rewards then select Dysart Education Foundation or one of the high school alumni groups to support a scholarship for that school. Once you link your Card, all you have to do is shop at Fry’s and swipe your Shopper’s Card. Click here for more information about Fry’s Community Rewards.

  • Dysart Education Foundation
  • Dysart High School Alumni
  • Dysart Education Foundation – Shadow Ridge HS Alum
  • Dysart Education Foundation – Valley Vista HS Alum
  • Dysart Education Foundation – Willow Canyon HS Alum
Are you a newly graduated alumni, or maybe you graduated 15 years ago? Are you a community member or even someone who's just interested in making a difference in the lives of children? Become a member of the DEF Alumni Honor Roll! Your monthly contribution supports our scholarship programs and allows more students the opportunity to make their potential a reality! https://defweb.org/scholarships/alumni-honor-roll/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Thank you to Ms.Tracy Smith from Luke Elementary who gave an update about how she used her DEF Laird Mini Grant. Our clothing closet has grown exponentially since its inception during the 2020-2021 schoolyear. With the new items we were able to purchase with thegrant, we were able to better organize the clothing by size and type, making for a better shopping experience for the students.Our students utilize this closet when they have an accident, spills, or get a rip/tear in clothesduring the day. In addition, we have students that outgrown clothes and have a need for clothesthat fit. Students and families can shop any time during the school year to help meet their needs.Many of our families are struggling and having this resource gives them one less thing to worry about. Check out these before and after photos of what the Laird Teacher Mini Grant was able to help provide! ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Congratulations to the newly elected 2023-2024 DEF Officers! President: Kristi Weitner Richards Vice President: Beth SimekSecretary: Traci Sawyer-SinkbeilTreasurer: Monica DorceyWelcome to new Board of Director members Vernique Montoya-Jenkins, Billie Laird, and Dr. John Croteau (DUSD Superintendent) ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

2023-2024 Dysart Education Foundation Board Members

Kristi Richards

President

Dr. John Croteau

Superintendent/Director

Billie Laird

Director

Beth Simek

Vice President

Donya Davis-Seay

Director

Vernique Montoya-Jenkins

Director

Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil

Secretary

Bill Pupo

Director

Lisa Fowler

Director

Monica Dorcey

Treasurer

Ken Hicks

Director

Marilee Timbrooks

Director

Contribute to Our Mission

Large or small, your tax-deductible contribution to the Dysart Education Foundation directly affects the quality education programs. Make a donation using Paypal. A donation verification letter will be sent to the address you enter when making your donation. This letter may take up to 30 days to arrive. If you leave an email address we can email you the letter.




If choosing to donate by mail, please make sure to include all the following information when you send in your donation…

  • Your name
  • Your address, city, state and zip
  • Your phone number
  • Your tax-deductible contribution amount

Please mail to:

Dysart Education Foundation
P.O. Box 1898
Surprise, Arizona 85378-1898

Thank you for your contribution!

Contact Us

For more information, please contact the members of the Dysart Education Foundation Board using the link above.  Thank you!