MEF history
For 35 years, the McKinney Education Foundation has brought our community together around one powerful belief: when we invest in education, we invest in the future of McKinney.
1991
Recognizing the Need
MEF’s story began in 1991, when community leaders recognized the need for a more consistent way to provide scholarships for McKinney ISD graduating seniors. What started with scholarships soon grew into something much bigger.
1994
First Grants & an Ambitious Endowment Campaign
In 1994, MEF awarded its first Classroom and Teacher Grants, expanding its mission to support innovative opportunities for students and educators. The following year, the Foundation launched an ambitious $2 million Endowment Campaign, helping establish a strong foundation for MEF’s future.
2004
College Advisors in High Schools
In 2004, MEF took another transformational step with the creation of the My Educational Future Program, placing college advisors in McKinney ISD high schools to help students navigate college admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.
2016
A Signature Celebration: Purses with Purpose Begins
Then, in 2016, Purses with Purpose was born. What began as a new fundraising event has grown into one of MEF’s signature celebrations, bringing our community together to have fun, give generously, and create opportunities for McKinney ISD students and educators.
today
Continuing to Evolve
Today, MEF continues the work that began 35 years ago through student scholarships, educator grants, and college advising, made possible by the generosity of our donors, businesses, volunteers, and community partners.
And as we celebrate 35 years of MEF and 10 years of Purses with Purpose, we honor everyone who helped build this legacy and look forward to the impact we will create together in the years ahead.
35 years. Thousands of students and educators. One community investing in what’s possible.
