About

Our mission is to mobilize the resources necessary to enrich programs, provide basic needs, and enhance educational opportunities for the students and staff of North Thurston Public Schools. Our vision is that every student, regardless of their background or financial situation, has the opportunity to excel and achieve their dreams.

The North Thurston Education Foundation (NTEF) is dedicated to ensuring that students in need have access to essential resources such as food, clothing, and educational support, enabling them to focus on learning and success.

Lacey, WA has a very diverse population and a large number of soldiers, and their families chose Lacey as their home.  In the 2023-24 school year, North Thurston Public Schools served over 14,500 students, with nearly half of them (6,449) relying on the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, and 1,024 students identified as homeless.

During the 2023-24 school year, we provided Student Assistance Grants (SAG) to support 9,132 students across every school in the North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) district. These grants cover personal and school-related necessities, including school supplies, clothing, hygiene products, medical needs, extracurricular activity fees, testing costs, and credit recovery classes for low-income and homeless students. Additionally, NTEF offers emergency assistance for rental or utility payments, car repairs, and the replacement of critical items, ensuring that families facing financial hardship receive immediate support.

Since our founding, we have helped approximately 45,000 students overcome barriers to their education. Beyond direct assistance, NTEF currently provides scholarships to 49 students pursuing higher education and funds Classroom Learning Grants for innovative projects that close the achievement gap, foster creativity, build character, and support unique classroom needs. We believe that financial limitations should never be a barrier to a student’s success or a teacher’s ability to provide enriching educational experiences.