History and Perspective
"We want to send a message--strong and clear--that we in Oklahoma value great educators and outstanding students." With that message, then-Senator David L. Boren began the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence (OFE) in 1986.
A statewide non-profit organization, the Foundation has a wide array of programs that serve its mission: to encourage and recognize academic excellence in Oklahoma's public schools. Academic awards honoring the best in public education are at the center of that mission, but the Foundation also works with communities across the state to establish local education foundations that support excellence in public schools at the community level. It also partners with other groups to foster overall excellence in public education.
The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has as its aim the continuance of current programs along with meeting additional needs with efficient and innovative solutions. Our plans for the future are built on the commitment of our active and involved Board of Trustees, made up of business, education and civic leaders from throughout Oklahoma. As we look toward our fifteenth year, we celebrate their strong and insightful leadership.
Without the support and encouragement of corporations, foundations and individual supporters our accomplishments would not be possible. Their commitment to our common goal has allowed the Foundation to recognize 1,400 Academic All-Staters, 56 educators, eleven alternative education programs, and one local education foundation with more than $1.8 million in scholarships and awards. The ongoing work of our student and educator alumni groups on behalf of excellence in education speaks to a deep desire to contribute to the state that made their accomplishments possible.
The exceptional achievements of our students, educators and local school foundation leaders throughout the state provide all Oklahomans a standard of excellence to which we continue to aspire. By giving academic achievement the recognition it deserves and fostering academic excellence through a myriad of programs, we send a strong message to our state and our nation that Oklahomans value scholastic achievement.