What is the Newport News Education Foundation?
Newport News Education Foundation (NNEF) is a diverse group of citizens who support Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) efforts to prepare students for their future. Members bring to the foundation their expertise in business, education, and industry, as well as skills in community and military leadership.
NNEF serves as a convener and facilitator providing events and programs to encourage dialogue between the business and education communities, enabling them to understand what each can do, in collaboration, to ensure the outcome of career-ready students.
NNEF also raises private sector funds to support NNPS in delivering innovative programs in their mission to graduate career-ready students armed with the skills and industry-sanctioned certificates making them employment-ready for local industry.
Our Mission: To foster business and community partnerships with Newport News Public Schools to enrich teaching and learning opportunities to prepare students to graduate college, career and citizen ready.
Our Vision: A future where students thrive in an educational environment that prepares them to succeed in work and life.
Priorities 2025-2026:
- Communication
- Advocacy and education
- Relationships with the local business community
The Newport News Education Foundation seeks to:
- Facilitate more open active and fluid connections and relationships for partners and prospective partners.
- Advocate on behalf of Newport News Public Schools.
- Communicate in all directions – to the community, public and throughout the school system.
- Educate in all directions – to the public about the outstanding opportunities available to students through the school division, and to the Superintendent and staff on perceptions and areas in need of reward/repair.
Contact:
Dale M. Mingilton
Foundation and Corporate Partnership Liaison
(757) 591-4747
Please visit our Giving Page to make your donation to the Newport News Education Foundation. Thank you for support and generosity!
NNPS & NNEF Annual Golf Classic
The annual NNPS/NNEF Golf Classic provides Newport News Public Schools' (NNPS) leaders, Newport News Education Foundation (NNEF) members, civic and business leaders, and members of NNPS high school golf teams an engaging and entertaining day at the Kiln Creek Golf Club and Resort. This fun-filled event supports NNPS and NNEF initiatives including:
- Salute to Success
- Wayne D. Lett, VECU, Glasofer Scholarships
- Teacher Innovation Mini-Grants Program
Dates and information will be posted when available.
Salute to Success
Newport News Public Schools is home to many outstanding students and together, through our Annual Salute to Success Student Recognition Dinner, the Newport News Education Foundation honors and celebrates the resilience and perseverance of our top students who have made extraordinary accomplishments towards the goals of becoming college, career, and citizen ready.
We are proud to recognize students who excelled in academics and career readiness; valedictorians and salutatorians, seniors who earned multiple industry certifications, top-ranked students in grades 9-11, College Board National Recognition Programs honorees, and Virginia Educators Credit Union Scholars. We were also proud to introduce this year's Lett Scholar, recipient of the Wayne D. Lett Scholarship, which is funded through donor support.
May 2025: Salute to Success Student Recognition Dinner honors NNPS top students
Become a Salute to Success Sponsor
You are invited to become an official sponsor of the Salute to Success Student Achievement Banquet scheduled for May 2026 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center.
Wayne D. Lett Scholarship
Attention high school seniors! The Wayne D. Lett Scholar Program is a merit-based award of $10,000 presented by the Newport News Education Foundation to a NNPS high school senior who plans to become a public school teacher.
The application deadline is March 30, 2026.
Requirements:
- 500-word essay explaining why you want to become a teacher
- At least a 2.5 cumulative GPA through high school graduation (transcript required)
- Documented record of extracurricular school activities and community involvement
- Commitment to teach three consecutive years in Newport New Public Schools
Download the application and apply today!
Please contact Kimberly Hammond, HR Training and Development Coordinator, at [email protected] or (757) 881-5061 with questions.
Congratulations to the 2025 Lett Scholar, Christian Wennin, a graduate of Menchville High School!
Teacher Innovation Mini Grants
The Newport News Education Foundation in partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women, offer classroom mini grants of $50 to $500 for NNPS teachers. Mini grants provide "seed money" for innovative classroom initiatives that enrich the educational experience for students.
The project should be related to Newport News Public Schools’ mission of cultivating and empowering every student's potential through high-quality, rigorous instruction, personalized support, and strong relationships. Contact Dale Mingilton with questions.
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2026 Teacher Innovation Mini Grant Application. This year's application deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by 4 p.m.
