Education

Supporting Educational Opportunities that Strengthen Midland's Future

Investing in education pays dividends for generations. Scharbauer Foundation invests in education initiatives that improve academic achievement, broaden opportunity, and strengthen pathways to long-term success for Midland students and families. From early childhood and K-12 learning to workforce development, teacher pipelines, and higher education partnerships, the Foundation supports programs and projects designed to prepare individuals for personal and professional success.

We believe strong schools, quality educators, and accessible educational opportunities are essential to the long-term growth and success of Midland.

Investing in Students, Educators 
& Opportunity

Education remains one of Scharbauer Foundation’s largest areas of investment and a cornerstone of its mission to make Midland a better place in which to live and operate a business. The Foundation invests in organizations and initiatives that strengthen educational outcomes while addressing the broader systems that support students, families, and educators.

The Foundation’s priorities include early childhood education, public school systems, teacher recruitment and retention, workforce development, career and technical education, leadership development, and post-secondary partnerships.

Areas of Educational Support

Early childhood education and 
Pre-K access

STEM and healthcare-focused educational pathways

Public, charter, and higher education partnerships

College and career preparation initiatives

Teacher certification, retention, and leadership development

Student support and academic enrichment programs

Workforce training and career readiness programs

Postsecondary access and scholarship opportunities

Current & Transformational 
Education Initiatives

Scharbauer Foundation has supported a number of collaborative education initiatives and transformational projects throughout Midland. Many of these initiatives are developed in collaboration with local school districts, colleges, nonprofits, employers, and community partners to help create stronger educational and workforce pathways for future generations.

  • $96M+
    awarded in education grants since inception
  • 125+
    education grants awarded
  • 35%
    of all foundation grant funding directed toward education intiatives

EDUCATION PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

Applied Technology Complex at Midland College

Workforce Training Expansion with Skillpoint Alliance

IDEA Public Schools expansion in the Permian Basin

Midland ISD leadership and campus improvement initiatives

UTPB Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program & Falcon Fast Track

Midland College Early College High School and Legacy Scholarship Program

Baylor College of Medicine STEM+M program at
Midland ISD

Texas Tech Principal Fellows partnership with
Midland ISD

Impact Stories

IDEA Henry

IDEA (Individuals Dedicated to Excellence and Achievement) schools are tuition-free charter schools designed to improve student achievement and college readiness.

Scharbauer Foundation has invested in IDEA Henry, a new school that opened in the 2026-2027 school year. IDEA Henry expands access to high-quality education for Midland families while helping meet growing demand for educational opportunity in the region. Located in North Midland, the new campus includes both IDEA Henry Academy and IDEA Henry College Preparatory, serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The campus builds upon the continued growth of IDEA Public Schools in the Permian Basin and reflects Scharbauer Foundation’s broader commitment to strengthening educational opportunity, workforce readiness, and long-term student success throughout Midland.

Ready to Apply?

Scharbauer Foundation welcomes grant pre-applications from organizations and institutions working to improve educational outcomes and opportunity in Midland. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate community impact, collaboration, strong leadership, and long-term sustainability.

Organizations interested in applying for funding during our grant cycles are encouraged to review grant eligibility requirements and application guidelines prior to submission. If you have additional questions regarding eligibility, funding priorities, or the grant process, please contact the Foundation’s Program Officer, MK Marshall, at mmarshall@sfmidland.org, or the Vice President of Education and Healthcare, Emily Statton Smith, at esmith@sfmidland.org.

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