Navy Federal Credit Union Marks More Than 35 Years of Support
Thoreau Middle School and Navy Federal Credit Union have worked together since 1989 — the longest-standing business partnership in FCPS history. Under the partnership, programs have included annual financial and school supply donations to students and families, mentorship via a pen pal program between multilingual students and NFCU staff, and the Project Neighbors program that provides food, gifts, and household items to Thoreau families in need during the holiday season.
These programs share a common goal: to build a sense of community and provide comprehensive support for students and families. Their long-standing commitment demonstrates a genuine investment in the well-being and success of students, families, and the Thoreau Middle School community; while also helping to build a future-ready talent pipeline by sparking early interest in career pathways and strengthening connections between students and the world of work.
“We’re grateful to be recognized on the VSBA Business Honor Roll, which emphasizes our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve”, said Meghan Gound, senior vice president of the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office at Navy Federal Credit Union. “Our School Partnerships Program supports local education initiatives that help build financial wellness across our communities and foster future-ready skills for a competitive job market. Championing community is a core value at Navy Federal, and we’re investing in partnerships that create pathways to shared prosperity and sustainability.”
Learn more about Navy Federal Credit Union’s commitment to their communities.
Since establishing a partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools in 2016, Edu-Futuro has provided critical support to FCPS students and families. The organization empowers multilingual and underserved youth and families to reach their full potential through college and career mentoring, hands-on job readiness training, financial and scholarship assistance, and workshops on public speaking, entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-advocacy.
"Edu-Futuro is honored to be recognized by the FCPS School Board as part of the VSBA Business Honor Roll,” exclaimed Executive Director Jorge Figueredo, MPP.
Through its two-generation approach, Edu-Futuro supports students and parents/guardians with empowerment workshops, case management, emergency financial assistance, and workforce development services.
“We look forward to continuing our work together to mitigate the impact of chronic absenteeism in Fairfax County, and ensure that our most vulnerable students have the support they need to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and become the next generation of leaders who will contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of our community."
All Edu-Futuro programming is offered free of charge and is currently available in 21 FCPS high schools. During the 2024–2025 school year, Edu-Futuro served more than:
- 716 FCPS students,
- 530 parents of FCPS students,
- 411 adults through workforce development services,
- 290 individuals pursuing their GED certification,
- 454 individuals through case management.
This comprehensive programming plays a vital role in fostering academic success and preparing students for college and career opportunities. Learn more about Edu-Futuro.
Since 2022, Patient First has supported Columbia Elementary School by contributing $4,000 to benefit the school community.
“At Patient First, we believe in building partnerships that promote wellness in the places it matters most — our schools,” says Victoria Soriano, Patient First’s community relations manager in Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington DC area.
Patient First’s support has included sponsoring a Fun Run and STEAM Night, which Patient First staff attended to deepen their connection with families. Columbia Elementary has also been able to use funding provided by Patient First to cover the transportation cost for all field trips across all grade levels annually. Bus transportation for field trips was provided to all 400 students ensuring every student had access to a variety of educational and enrichment activities at no cost to families.
“As a proud supporter of Fairfax County Public Schools, we’re committed to helping students and staff thrive through access to urgent and primary care, available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no appointment needed. Together, we’re fostering healthier communities, one school at a time.”
Patient First‘s commitment to the community goes beyond providing convenient, cost-effective health care. Learn more about Patient First’s commitment to community.
Learning is in full force for FCPS students, especially those participating in summer learning programs. Check out Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s Weekly Reflections to read about some of the programs underway across the county, like the program pictured at Graham Road Elementary School, where students studying matter experimented with making their own slime.
Also read Weekly Reflections for links to Dr. Reid’s latest reports to the School Board on academic matters and Strategic Plan goals.
A $460 million School Bond Referendum will be on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot.
Bond-funded projects provide safe, welcoming, effective, and modern spaces for students to learn and staff to work.
These spaces are also community assets. Did you know FCPS hosts approximately 500,000 community events each year, often at no cost to organizations such as homeowners associations, 4H and scouting groups, county employee organizations, election polling locations, and cultural and civic groups?
The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds that allow payment for projects over time while seeking to avoid an increase in property tax rates fund building and renovation. Without bond funding, renovations would likely cease, delaying much needed repairs at many schools. Potential bond-funded projects are identified in the FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, which was adopted by the School Board in February.
Voters have a direct role in shaping the future of our schools. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote.
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