The Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) is a special partner for the Hampton City Schools. HEF raises support from the community that drives innovation, encourages creativity, expands student opportunities, and empowers educators to strengthen teaching and learning in the Hampton City Schools. Annual support funds two main areas: the Teacher Grant Program to encourage and support teachers who are developing new programs that make learning more effective; and Student Scholarships for graduating seniors from a Hampton City School.

"I firmly believe that education is not simply a means to an end; it is the catalyst for transformative change, a powerful force that shapes the lives of our students and empowers them to build a brighter future," said Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes in July 2023.  

The Foundation focuses on improving the student experience and joins the educators to help everyone engage with our students to help them achieve excellent outcomes throughout their journey, with us and in life. We believe the classroom is ground zero for learning during the school day and that the community must provide the best tools and learning resources possible. The Foundation's key areas of mission successes include more than $7,000 for student scholarships for graduating seniors and $40,000 for educator grants awarded in 2023-24.

The foundation began in 2001 at the request of then Superintendent Dr. Allen Davis. The Foundation has an excellent Board of Directors who serve without compensation. Day-to-day activities are managed by one part-time director.

Officers:

Dan Holloway, President

Hampton Roads Sanitation District

Lewis Smith, Vice President  

Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer at BayPort Credit Union

Suzy Scott, Treasurer

Retired CFO Hampton City Schools

Heidi Wallace, Secretary

Curriculum Associates

Members: 

Frank Dickseski

Retired, Lockheed Martin

Chris Fannin

Independent Consultant 

Mayor James A. Gray

City of Hampton

Adam D. Krininger

Newport News Shipbuilding, HII

Rachel A. Kuchta

Peake Childhood Center

Dr. Patricia Leary

Sandpiper Leadership

Brooks Lively

Old Dominion University

Louis G. Morris

Retired, Old Point National Bank

Anne Ligon Rutherford

City Attorney’s Office, City of Hampton

Robert F. Shuford, Sr.

Retired, Old Point National Bank

Ray Smith

Retired, Hampton City Schools

Samantha Snead

Hampton Roads Convention Center

Molly Joseph Ward

Downtown Hampton Development Partnership, Inc.

Ex-Officio Members: 

Nancy LeCuyer Beach - Executive Director, Hampton Education Foundation 

Brynne Cere - HCS Elementary School Representative

Kellie Goral - HCS Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing

Dr. Raymond L. Haynes - HCS Superintendent 

Sharif Hicks - HCS Middle School Representative

Dr. Dwayne Lucas - HCS High School Representative

Sheridan Meriwether - Hampton Council of PTA/PTSA Representative

Dr. Jennifer Oliver, HCS Director of Community and Government Relations

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026, 11:59 PM

The Hampton Education Foundation is strongly committed to assisting students as they continue their education beyond high school. Currently there are FOUR scholarships opportunities.

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Hampton Education Foundation Scholarship was established to support graduating seniors from Hampton City Schools as they pursue continued education and career preparation beyond high school. This $1,000 scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to their future through higher education or career training.

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READ MORE about The Hampton Education Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship may be used to support enrollment at an accredited associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma program. The scholarship funds will be paid either directly to the recipient’s educational institution or training institution of choice; or deposited into the recipient's educational or 529 education account for the benefit of the award recipient.

Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors enrolled in a Hampton City School or Hampton City residents attending an approved public high school or specialty program affiliated with Hampton City Schools.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit:

● A compelling responding to ONE of the provided prompts
● One letter of recommendation
● An official high school transcript and a senior year class schedule
● (Optional) A list of community or school involvement highlighting leadership experiences
Access the application HERE 
For questions, please contact: hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us

 

The Michael Canty Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Michael Canty to honor his lifelong dedication to education, public service, and the success of young people in Hampton City Schools. This $1,000 scholarship supports graduating seniors who plan to pursue further education or career training at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school.

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READ MORE about the Michael Canty Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Canty, known to many simply as “Mike,” devoted his career to serving children and families in Hampton, particularly students who faced challenges or barriers to success. Through his work as an educator, principal, community leader, and public servant, Mike inspired others through his compassion, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the potential of every young person.

This scholarship recognizes a Hampton City Schools graduate who best exemplifies the qualities Mike valued and demonstrated—resilience, determination, service to others, and the ability to overcome obstacles while
remaining focused on future goals.

The scholarship may be used to support enrollment at an accredited associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma program. The scholarship funds will be paid either directly to the recipient’s educational institution or training institution of choice; or deposited into the recipient's educational or 529 education account for the benefit of the award recipient.

Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors enrolled in a Hampton City School or Hampton City residents attending an approved public high school or specialty program affiliated with Hampton City Schools.

Applicants are required to submit:
● A compelling response to the provided prompt
● One letter of recommendation from a school, community, or faith-based leader
● An official high school transcript and a senior year class schedule
● (Optional) A list of community or school involvement highlighting leadership experiences
Access the application HERE
For questions, please contact: hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us

 

The Marshall Fund Scholarship was established in 2022, honors Elizabeth “Betty” Marshall and her lifelong dedication to education and student success. This $1,000 scholarship supports graduating seniors from Hampton City Schools who plan to pursue a career in teaching and continue their education at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. The scholarship is renewable as long as the graduate meets the academic requirements annually.

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READ MORE the Marshall Fund Scholarship

Betty Marshall served as a teacher in Hampton City Schools from 1974 to 2004 and continued her teaching career for an additional ten years at the Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco. Known for her deep commitment to students, she made a lasting impact through her work in the Alternative Education Program,where she supported and encouraged students to achieve success through education. This scholarship recognizes her legacy and commitment to inspiring future educators. Preference will be given to students pursuing careers in teaching, with special consideration for those interested in teaching at the middle school level.

The scholarship may be used to support enrollment at an accredited diploma program. The scholarship funds will be paid either directly to the recipient’s educational institution or training institution of choice; or deposited into the recipient's educational or 529 education account for the benefit of the award recipient.

Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors enrolled in a Hampton City School or Hampton City residents attending an approved public high school or specialty program affiliated with Hampton City Schools.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit:
● A compelling response to the provided prompt describing the applicant’s interest in becoming a teacher
● One letter of recommendation from a teacher
● An official high school transcript and a senior year class schedule
● (Optional) A list of community or school involvement highlighting leadership experiences
Access the application HERE
For questions, please contact: hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us

 

The Barbara Williamson Benson Vocational Scholarships were established in memory of Barbara Williamson Benson to be awarded in the 2025-26 academic year.

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READ MORE about the Hampton Education Foundation Scholarship

The Benson Scholarships shall be awarded in the amount of $2,000 for two (2) graduating seniors from Hampton City Schools, with preference given to students from Hampton High School or Kecoughtan High School.  Scholarships will support students pursuing technical training or vocational education, which may include an apprenticeship program, a two-year associate degree, an industry-recognized certification program, or other approved courses of study in skilled trades, healthcare, information technology, or related fields.

The scholarship funds will be paid either directly to the recipient’s educational institution or training institution of choice; or deposited into the recipient's educational or 529 education account for the benefit of the award recipient.

Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors enrolled in a Hampton City School or Hampton City residents attending an approved public high school or specialty program affiliated with Hampton City Schools.

Applicants are required to submit:
● A compelling response to the provided prompt
● One letter of recommendation from a school, community, or faith-based leader
● An official high school transcript and a senior year class schedule
● (Optional) A list of community or school involvement highlighting leadership experiences
Access the application HERE
For questions, please contact: hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us

 

We must all care enough to share our time and talents.

Committed volunteers are critical to our efforts to grow healthy kids. Every school and every program can use your help. Additionally there are an abundance of volunteer opportunities throughout the community. And although they may not be tied directly to a school initiative, all of our efforts to improve Hampton work together. 

If you would like to volunteer to work with the foundation please contact us at hef-director@hampton.k12.va.us.

IF you are looking for community opportunities try contacting www.allforgood.org.