Congratulations to our 2025 Partnership Winners
MCEC announced the winners of the 2025 Partnership of Excellence Awards on September 22, 2025, during the MCEC Global Training Summit in Atlanta, GA. This year the Partnership award recognized one truly amazing partnership for its enduring commitment through the years.
The annual award, now in its 21st year, encourages and reflects the outstanding partnerships formed between military installations and school districts that serve military- and veteran-connected children. Each year, winning partnerships are selected from schools and military instillations around the world who celebrate the military child in exceptional and sustainable ways.
Through the Years – Alabama/Texas
- Liberty Middle School, AL
- James Clemens High School, AL
- Heritage Elementary School, AL
- Meadows Elementary School, TX
- Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy, TX
- Madison City Schools, AL
- Killeen Independent School District, TX
- Temple Independent School District, TX
- 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Ft Bliss, TX
- First Baptist Church of Salado, TX
- OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Bay Area Education Alliance – Florida • HIGHLIGHTS: Over 55 military-affiliated mentors contributed 2,500+ volunteer hours, recognized with 18 Purple Star Schools Awards, and engaged 300+ students with Military Honor Cords. Events like STEMFEST and Military Showcase highlight STEM career paths within the military.
- EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team – Virginia • HIGHLIGHTS: Regular meetings identify needs and strategies, ensuring positive experiences for military-connected youth.
- RECOGNIZED COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: Count on Me – Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas • HIGHLIGHTS: Initiatives like Read Across America and Family STEM Night, establishment of Free Little Libraries, and support for children facing health challenges.
- OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM/PROJECT: PreApprenticeship: Operation Future Force (OFF) – Alaska • HIGHLIGHTS: Career exploration in various Air Force specialties, with over 140 military squadron commanders mentoring high school students.
- EXEMPLARY INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM/PROJECT: Semper Instructis – Florida • HIGHLIGHTS: STEM-based Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum supporting social-emotional needs, mentorship by service members, and activities improving mental wellness