About Atlanta Partners for Education (APFE)

  • Founded in 1981, Atlanta Partners for Education (APFE) the foundation and fiscal agent for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), galvanizes and facilitates long- and short-term partnerships with the goal of improving student achievement, increasing graduation rates, and building Atlanta’s future workforce. APFE works to create meaningful partnerships between the business community, private funders, the philanthropic community and Atlanta Public Schools (APS), enabling donors to share their time, talent and treasures directly with the district to develop strategic solutions to pressing challenges. 

    As the official nonprofit partner to APS, APFE serves as a fiscal agent and strategic connector—bridging the gap between public funding and the broader community to drive outcomes for students, families, and educators. APFE supports APS by raising and stewarding funds for initiatives that directly impact academic achievement, educator excellence, and whole child support. 

    To continue its work, APFE, a 501(c)(3), relies on the generous support of individuals and organizations to make our work possible.

APFE's Strategic Funding Priorities 

  • 1. Academic Acceleration 

    Enhancing literacy and numeracy through science-based instruction, early interventions, and innovative resources to ensure every student reaches their full academic potential.

    Goal: Increase the number of students reading at grade level by 3rd grade and achieving math proficiency by 8th grade. 

    2. College, Career, and Life Ready 

    Expanding career-aligned curriculum, internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning to prepare students for success in life beyond the classroom.

    Goal: Increase the percentage of students demonstrating career readiness. 

    3. Whole Child Fund 

    Providing unrestricted funding to cover essential needs not supported by the APS general budget—such as field trips, transportation, health services, incentives, and extracurricular fees.

    Goal: Ensure equitable access to enrichment opportunities and emergency support for all students. 

    4. Teacher Development 

    Attracting, supporting, and retaining top educators through alternative certification pathways and a merit-based award program to recognize excellence.

    Goal: Launch new teacher pipelines and reward outstanding educators across APS. 
     

Board of Directors (2024–2025)

  • Board Members

    Tori Forbes-Roberts – Retired, Delta Airlines, Chair

    Heather Ducat – Partner, Troutman Pepper, Secretary

    Jay Cranman – President & CEO, Hands On Atlanta

    Dr. Bryan Johnson – Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools

    Katie Kirkpatrick – President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber

    Lisa Myers – Retired, Coca-Cola Financial Services

    Ken Zeff – APS Board Member; Executive Director, Learn4Life 

    Ex-Officio

    Tim Cairl – Sr. Director, Talent Development & Public Policy, Metro Atlanta Chamber

    Travis Norvell – Executive Director, Strategy & Engagement, Atlanta Public Schools

    Katie Post – Executive Director, Atlanta Partners for Education 

Ways to Give

  • Your support makes our work possible. Help us strengthen public education in Atlanta through one of the following giving options:

    1. Donate Online

    Make a secure online donation through PayPal:

      - https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2150164

     

    2. Send a Check

    Make checks payable to Atlanta Partners for Education and mail to:

    Attn: Katie Post 
    8th floor, Superintendent’s Office  
    Atlanta Partners for Education, 130 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303

    3. Partner With Us

    Interested in making a corporate or foundation gift, or creating a custom partnership?

    Contact: 
    Katie Post, Executive Director  
    katie.post@apfefoundation.org
    404-550-2811

    4 - Sponsor an APS Signature Opportunity:

    Review APFE's 2025-2026 Corporate Sponsorship Packet