The Barnstable Education Foundation (BEF) was founded in 2008 by a group of concerned citizens.  It is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to brining today's technologies, training and creative instruction into the classroom for every student.  THe BEF is independent from the town and school committee and exists solely to benefit the students, faculty, and staff of the Barnstable Public Schools.  They awarded the first mini-grants in the Spring of 2008 and since then, have funded grants across a wide spectrum of academic disciplines: math, science, language arts, social sciences, the arts, and physical and social wellness.  Grants are teacher initiated and range from small classroom specific programs to grade level or district-wide projects that enhance the Barnstable Public School's excellence.