Since 1984, FEF has developed and implemented innovative programs and employed non-traditional approaches that enhance outcomes across various educational levels.



Our Programs

McKnight Doctoral Fellowships

The program provides Fellows with five years of support, including yearly stipends, tuition and fees, professional development activity, counseling, and research and travel assistance. Since 1984, 979 Fellows (87%) have earned doctorates.

Dissertation Fellowships

The program provides up to one year of funding for stipends, professional development activity and counseling to selected Florida Ph.D. students working to complete dissertations in STEM disciplines.

Junior Faculty Fellowships

The program helps advance selected junior faculty members at Florida colleges and universities by supporting one-year sabbaticals during which they work towards tenure and promotion.

Centers of Excellence

This multifaceted statewide pre-college program prepares and motivates students to pursue and succeed in higher education.

SAT Preparation Camps

These for-credit summer programs prepare high school students for standardized tests, higher education, and careers.

FEF CodeMasters + Upskill

These programs teach students to code and links them with STEM mentors; prepares coders for industry certification; and trains coding instructors.



News + Events

McKnight New Fellows' Orientation


The FEF welcomes the 2023-2024 class at the new Doctoral Fellows’ Orientation on 8/11-12/23, in Tampa.

Download the Orientation agenda


2023 State Brain Bowl & Pre-College Summit


FEF hosts its 2023 statewide Brain Bowl academic scholarship competitions and National Achievers Society (NAS) parent and student Summit on March 23-25, 2023, in Tampa.

~See Brain Bowl categories and rules
~Read about NAS and the Pre-College Summit


Outstanding Alumna Dr. Candice Ulmer


Meet outstanding MDF alumni and Fellows, learn more about our Pre-College projects and students, and read about other news at the FEF. See the most recent edition of the semi-annual FEF Focus.


FEF Wins 3-Year United Way Suncoast Grants


FEF has received two three-year United Way Suncoast Community Investment Grants to expand direct supplemental educational services. Funds will support additional high quality enrichment programs for pre-college students in south Hillsborough County through 2024-2025.


After School Coding Programs


CodeMasters offers live and virtual after school programs featuring fun, hands-on, project-based exploration of web design, artificial intelligence, mobile app development, game design, and STEM careers!

Apply now at fefonline.org/code.