A RELEVANT PARTNER
IN AMERICA'S FUTURE
APEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on serving the interests of America’s public schoolchildren –
our nation’s future leaders.
How We Make an Impact
Financial Literacy
We equip students, families, and educators with age-appropriate, standards-aligned resources to build lifelong money management skills. From animated lessons for early learners to credential-ready high school courses, our programs make personal finance practical, engaging, and accessible. By promoting financial literacy from kindergarten through graduation, we help close knowledge gaps and build economic confidence for the next generation.
Looking for more? Explore our curated library of high-quality professional development courses, lesson plans, articles, research, and financial literacy legislation from other amazing financial literacy champions—designed to support individuals, educators, and advocates working to advance financial literacy in classrooms, communities, and across entire states.
Workforce Development
We bridge the gap between education and employment by connecting students, educators, and industry leaders through real-world opportunities like mentorship, internships, and job exploration. Our initiatives—including the West TN Worx platform—equip students with the skills and exposure they need to thrive in a modern workforce.
We also lead a bold regional effort to unite school districts around shared workforce goals, grounded in a K–12 perspective. For too long, the districts preparing students from the earliest stages have been left out of workforce development planning. We're changing that—ensuring educators are not just participants, but key decision-makers in shaping the future of work. This collaborative model is already serving as a blueprint that can be adapted by other regions and states committed to aligning education with economic opportunity.
David Pickler and Pickler Wealth Advisors have been the major funders of the administrative and operational costs of the APEF.
100% of the funds donated have gone toward programs centered around providing high-quality education for our nation's students.
"The public school is at once the symbol of our democracy and the most pervasive means for promoting our common destiny."
Chief Justice Felix Frankfurter
Advisory Board
The American Public Education Foundation Advisory Board is a hand-selected group of public education advocates and super stars who share the same passion regarding public education and preparing the 50 million children of America’s public schools.
The purpose of this board is to broaden our foundation's perspective, deepen our knowledge, embrace diversity of thought, and better reflect all of America.
Your Gift Makes an Impact
When you donate to the APEF, you’re investing in real solutions that support students, educators, and communities across the country. Every dollar goes directly toward advancing our mission—developing free, high-quality financial literacy resources, expanding workforce development opportunities, and empowering the next generation with the tools they need to thrive.
We are committed to transparency, accountability, and impact. APEF maintains responsible stewardship of all donations, ensuring that funds are used efficiently to support program delivery, resource development, and outreach efforts that align with our core mission.
Together, we can build a stronger future through public education—one student at a time.
