Providing Opportunities
Bringing learning opportunities within reach.
DEF is dedicated to fostering a thriving educational environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, through a range of innovative initiatives, scholarship programs, and memorial funds. We work to provide opportunities for al students that they may not otherwise experience.
Here is a partial list of some of the opportunities we provide for:
Early childhood education scholarships through the Regina Presley Fund
Scholarships for special education summer camps through Emma’s Fund
Travel scholarships for the high school’s CloseUp DC trip
Grants for international education experiences through Joshua’s Fund
Mentoring and tutoring services for students living in Decatur Housing
Educational support funding with community partners like Mathnasium
Student and Teacher Innovation Grants
Emma’s Fund
Emma’s Fund honors the life and legacy of Emma Soorikian, a Decatur native whose courage, creativity, and compassion defined her work with children. Emma devoted herself to nurturing young minds through early childhood education and her beloved Camp Scene, where her artistic spirit and love of nature flourished. She believed that all children deserve access to creative, engaging, and enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Established by her family in partnership with DEF, Emma’s Fund carries forward her commitment to Equity by removing financial barriers and expanding access to environmental education, arts-based programs, and nature exploration opportunities.
Aftercare & Summer Camp Scholarships
Through Emma’s Fund, scholarships and grants are awarded to help Decatur children participate in after-school and summer programs, with priority given to those programs at Camp Scene (Now called Outdoors More) and other environmental education experiences.
Applications open each January and close in early May and are available to current City Schools of Decatur students who demonstrate financial need, have transportation to their program, and show an interest in creativity, the arts, or nature-based learning. By investing in access and opportunity, Emma’s Fund creates a lasting ripple of impact that ensures Emma’s passion for kindness, curiosity, and inclusion continues to shape the lives of children across our community.
Joshua’s Fund
Joshua’s Fund celebrates the life and vibrant spirit of Joshua Malik Faison, a Decatur High School graduate whose curiosity, warmth, and love for exploring the world left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Known for his friendly, magnetic personality and deep sense of connection to others, Joshua believed in growth through experience—whether through travel, learning, or service. Established in 2024 by Joshua’s family in partnership with DEF, the Joshua Faison Memorial Fund honors his legacy by expanding access to educational and enrichment opportunities for Decatur students, particularly those who face financial barriers to life-changing experiences.
Opportunity Grants
Scholarships and grants from Joshua’s Fund support Decatur High School students pursuing transformative opportunities like international study, cultural exchange programs, educational travel, camps, or global internships.
Applications open each January and close in early May, and are available to current Decatur High School students who demonstrate financial need and plan to use funds through an accredited international or educational program.
By opening doors to exploration and discovery, Joshua’s Fund ensures that more students can experience the world beyond their classroom—continuing Joshua’s legacy of curiosity, connection, and possibility.
Back row left to right: Bill and Pat Shropshire, and their son-in-law Eric SwettFront row left to right: Megan Swett (the Shropshire’s daughter), Regina Presley and her husband Eddie“Thank you for entrusting your child with me…I know that it is not easy to release your most precious gift to someone else, but I want you to know that they poured love into my life daily.”
The Regina Presley Fund
The Regina Presley Fund honors the extraordinary impact of Regina Presley, a longtime and beloved caregiver at the Frasier Center at Decatur High School. She is known for her warmth, gentleness, and unwavering dedication to the young babies and toddlers in her care. When Ms. Regina retired from her role in CSD, Pat and Bill Shropshire - Frasier grandparents - along with their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Eric Swett, created this fund in her honor and in gratitude for the exceptional care their grandchildren received. The Shropshire’s gift reflects a shared belief that early childhood education is foundational—not only for individual children, but for the strength and well-being of the entire Decatur community.
The Regina Presley Fund provides tuition assistance to families in need so their children can attend the Frasier Center and receive a strong, loving start to their education. The fund helps cover tuition for 2- and 3-year-olds at the Frasier Center. While DEF provides grant funds, the application process is handled by the Frasier Center.
