At Dessau Middle School, a group of bright, ambitious students had a vision: to trade their desks for the floor of the Texas State Capitol. They wanted to debate policy, draft bills, and find their voices in the halls of power.
But for many, the cost to travel or participate in competitions outside of school is a barrier that feels impossible to climb. That is where the support from the Pflugerville Education Foundation begins.
The Moment the "Surprise Patrol" Changed Everything
When the PEF Surprise Patrol burst into Dessau Middle School to award a Pfund Me Mini Grant, it wasn’t just about the funding. It was a message to these students: “We believe in you. Your voice matters. Go lead.” Because of our donors, that grant didn't just buy bus fare—it bought a seat at the table of democracy.
A Transformational Civic Immersion
Dessau Middle School students joined peers from across Texas for a multi-day conference simulating the state legislative process. Serving as legislators, delegates, and civic leaders, they participated in formal committee sessions, presented original bills, debated policy, and collaborated with students from other schools in a professional government setting.
For many of the students, this was their first exposure to a statewide academic competition and their first opportunity to see democracy in action beyond a textbook. Between legislative sessions, they engaged in team-building activities and structured reflection, strengthening not only their civic knowledge but also their confidence, communication skills, and leadership capacity.
Representing Dessau with Excellence
With the Pfoundation’s support, the Dessau Texas Youth & Government delegation was able to travel to the State Competition for a life-changing immersion in civic leadership. Through the skills funded by the generosity of our Luminaries and donors, these students achieved:
- Four student-written bills successfully passed through committee;
- Saniyah Jackson earned the prestigious Outstanding Delegate Award;
- The entire group was honored with the Premier Delegation Award, recognizing them as the gold standard for leadership and organization in the state.
Building Future Leaders
When you give to the Pflugerville Education Foundation, you aren't just funding a trip or a class project. You are investing in the "soft skills" that create a lifetime of success. Because of this grant, these students returned to campus with:
- Unshakeable Confidence: The ability to stand before a crowd and defend an idea.
- Critical Thinking: The skill to navigate complex problems with empathy and logic.
- Civic Pride: A firsthand understanding that they have the power to influence change in their own communities.
Be the Spark
This success story started with a single donation. Every "Premier Delegation" begins with a community that says "Yes" to an educator's dream. As we look toward the next round of Pfund Me Mini Grants, we need your help to keep the Surprise Patrol moving. Whether it's a science lab project, a music program, or a civic leadership trip, your gift ensures no student's potential is limited by a lack of resources.
Will you help us fund the next "Surprise Patrol" moment?
Donate Now to support our Pfund Me Mini Grants.
Become a Luminary and make a recurring commitment to innovation in our schools.
Together, we are empowering Pflugerville ISD students to thrive—one grant at a time.
