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, 1061 Fellows (87%) have earned doctorates.

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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.

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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.

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Centers of Excellence

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

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SAT Preparation Camps

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

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FEF CodeMasters + Upskill

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

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News + Events

Dr. Morehouse at FEF Conference

McKnight Annual Fellows’ Meeting


FEF convenes the 39th MDF Annual Fellows’ Meeting and Research & Writing Conference in Tampa, November 22-24, 2024.

~Exhibitors Register here.
~McKnight Fellows and graduates, presenters and other guests Register here.

New McKnight Fellows

FEF Welcomes 2024-2025 New Fellows


This fall, 43 newly selected McKnight Fellows in various disciplines began their Ph.D. studies at universities throughout Florida.

~Meet some of our new Fellows.

Math Brain Bowl competitors

State Brain Bowl & Pre-College Summit


FEF hosts its 2024 statewide Brain Bowl academic scholarship competitions and National Achievers Society (NAS) parent and student Summit.

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

McKnight alumna Dr. Candice Ulmer in the lab

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 CodeMasters-elementary

FEF CodeMasters After School Programs


In the 2024-25 school year, FEF CodeMasters teaches computational thinking skills in STEM/robotics/coding classes at 37 elementary school and Tampa park sites.

FEF CodeMasters

Summer Code Camps


FEF CodeMasters offers multi-faceted summer programs featuring fun, hands-on, project-based exploration of web design, artificial intelligence, mobile app development, game design, robotics, drone programming and STEM careers!

Apply now at fefonline.org/code.