The Austin High Excellence Fund (AEF) is the primary fundraising effort of the Stephen F. Austin PTSA. Since 1986, the Fund has provided grants toward excellence in academics to Austin High School.

The AEF committee oversees the annual fundraising effort(s) and allocation of funds toward the enrichment of all aspects of Austin High, including academic, student, and administrative activities.

The committee determines funding decisions based on the following:

• Number of students impacted
• Academic achievement
• Student activities
• Administrative activities​

The committee is comprised of parent volunteers that assess the requests and prioritizes with the help of the school principal, the academy director, and department chairs and information provided by Campus Advisory Council (CAC) and the Campus Improvement Plan.  One hundred percent  (100%) of net contributions to the Fund are used to fulfill requests. 

2025–2026 Austin High Excellence Fund Committee
Dr. Melvin Bedford (Principal)
Tanya Mast (Academy Director)
​Caron Hutchison (PTSA President)
Stacey Gardner (PTSA VP of Ways & Means)
Kate Burns (PTSA Treasurer)
Crystal McQueen (PTSA VP of ACS)
Crystal Brothwell (PTSA VP of ADT)
Amy Kice (PTSA VP of AGS)
Ali Clare (PTSA VP of ASI)
Randi Shade (PTSA Inclusion Committee Chair)

2024–2025 ($90,000 Granted)
Grants included:
Special Ed $7,500
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, $21,000
Fine Arts, $8,600
Technology and Software, $9,000
CTE, $11,000
Student Organizations, $17,500

2023–2024 ($85,424 Granted)
Grants included:
Special Ed $16,350
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, $25,200
Fine Arts, $12,600
Athletics, $8,200
Software, $8,600
Culinary Equipment/Supplies, $6,000
Student Organizations $5,000
Link Crew & Maroon Round Up, $1,000

2022–2023 ($145,950 Granted)
Student Travel Scholarships, $50,000
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, $18,000
Special Ed, $7,500
Fine Arts, $24,000
Athletics, $2,000
Maker’s Space Tools, $1,400
Software, $5,600
Engineering/Robotics Kits, $1,800
Culinary Equipment/Supplies, $6,000
New Clubs & Sports, $8,400
Link Crew & Maroon Round Up, $2,250
New Projector in PAC, $7,500
Campus Beautification,  $12,500