The mission of the McMinn County Educational and Community Foundation (MCEF) is to enhance and enrich the educational opportunities for all citizens of McMinn County from birth through adulthood. The foundation works with all three school systems in the county: Athens City Schools, Etowah City School, and McMinn County Schools, as well as with the McMinn County Adult Education program. Projects include: Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Adult Education, Youth Leadership Awards, Youth Leadership Day on Tennessee Wesleyan University's Campus, Eighth Grade Career Day, Teacher Mini-Grants, Scholarships for STEM Camp, Scholarships for AACA Arts Camps, Stuff the Bus, Scholarships to High School Seniors, and the Tennessee Governor's Early Literacy Foundation's (GELF)League of Extraordinary Teens . The MCEF is a partner agency with United Way of McMinn and Meigs Counties. Fundraising events include: Jeans Week/Hat Day in the Schools, partnership with Michael's Casual Dining, and BuzzWord, a grown up spelling bee that provides a night of hilarious entertainment.