The Stewart family has a long legacy of supporting educational improvements. High quality education positively impacts every aspect of a community.

In Anniston, an early goal of the Stewart Family Foundation was to provide broadband access via fiber optic facilities in local schools. In 2008 the initiative became its own non-profit; Anniston Fiber Optics. Initially funded by 1.2 million dollars, this program continues to provide funding to upgrade technology in the Anniston City Schools and surrounding areas. The Stewart family has since has given over $60,000.

Anniston Fiber Optics PEFA Donation

On June 28, 2013 Anniston Fiber Optics donated $100,000.00 to the Public Education Foundation of Anniston (PEFA) for the career technology program. Read the official press release here. In January of 2014, the Stewart family gave an additional $125,000 to further enhance classroom technology.

Jazz It Up for Education is a yearly event sponsored by Anniston Fiber Optics benefitting PEFA. The 3-year-old event is held in downtown Anniston featuring live music, food and beverages.

Donald W. Stewart serves on the Advisory Board for The Blackburn Institute, providing guidance for students and fellows. The Stewart family has given $500,000 in the name of John L. Blackburn and his wife, Gloria.

In Bessemer, Stewart and Stewart partnered with Canaan Baptist Church in August 2013 to generate donations and supplies for school children. Stewart and Stewart, Bessemer served as a school supply drop-off center and threw a kick-off event to gather donations and school supplies.