Closing the achievement gap by improving teacher diversity and the retention of teachers of color in Washington State. #MartinezFellows #STEMbyTAF Mission and HistoryThe Martinez Foundation was founded by Holli and Edgar Martinez in 2008. The Foundation is a public nonprofit that raises money for programs and scholarships in an effort to close the achievement gap in our state by supporting highly qualified teachers of color in their profession. We are not a granting foundation. We believe every student regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status deserves access to an excellent education. To achieve at high levels, all students need highly effective teachers. Our mission: To prepare and support diverse and highly-qualified teachers who will raise expectations, accelerate learning and close the achievement gap by granting scholarships and promoting innovative social justice curriculum.