Our Story:

The Robnett Education Foundation was founded in 2023 by Jay Robnett and his family in order to continue his mission of supporting underrepresented communities by promoting access to STEM education. 

Jay Robnett and his wife Beatriz Mesa in Yellow Stone National Park.

It all started with a high school science teacher and his passion for making an impact in kids’ lives.

Jay Robnett  was a science teacher at Hueneme Public High School for 20+ years in Oxnard, CA. He was passionate about making a difference in kids’ lives, and dedicated his work to improving STEM education opportunities for his students. His passion for teaching began while he served 3 years in the Peace Corps in Swaziland, teaching science and mathematics. 

While at Hueneme High School, he was the Science department chair, and he established the Hueneme High School Engineering Academy for highly motivated students interested in working collaboratively in an intensive 3-year extra-curricular cohort. He believed firmly in the importance of upholding and promoting our public school systems. He saw the unbounded opportunities for economic advancement that underrepresented communities accomplish via access to STEM education. 

Sadly, Jay passed away in September of 2023 after a 2 year battle with esophageal cancer. The foundation is operated by his family, Stefani Robnett (President, CEO), Beatriz Mesa (Secretary), Nick Robnett (Treasurer), Cheryl Buttler (Grant Director), and Mary Ann Robnett.