Through its Excellence in Education program, the IPEF has honored more than 1,200 of District 204's top graduating high-school and middle-school students. In addition, the IPEF has recognized about 800 staff members, who were nominated by these students because of the influence they have had on their academic lives.

The high-school students are honored at annual recognition events, which also are attended by parents/guardians and that "most influential" staff member.

Corporate sponsors have included MidAmerica (now PNC) Bank, Village Pontiac-GMC Truck, BMO Harris Bank, Whitt Law, LLC, and Calamos Asset Management Inc.