The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools recently held its annual gala, 'A Night of Impact,' in Lake Mary. This event brought together hundreds of community members to support the Foundation's mission of enhancing education and student success within the district. WESH 2's Christina Watkins, an SCPS alum, served as the emcee, adding a personal touch to the proceedings.

Unlocking Opportunities, Closing the Achievement Gap

Investing in Student Success

The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools has been a driving force in the district's educational landscape, investing over $4.3 million last year alone. This substantial financial commitment has enabled the district to offer unique programs and outreach initiatives that benefit not only the students but also the families and the broader community. One such innovative collaboration is the Student Success Express, a mobile registration and family resource vehicle designed to bring essential services directly to the communities served by Seminole County Public Schools. This initiative aims to enhance access to educational resources, support services, and employment opportunities, ensuring that every child in the district has the tools they need to thrive.

Addressing Challenges, Empowering Students

Seminole County Public Schools faces significant challenges, with the district reporting over 3,400 homeless students and nearly half of all children enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program during the last school year. To support these students, the Foundation takes a proactive approach, distributing 3,500 backpacks filled with new school supplies each August. Additionally, throughout the school year, the Foundation's Tools 4 Seminole Schools program provides teachers with a free resource store, where they can access essential classroom materials. This program also distributed almost 11,000 books to classrooms from kindergarten to high school, ensuring that students have access to the educational resources they need to succeed.

Investing in the Future: Scholarships and Mentorship

The Foundation's commitment to education extends beyond immediate needs, as evidenced by its long-term initiatives. Since its inception in 1987, the nonprofit has raised over $65 million to support education through programs such as the Take Stock in Children Program. This initiative provides mentoring, college success coaching, and college scholarships to 114 students at every high school in the district. The Foundation's executive director proudly reports that 100% of the seniors in this program graduated last year, a testament to the transformative impact of the Foundation's efforts.

Fostering Community Engagement and Alignment

The Foundation's mission extends beyond just supporting student achievement; it also aims to develop teachers and staff, support district alignment, and enhance community engagement. By investing in these areas, the Foundation ensures that Seminole County students, families, and community members have access to the resources and information they need to feel connected to the school district and the opportunities available to every child.

Empowering Educators, Enriching Classrooms

The Foundation's support for Seminole County Public Schools extends beyond the students themselves, as it also focuses on empowering educators. Through initiatives like the Tools 4 Seminole Schools program, the Foundation provides teachers with free access to essential classroom supplies and resources, enabling them to create engaging and enriching learning environments for their students.