IMPACT
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STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) education has become a national and state priority and part of the conversation about preparing students for the future workplace.
Through the work of The Education Foundation locally and the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations state-wide, schools and businesses are piloting learning experiences that will allow students to apply STEM concepts in real-world, business settings. |
| Contact Us | 
The Education Foundation
of Collier County
3606 Enterprise Avenue, #150
Naples, Florida 34104
239-643-4755
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Golden Gate High School students and Len Zaiser, Jr., Senior Vice President and General Manager of Structure Medical. Photo by Linda Lepore. |
Students Take STEM "Head - On" At Structure Medical
AT&T Florida recently provided $100,000 to challenge Florida's district-wide local education foundations to create STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workplace experiences throughout the state this school year through a grant to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF).
The project's aim is to provide students and teachers hands-on experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom that are directly linked to their coursework in science, technology, engineering and/or math. Through The Education Foundation of Collier County, Golden Gate and Naples High Schools have received grant funding to work with Structure Medical on a hands-on experience for students.
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Congratulations CenturyLink and Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company!
Both companies have been awarded the Commissioner's Business Recognition Award (CBRA) for outstanding partnership with the Collier County School District. Over the past years, business involvement has had a significant impact on education. Together, with business partners, we are providing an environment in which all children can reach their full potential.
This year, both companies are being recognized for providing the capacity grants to build the new website: www.GetOnTheBusCollier.org. As a one-stop, online resource, the website will have the functions that will allow students and families, educators and schools, and the community to connect and match interests and resources.
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Pinecrest Elementary students work with a student in the Bower School of Music (green) in the Mariachi music program. Photo by Lori Bateman of Blue Sky Media. |
New Community Awards Celebrated at
Golden Apple
This year, The Education Foundation has introduced two new awards: the "Heart of the Apple Award" and the "Get On the Bus Award" which will be featured at the 21st Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Celebration on May 3, 2011. Congratulations to the recipients of the inaugural community-based awards.
The Heart of the Apple Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant collective impact on education in our community. Mrs. Lavern Gaynor has a clear and unequivocal understanding that education for young people is the
 | | Mrs. Lavern Gaynor. Photo courtesy of Hodges University. |
future of this community, as well as its link to the past. Her significant support over many years has planted the seeds to ensure a quality education for children in our community.
The Get On the Bus Award highlights exemplary collaborative work that engages community with schools, ultimately benefitting students. Enhanced Learning through Music, a collaborative music project in Immokalee, exemplifies "getting on the bus" with a program that has created two music programs at pre-K and elementary level, taught by Florida Gulf Coast University students from the Bower School of Music. The impact that the music instruction has had on student readiness and academic success has been tremendous.
Thanks to the key local partners in this project: Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music Guadalupe Center, Alan Korest, Lucie Jenny MacCarthy Music Fund of the Community Foundation through The Education Foundation, Miracle Plus through The United Arts Council, Naples Music Club and Pinecrest Elementary.
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Get On the Bus Breakfast Roundtable
As a nation, we are increasingly recognizing the fundamental relationship between quality education and quality of life and economic viability, and this Roundtable allowed participants to explore that concept in practice here in Collier County.
Click here to read the coverage in the Naples Daily News. |
 | | Take Stock in Children students participating in the Quest Program. Photo by Gail Rothenberg. |
The Education Foundation Receives $10,000 Grant
from The League Club
The League Club has provided a $10,000 grant from their Community Trust Fund to support a collaborative partnership between The Education Foundation and Quest Educational Foundation (Quest For Kids) to provide college readiness programming for students in the Take Stock in Children Scholarship and Mentoring program.
Students begin participating in their Junior year and continue through their Senior year, receiving expanded support and positive peer interaction. Both organizations benefit by increasing cost effectiveness, eliminating the duplication of services and sharing resources.
"On behalf ouf our students and families, we are very grateful for the support of The League Club, " states Susan McManus, President of The Education Foundation. "The opportunities provided to our students give them an advantage in the college readiness process." |
Take Stock In Children University...
Preparing For the Future!
The Education Foundation held its second session of Take Stock University on March 12th at Hodges University. Almost 100 students, mentors and special guests attended and enjoyed presentations on health and wellness, interview skills and career exploration.
Students began their day listening to special guest speakers discuss important health and wellness topics such as Emotional Intelligence, designed to create a better sense of self-confidence in our Collier County students. Participants also learned the "DOs and DON'Ts" of interview skills, preparing them for life after secondary education.
After lunch, donated by Carabba's Italian Grill, students were able to hear from professionals in the visual arts, health, law, and engineering related career fields. Each career session had a number of professionals from different areas in their particular field. "I think the students who attended Take Stock University gained a better understanding about what it takes to pursue particular careers. The career sessions bridged the gap between high school and the workday by explaining the stepping stones--education, licensing, training--that will turn a career dream into reality," says Brad Galbraith, Leadership Council member.  |
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(L-R) Katie's father and grandmother, a veteran CAT driver, Katie, and Michelle Arnold, Director, Growth Management Division, celebrate at the 10th Anniversary ceremony for CAT. |
Take Stock In Children Scholar Wins Collier Area Transit
Logo Design Contest!
Congratulations to our very own Take Stock in Children Scholar and Barron Collier High senior, Katie Regan, for winning the contest for creating a new design for the Collier Area Transit (CAT) logo. As part of their 10th Anniversary activities, CAT was literally and figuratively "on the bus" by providing this opportunity to local students. The students were asked to utilize the existing logo in a new, unique way, and Katie's design was chosen from 118 submissions.
Katie was thrilled to have her design selected. "An opportunity like this shows that you really do use the skills you learn in school, not only on tests, but in life," she explained.
"We are always looking for opportunities to get our students involved and the art contest presented a pefect opportunity to showcase how talented our students are, while introducing them to another facet of government--public transportation," stated Michelle Arnold, Director, Growth Management Division.
When you combine the ambition of a student with the support that Take Stock provides, it is a powerful combination. "From the start, Take Stock has been with me as the basis for my achievement," Katie reflects. "From the moment I found out I was a Take Stock scholar, I have been motivated to excel and achieve in high school, as the thought of college was always with me."
Congratulations Katie--we're rooting for you as you go off to college this Fall! |
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Thank you Dolph and Sharon von Arx!
 | | Dolph and Sharon von Arx. Photo courtesy of Hodges University. |
Congratulations to Dolph and Sharon von Arx in recognition of their extensive philanthropy to help others in Collier County. They were honored by Hodges University on March 29th at the Humanitarian Luncheon and Award Presentation. The Education Foundation of Collier County is very grateful for the
support that the von Arx Family Foundation has provided over many years to support the work of the organization. They have specifically invested in student success through the Take Stock in Children Scholarship and Mentoring program, along with supporting school-based family literacy and outreach programs. When parents learn and become more engaged at school, their children are more likely to be successful academically, and these programs provide parents with the opportunity. The philanthropy of Dolph and Sharon von Arx has touched many lives and they have shown a significant commitment to changing our community and investing in the future through education. |
Nurturing the Present and Changing the Future with WGCU's Curious Kids Program! 
WGCU Public Media is developing a local children's TV program hosted by Southwest Florida kids for Southwest Florida kids. Designed for an elementary age audience, the 30-minute program will be produced quarterly by international children's educator and Curious Kids Ambassador Rosie Emery. Curious Kids will focus on fun content about wellness, culture and the environment. This show will use children's natural curiosity to explore the people, places and ecology of Southwest Florida and compare it to countries around the world. Each show will be themed to match the country currently on display in the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples World Café exhibit. Please visit www.WGCU.org for more information! |
Giving Back Never Tasted So Sweet!
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant is supporting education and your sweet tooth, offering their delicious upside-down apple pie with candied walnut crusts, and topped with cinnamon ice cream, especially made by Royal Scoop. For every piece that is purchased now through May 31st, McCormick & Schmick's will donate $1.50 to The Education Foundation of Collier County.
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Great Opportunity for Area Non-Profit Organizations!
This is an incredible opportunity right in our own community to get an up-to-the-minute "Legislative Update on Florida Estate and Trust Law" from Laird A. Lile. In addition, Kathryn W. Miree, a nationally recognized speaker and author on non-profit gift planning will be talking about "Planned Giving in Troubled Times: Perfecting Donor Intent & Endowments Under Siege."
The Symposium will be held at Hodges University (Naples) on May 19th. Fee for member is $50 and non-members is $75 for the day; Professional Education Credit will be available. Click here for more information or to register today!
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Junior Achievement: Seeking Volunteers!
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, Inc. needs your enthusiasm, life experience and a willingness to teach children about how you took chances and shot for the stars! Junior Achievement is about people inspiring young students to learn the economics of life. In partnership with local businesses and educators, JA brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their true potential.
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Collier County Wants your Input!
Collier County is conducting a series of focus groups in April to get community feedback about how the county might best measure and report service quality in a number of service areas.
In the effort to continue to improve the quality of life in Collier County and develop citizen-based performance measures, they are seeking community feedback. If you would like to participate, please call 252-2984 for the schedule. Click here for more information.
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Upcoming Opportunities
Now - May 31
McCormick & Schmicks's Seafood Restaurant is donating $1.50 to The Education Foundation of Collier County for every piece of upside-down apple pie sold. Click here for information. April 19 / 5:30 - 8:00 pm Collier County Public Schools' Superintendent Candidate Forum at the ML King Administration Center (5775 Osceola Trail). A "meet and greet" begins at 5:30 pm, followed by the forum. Click here for information on the Superintendent Search. April 28 Take Stock in Children Graduation Celebration will be held at Moorings Park to congratulate the Class of 2011. If you have an interest in learning more, please call 643-4755. May 3 / 7 - 8:30 pm 21st Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Celebration presented by Suncoast for Kids Foundation. Click here for information.
May 17 / 4:30 pm
School Board Recognition of Commissioner's Business Recognition Award Recipients in the ML King Administration Building Board Chambers (5775 Osceola Trail).
May 19 / 3:30 - 6:30 pm
May 19
4th Annual Planned Giving Symposium hosted by the Greater Naples Area Planned Giving Council and sponsored by Cummings & Lockwood. Click here for registration information.
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Thanks for Joining Us on the Bus!
We encourage you to share how you or your organization is getting on the bus.
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Congratulations to our 2011 Men of Distinction. These ten men chosen for their dedication to serving the Collier County Community and were honored on February 17th at the Hilton Naples. Standing: Rick Borman, Ray Carroll, John Sorey, Dr. George Schrenk, Don Gunther, Alan Horton, Jeff Ahren. Sitting: Dick Munro, Ned Sachs and Ed Kant. |
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Get on the bus with Naples Equestrian Challenge and help them provide therapeutic opportunites for adults and children with disabilities. They are in need of dependable volunteers with patience, kindness, a love for horses and children. Please call 239-596-2988 or visit www.naplesequestrianchallenge.org for more details! |
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Grandparents painted bowls with students as part of Barron Collier High School teacher Donna Torrance's Connect With a Classroom project titled "Nana, Will You Paint With Me?" The bowls were donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank for the Empty Bowls event. |
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Thank you ACE Group Classic for getting on the bus! ACE recently sponsored our Annual Men of Distinction Golf Tournament and Awards Celebration. The ACE Group Classic consistantly supports local charities including The Education Foundation of Collier County and the Take Stock in Children program. |
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The Golden Gate High JROTC cadets contributed over 3,000 hours of service in Collier County as part of the program. The trip to Washington D.C. is the culmination of their time in the program. While there, our cadets laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier among many other activities in our nation's capitol. Click here to learn more about the program and view more photos. |
 | | Collier County middle school students got on the bus and participated in the Power of the Word Art Contest sponsored by K is for Kids Foundation. This wonderful artwork will be displayed at the Collier County Sheriff's Art Gallery Exhibition with a reception April 21st. Click here for information. |
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The Huntington Bank (L-R: Gail Webster and Linda Flores) got on the bus by hosting an event to raise awareness about the significant need for underclothes and uniforms for economically challenged Collier County students through the Undercover Angels Fund of The
Education Foundation. |
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Cummings & Lockwood. 
