Education Foundation of Sarasota County: Empowering Students and Transforming Education

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County plays a pivotal role in enhancing the educational landscape for students and teachers alike. Established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the foundation operates independently of Sarasota County Schools, guided by strategic philanthropy to enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education. For over 35 years, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County has been instrumental in helping teachers transform their lessons and classrooms to meet their students’ unique needs.

Supporting Teachers Through Grants

Recognizing the urgency to support teachers by providing access to tools that help close achievement gaps and make learning more innovative and hands-on for students, the Education Foundation offers various grant programs.

EducateSRQ Grants Program

The EducateSRQ Grants Program, a signature initiative of the Education Foundation for over 25 years, provides teachers and schools with funds to support innovative projects. These projects aim to enhance academic curriculum, expose K-12 students to a broad range of learning opportunities, provide awareness of the community, and prepare students for 21st-century careers. EducateSRQ grant applications are open to K-12 Sarasota County educators and schools every academic year.

Classroom grants, with awards up to $1,000, support individual classrooms through hands-on projects covering a variety of subject areas, including experiential field trips. School-wide grants, with awards up to $10,000, support projects that advance the goals of an entire school and may align with their School Improvement Plan (SIPs). The EducateSRQ Grants Program impacts approximately 20,000 Sarasota County students every year. Educators who have implemented grants in previous years report increases in student achievement and improvement in behavior, measured by an increase in attendance, improved testing results, higher quality of homework and classwork, and an increase in self-esteem and self-confidence.

Teacher Classroom Grants and DonorsChoose

The Education Foundation provides as much as $200,000 annually in teacher grants through two different grant programs: the Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s Teacher Classroom Grant and DonorsChoose. With these grants, teachers and schools receive vital financial support. Awards up to $1,000 are used for classroom supplies, equipment, activities, field trips, and related items. Awards from $1,001 to $10,000 involve collaboration between teachers across grade levels or content area-or even across entire schools.

DonorsChoose is an organization that connects donors to teachers so that they can access resources, materials, and supplies easily and quickly. Teachers from across the country request donations for their projects and receive funding from donors anywhere in the world. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s Teacher Classroom grant will be available from July 14-September 14 2025.

EdExploreSRQ and the Community Foundation Partnership

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a proud partner in EdExploreSRQ and has set up a rolling application process that enables teachers to apply for exploration funding throughout the year. This “just in time” feature allows teachers to maximize the learning connections between an exploration and student lessons. The application can only be completed ONLINE; no paper applications will be accepted.

The Community Foundation has committed $100,000 per year for five years for current explorations - particularly for students in lower-income communities. Additionally, the Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation created an EdExploreSRQ Endowment Fund to increase awareness and funding.

EdExploreSRQ offers the opportunity to search by price from $0 on up. Some Explorations are free, and often providers offer financial assistance. Student fees, school discretionary funds and PTO support are also frequently used to pay for participation costs.

Fostering Innovation Through Technology

Inspiring innovation requires stepping up as the early adopter of ground-breaking trends and emerging developments. By 2020, there were projected to be 1.4 million computer-related jobs but only 400,000 graduates to fill them. The Education Foundation actively invests in programs that promote innovation and increases student awareness, expertise and the desire to pursue technology-driven jobs.

Personal Technology Program

The Home Computer Program was launched in the spring of 2007, inspired by a single teacher who was rebuilding computers in his garage for children in need. He realized students without computers at home were falling further and further behind their classmates. In collaboration with Sarasota County Schools and with the support of several generous investors, the Education Foundation took that teacher’s vision county-wide and began the Personal Technology Program. Through the program, qualified students and their families complete a digital literacy training course and receive a refurbished computer and access to low-cost internet.

Digital Learning Labs (DLLs) and Innovation Hubs

The Education Foundation recognized that home computers were not the answer for every child or family. It developed Digital Learning Labs (DLLs) aimed at providing students and their parents participating in after-care programs access to technology and innovative digital courses that meet learning needs and expand critical thinking. In the 2017-18 academic year, two DLL locations were expanded, elevating the computer labs to “Innovation Hubs” through increased hands-on courses including Robotics, 3D Printing and Virtual Reality Systems. The two hubs located at Janie’s Garden and the Laurel Civic Association are in some of the highest need areas of Sarasota County, exposing students to advanced technology they would not have otherwise had an opportunity to be exposed to.

#SRQHacks Hackathon

The #SRQHacks Hackathon is an intense, collaborative and business plan experience that joins nearly 100 middle and high school students, ages 13-18 with approximately 40 talented community mentors for an annual weekend-long event. The Hackathon helps bridge the technology gap for underserved students by connecting each team with three mentors, who use their particular expertise to work with students to think outside the box and begin creating the best app possible during the accelerated timeframe. Each mentor falls in one of three categories: Developer (programmers, engineers, computer science professionals), Designer (front end developer or graphic designer), and Innovator (educator, business person, problem solver). The Hackathon helps students build key 21st-century skills including collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.

Prior to the inaugural #SRQHacks Hackathon, community leaders, students and citizens gathered together for the #SRQHacks Town Hall. SCOPE (Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence) facilitated the Town Hall, presenting attendees with a format to discuss, determine and vote on the local community’s most pressing issues. SCOPE and the Education Foundation further narrowed down the issues to five tracks which student and mentor Hackathon teams could choose. The five tracks were Safety & Security, Youth Engagement, Health & Wellness, Prejudice and Education.

In an effort to better connect the #SRQHacks Hackathon to the mission of the Education Foundation, the Task Force voted on an education-centric theme for the second annual Hackathon. Students and mentors were teamed up at the Hackathon and tasked to create technological applications designed to advance student learning. This year’s theme is centered around being engaged with one’s community. This could include the student’s personal community, such as being able to connect better with other students who share similar interests OR could include ways in which students can feel more engaged with local or global communities. The third annual Hackathon will be held January 18-20, 2019 at the Ringling College of Art + Design.

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CyberCamp Program

In July 2017 the Education Foundation was selected to participate in the 2017 season of the Air Force Association’s (AFA) CyberCamp Program. Around 60 Sarasota County middle and high school students participated in the inaugural CyberCamp, hosted in partnership with Riverview High School and Sylint Group, an international cybersecurity firm. The camp included hands-on opportunities for the students to learn cyber safety, cyber ethics, and critical network security skills.

STEMSmart Summit

Sarasota County students submit projects ranging in categories such as Life Science, Biomedical and Health Sciences, and Engineering. The STEMSmart Summit is a one-day, project-based competition for approximately 75 middle and 250 high school students enrolled in Career Technical Education (CTE) courses in Sarasota County. Originally founded by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, this program provides teams of students an opportunity to compete in a cross-section of STEM-focused categories including health care, web and logo design, 3D CAD design, engineering design and STEM business plan creation. The STEMSmart Summit not only tests students’ technical skills but provides experience with real-world interactions they might encounter in future STEM careers.

The sky’s the limit as Sarasota County students advance through school, regional and state STEM-related competitions. As students earn awards locally, they are encouraged to set their sights on national and international competitions, such as Intel State and Intel National Championships and VEX Competitions.

Empowering Educators Through Professional Development

Sarasota County Schools’ educators need support and training to make the most of digital resources that can take their classrooms to the next level. In 14% of schools in Florida, more than half the teachers are beginners when it comes to using technology. The Education Foundation provides innovative professional development opportunities, so teachers are at the forefront of technology education. Pilot “Train the Trainer” courses preparing teachers to offer AP Computer Science courses in their schools are currently underway. The Education Foundation recently launched the Ignite Education Global Professional Development Program that sponsored three International Baccalaureate Sarasota County educators on a three-week professional development trip to visit Good Work Foundation digital learning campuses in South Africa over the summer 2018.

Expanding Learning Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Although Sarasota County is a community that boasts a wealth of art, history and science institutions, many students have never visited a museum or a nature park, attended a play, or investigated bays and beaches. Engaging experiences motivate children to learn, improves performance in core academic subjects, and builds essential skills. The EducateSRQ grants program is an opportunity for educators to provide students with unique learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom experience.

In the 2017-18 academic year, the Education Foundation had the opportunity to partner with University of South Florida professors to pilot two innovative school-wide immersive grants at Booker Middle and Venice Elementary. These science-based inquiry projects allowed for unique cross-curricular and interdisciplinary opportunities for all students while also providing a professional development component for teachers. An example is the “Great Impact” Meteor Landing, a schoolwide immersive grant designed to bring earth space science and geology to life for students at Venice Elementary and Venice High School. Students returned from spring break to discover a meteor had landed on campus. Elementary (K-5) classes took part in the discovery, interacting with the scientists, asking questions, and recording their own findings.

Preparing Students for Post-Secondary Success

The Education Foundation is committed to empowering students to graduate with purpose and be prepared to pursue a post-secondary pathway. Each of our programs is designed to uniquely support students with this end goal in mind. According to a report by the Education Trust (2016), 47% of high school students are not college or career-ready upon graduation, and 90% have failed to take appropriate coursework to adequately prepare them for a college experience and careers. Regardless of their academic strengths and achievements, students need guidance and planning tools.

College & Career Centers

In spring 2017, the Education Foundation opened Sarasota County’s 1st middle school College & Career Center, “The Cube,” at Booker Middle School. Shortly thereafter, Sarasota County Schools launched the “Middle School College and Career Readiness Project.” Career Advisors were hired and placed in each middle school in Sarasota County. In 2017-18, the Education Foundation is focusing on the establishment of comprehensive and accessible Student Success Centers at Riverview and North Port High Schools. On August 13, 2018, the Riverview and North Port High Student Success Centers were officially opened to students for the 2018-19 academic year.

Student Mentoring Program

We understand that balancing school and planning for your future while holding down jobs and facing challenges at home can be daunting. But with a mentor, you can get positive, non-judgmental support that can help you navigate the journey. To be part of the mentoring program, you will need to meet and uphold these requirements and expectations: Be a high school student in Sarasota County, share your plans for education after high school, attend and participate in workshops and meetings, engage in a financial literacy workshop, attend school regularly (no more than four absences per quarter), stay drug and crime-free, exhibit good behavior in and out of school.

Scholarships

The Education Foundation provides a variety of scholarship opportunities for students in Sarasota County. These scholarships help students afford college and other post-secondary education opportunities. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County Scholarship is a local scholarship for recent Sarasota County public school graduates under the age of 24 enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college, university or vocational/technical school with financial need.

Here are some other scholarship opportunities available to Sarasota County students:

Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarships: Employees of Chick-fil-A can are eligible to apply for two different scholarships to be used at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or technical/vocational school. Deadline: 10/28/25. Award: $1,000 - $25,000
Chick-fil-A Community Scholars: Nationwide opportunity for high seniors or current college students who demonstrate academic success, community service and financial need. Employees of Chick-fil-A are NOT eligible. Deadline: 10/28/25. Award: $25,000
Florida Retired Educators Foundation (FREF) Scholarship: Statewide scholarship opportunity for graduating seniors who wish to become teachers in Florida. The recipient will be expected to teach in a state-accredited public or private school in Florida for at least one year, following graduation. Deadline: 1/20/26. Amount: $1,000
Manasota ASALH Scholarship Program: African American class of 2026 seniors in Sarasota or Manatee counties with minimum 3.0 grade point average and demonstrated leadership in their school and community are eligible. Deadline: 2/15/26. Award: $1,000 - $4,000
US JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors in the United States who plan to continue their education at accredited post-secondary colleges, universities or vocational schools are eligible. Deadline: 1/12/26. Award: $1,000 - $2,000
Oaks Women’s Club Scholarship: Female students graduating from Sarasota County Schools in 2026 with a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need are eligible. Deadline: 1/26/26. Award: $5,000
Southern Scholarship Foundation: Qualified students attending Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University, Santa Fe College, Tallahassee Community College, and the University of Florida are awarded scholarships in the form of rent-free housing, offering leadership training and personal development opportunities in the living and learning community. Deadline: 11/1/25 for 2026 Spring College Semester; 4/1/26 for 2026 Fall College Semester. Award: Room and Board
Italian American Club of Venice Scholarship: Sarasota County graduating seniors with full or partial Italian ancestry and scholastic merit are eligible. Deadline: 2/28/26. Award: $2,000
Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship: Class of 2026 soccer players in Sarasota County who plan to attend a college, university or technical Institute. Deadline: 3/13/26. Award: $1,000
Venice Yacht Club Scholarship: Graduating class of 2026 seniors with a financial need in Sarasota and Manatee Counties are eligible to attend a college or university. Deadline: 4/10/26. Award: $4,000
Butterflies & Dreams Book Club Award: Local award for class of 2026 African American students from Manatee or Sarasota counties planning to attend a postsecondary institution and inspired by reading. Deadline: 3/6/26. Award: Varies
Sandra K. Lacey Scholarship: Local scholarship for Sarasota County residents with severe and profound hearing loss. Deadline: Rolling. Award: Varies
American Legion Scholarships: Various scholarship opportunities available including the American Legion Legacy, Baseball, Samsung, National High School Oratorical Contest, Eagle Scout of the Year, and Junior Shooting Sports Scholarship. Deadline: Varies. Award: Varies
UNCF Scholarships, Programs, Internships, and Fellowships: Various scholarship programs for minority groups each with their own eligibility criteria. Deadline: Varies. Award: Varies
The Cooke College Scholarship Program: Nationwide undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with a minimum 3.75 GPA and financial need who are planning to attend a 4-year college in Fall 2026. Deadline: 11/12/25. Award: Varies
The Mensa Foundation Scholarship: Nationwide opportunity for college-bound students requiring a 550-word essay outlining academic and professional goals. Deadline: 1/15/26. Award: Varies
Most Valuable Student Award: Nationwide renewable scholarship for graduating seniors pursuing a 4-year college degree and demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. Deadline: 11/12/25. Award: $1,000 - $7,500

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