Florida’s Largest Community Foundation to Invest $2.5 Million in Innovative Project       

SARASOTA, FL (July 19, 2010) – Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice today announced a five-year project to jump-start improved teaching and learning results in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The innovative program will invest up to $2.5 million or $500,000 annually at five middle schools and three high schools in Sarasota and Charlotte counties. The project is designed not only to benefit the targeted schools and children but also to act as an impetus for community-wide involvement in STEM-related activities.

“Research indicates that 15 of the 20 fastest-growing jobs through 2014 will require substantial math and science preparation, and that Florida, as well as the United States, is failing to develop an adequate supply of STEM-capable workers,” said Foundation president and CEO Teri A Hansen. "While our economy demands a larger and more proficient STEM workforce, enrollment and success in those courses is rapidly declining. As a community, state, and nation, we are falling behind. Florida’s students trail national averages in math and science, and lag far behind a long list of quickly developing countries. The time for action is now, and the Foundation is creating a community-based coalition to tackle this issue."

The Foundation developed two project strategies with input from the Sarasota and Charlotte County School Districts, their school principals, and teachers. Parents, students, as well as economic development organizations and employers were consulted.

The first strategy is to accelerate teacher readiness and preparation to meet the State’s Next Generation Math and Science standards. The project has gathered data on best practices and is developing materials with math and science leaders statewide. Higher standards and new models require extensive teacher training, which will be a significant part of the investment.

The second strategy is to enhance STEM opportunities for students that increase achievement and promote readiness for STEM-related postsecondary programs and careers. This strategy will utilize collaboration with employers in the community to provide internships as well as intensive family involvement. Both strategies have measurable outcomes agreed to by the districts, schools, and the Foundation.  It is anticipated that the project will increase the opportunity to leverage other state, national, and private resources, thus enhancing positive outcomes.

The following Sarasota County schools have been selected for the project: middle schools Woodland, Venice, and Laurel-Nokomis, which feed into Venice High School; and Heron Creek Middle School, which feeds North Port High School. In Charlotte County, L.A. Ainger Middle School and Lemon Bay High School will participate in the project. The STEM-involved students in the above schools number 9,440.

About STEM Florida
Over the past year, organized initiatives have been formed in Florida for the purpose of ensuring the availability of highly and appropriately skilled talent with STEM skills.  A Florida STEM Council, funded by a $580,000 grant from Workforce Florida, is connecting business, education, workforce, and economic development leaders.  The Council’s mission is to support innovation in existing and emerging industries by promoting a competitive workforce.  STEM Florida, a collaborative partnership program led by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, was selected to receive the grant funding from Workforce Florida to implement its multi-component strategy.

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice
Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice builds strong communities through leadership, partnership, and endowed philanthropy.  A public charity committed to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves, it is the largest community foundation in Florida.  The Foundation was founded in late 1995 and has awarded $104 million in grants in the areas of arts and culture, health and human services, education, civic affairs, and the environment.

The Board of the Foundation envisions a region known for endowed philanthropy, a vital nonprofit community, and the ability to address emerging issues.

For more information about the Foundation, visit gulfcoastcf.org.

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