Funds will support literacy, STEM and Career and Technical Education classroom programs.
The Education Foundation of Lake County has awarded more than $13,000 in grant money to support 13 educator-submitted programs that potentially will impact 1,400 students.
The funding comes from a matching grant program with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. Last fall, the Consortium designated more than $77,500 to the Education Foundation of Lake County to match monies raised from private donors.
Earlier this year, Lake County Schools’ educators submitted grant requests. A committee made up of Education Foundation of Lake County board members reviewed the requests and awarded the grants.
Programs that will be funded include a 3D art system for Eustis Heights Elementary School students that integrates math and science as students create two- and three-dimensional artworks.
Additionally, a Mount Dora Middle School teacher received funding for an online auditory comprehension skills program that will help improve standardized test performance for students whose listening comprehension skills are below grade level.
The other Lake County Schools awarded grants are
Astatula Elementary
Beverly Shores Elementary
Cypress Ridge Elementary
Eustis Middle
Grassy Lake Elementary
Lake Minneola High
Minneola Charter
Tavares High
Umatilla Elementary
More than 20 years ago, the Consortium and its members successfully advocated for the creation of legislative matching funds which has provided a dollar-for-dollar incentive for local education foundations to raise private contributions for eligible projects.
“These grants allow Lake County educators greater flexibility in incorporating innovative learning tools to meet their students’ needs,” said Carman Cullen-Batt, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Lake County. “We are especially grateful for the efforts of the Lake County legislative delegation which has been our voice in helping to ensure our district receives its share of the funding from the state legislature.”
The foundation had distributed $64,500 of the CFEF grant money in the latter part of 2020.
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About the Education Foundation of Lake County
Established in 1987, Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools.
Education Foundation of Lake County is ranked among the Top 50 Education Foundations in the United States by the Caruthers Institute. For more info, please visit EdFoundationLake.com.
