Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.

09/08/2026

Thank you to Tommy Gregory, president of State College of Florida for joining Jennifer Vigne for a thoughtful conversation about education, leadership and student success.

President Gregory shares how his experiences in the military, law, public service and higher education have shaped his approach to leadership. Together, they explore the connection between education and workforce needs, the value and affordability of state colleges, and the importance of helping students graduate and build sustainable careers.

The conversation also looks ahead at the future of State College of Florida and offers practical advice for students and families considering what comes after high school.

For the first time this fall, you can watch full episodes of our podcast on YouTube. Find links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or just listen on our website here: https://edfoundationsrq.org/education-conversations-podcast/

09/01/2026

Teachers: Classroom grants are officially open now through Sept 30! Apply today.

Principals: New School Staff Well-Being Grants are open through Sept 11. Schools serving K-5, K-8, and 6-8 can apply for up to $5,000 for a qualifying school-wide program to invest in the well-being of their staff. This is an opportunity to bring an initiative to your campus that strengthens well-being, connection, and school culture.

https://edfoundationsrq.org/teachers/grants/

What questions do you have? Ask in the comments or reach us directly: [email protected].

08/24/2026

Teachers! Is this the year you become a Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation TIME Fellow? Details below.

Sarasota County Schools educators, where would your curiosity take you if you could design the learning experience yourself? Find out by applying for our 2027 TIME Fellowship! Through Barancik Foundation's TIME Fellowship program, we invite educators to propose their own learning experience of a lif...

08/12/2026

In this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer Vigne sits down with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, to explore the vital role of arts education in today's schools.

Brian shares why the arts are essential to a well-rounded education, helping students develop lifelong skills that prepare them for success. From strengthening communication and critical thinking to encouraging curiosity, this conversation highlights the lasting impact arts education has on students and the community.

Listen here, or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://edfoundationsrq.org/education-conversations-podcast/

08/06/2026

In education, summer is a time of transition. Last month, we interviewed class of 2026 graduate and STRIVE awardee Jackie Salomon, inviting her to reflect on finishing high school, her dreams for next year and beyond, and what advice she would give to others like her. Watch this short clip, then visit our blog to read Jackie's full story.

https://edfoundationsrq.org/reflecting-on-success-looking-toward-tomorrow/

08/04/2026

Thank you, Jamie Kahns and Bank of America, for your generous $10,000 grant! Your support will help increase FAFSA completion rates and strengthen Sarasota’s Complete Tampa Bay - Stop Out Initiative, to re-engage students to return to State College of Florida and complete their degrees.

We are incredibly grateful to have partners like you. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our community!

07/14/2026

In this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer Vigne welcomes Amity Schuyler, President and CEO of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, for a forward-looking discussion on the future of education in Florida. Together, they explore emerging trends in school choice, artificial intelligence, career readiness, chronic absenteeism, and the vital role that education foundations play in connecting communities, empowering educators, and helping every student thrive.

This episode was recorded on April 24, 2026. Since then, the Florida Legislature approved the 2026–2027 state budget on May 29, 2026 and it was signed into law on June 29.

https://edfoundationsrq.org/education-conversations-podcast/

06/24/2026

When two writers come together to discuss the impact of mentorship, the result is an insightful and inspiring conversation. Read this interview between mentor Dr. Wilma Davidson and mentee Dina K. Altshul, as they reflect on their journey and the impact it has had on both of them. This excellent pairing demonstrates how passion can meet an occupation, how wisdom can be passed down and shared, and how writing can challenge us, inspire us, and remind us that we still have something valuable to say.

https://edfoundationsrq.org/mentorship-mentality/

06/22/2026

Each year, PLANit Sarasota challenges all county high schools to raise the percentage of students who apply for the FAFSA, resulting in higher financial aid and postsecondary plans for seniors.

This year's competition was the closest since its inception. Just 1.02 percentage points separated the district's four largest schools, helping push the district FAFSA completion rate to 52.3% vs. a plan rate of 52.2% and last year’s rate of 48.2%.

There are two sets of winners — one for Large Schools and one for Small Schools.

Large Schools:
1st Place: Venice High School – 52.16%, $1,000
2nd Place: Sarasota High School – 52.15%, $750
3rd Place: Riverview High School - Sarasota, Florida – 52.09%, $500

Small Schools:
1st Place: Pine View School for the Gifted – 78.02%, $1,000
2nd Place: Suncoast Polytechnical High School – 62.07%, $750
3rd Place: Imagine High School at North Port – 47.83%, $500

Additionally, any school that improves its FAFSA completion rate by two percentage points over last year will receive a $250 prize. Congratulations to:

North Port High School which improved their rates by +7.0 ppts, $250
Sarasota Military Academy which improved their rates by +12.6 ppts, $250
SCF Collegiate School Venice which improved their rates by +6.2 ppts, $250

Congratulations to all of the schools and everyone that helped support them!