Blog

On May 14, Champions For Learning and CenturyLink surprised Collier County teachers with Teacher and Technology grants to enhance educational opportunities for local school children.

During the course of the day, CenturyLink awarded seven grant checks that totaled over $25,600 to seven schools in Naples and Immokalee, Florida, as part of an effort that awarded over $108,000 to 27 schools throughout the Sunshine State. The checks will provide teachers with the funds needed to incorporate technology into their classrooms.

The Teacher and Technology program, which was established by CenturyLink in 2008, has awarded nearly $11 million since its inception. This program awards grants (up to $5,000) to teachers in CenturyLink’s local service areas who have created an innovative curriculum that allows technology to be implemented in their classrooms. This year, CenturyLink is continuing its commitment to education and students by awarding more than $1.4 million in grants in 34 states to support innovative technology solutions.

“CenturyLink recognizes the importance of introducing young people to science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, concepts to better prepare them for successful careers,” said Sondra Smith, CenturyLink director of corporate social responsibility (CSR). “STEM competencies help prepare students to be critical thinkers, persevere through challenges to achieve success, communicate and collaborate across real and perceived barriers, and solve complex problems.”

Click here to see the names of recipients.

Champions For Learning is proud to announce that Barbara Uible has been named one of Take Stock in Children’s Mentors of the Year in the state of Florida. She was honored on Wednesday, January 10 at the Take Stock in Children Luncheon honoring Leaders for Life Fellows and TSIC Alumni & Mentors of the Year. This was part of the Take Stock in Children Leadership Summit & Day at the Capitol.

Champions For Learning identifies students with economic need, provides them a mentor and a college and career prep program. When the student fulfills their ongoing commitment to meet with the mentor, stay drug and crime free, and maintain their GPA, the student earns a two-year Florida state college scholarship upon high school graduation.

To date, Barbara has mentored two students and is currently mentoring her third student. Through her mentoring she has treated each mentee as family, which has built friendships that have continued beyond high school.  She has also served as a member of the Student Selection Committee for a number of years.

With her demonstration of selflessness and desire to help others succeed, Barbara is truly making a difference by providing consistent support to not only her mentees, but to the Take Stock in Children program.

Susan McManus, President, Champions For Learning, says, “We are proud of Barbara who has impacted many students through her involvement with Champions For Learning. Barbara’s passion to help students succeed is truly inspiring.”

Barbara was honored at the 4^th Annual Night of Champions as Champions For Learning’s Mentor of the Year. The event honored community members for their impact on the lives of students through mentoring, leadership, collaboration and community involvement.

Champions For Learning would like to announce their 2017-2018 Board of Directors. This group of professionals and community leaders are devoted to working diligently to help impact Collier County students and teachers.

“Our Board of Directors consists of individuals who are very committed to impacting students and teachers by enriching the environment for learning,” says Lynn Davidson, Board Chair. “Each board member brings their own expertise and passion to the organization and I am honored to serve among them. These community leaders exemplify the engagement that Champions For Learning needs to continue supporting students and local classrooms.”

Champions For Learning is proud to announce that Tom Riley has been named the 2017-2018 Heart of the Apple Award recipient for the significant impact he has made in Collier County. Riley is Founder & Chairman of Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild – a fine interior woodworking company that has been committed to local youth and education since its inception.

Each year, Champions For Learning awards a Heart of the Apple in recognition of sustained and committed leadership in support of building the culture of learning in our community through the mission of Champions For Learning.

Riley’s commitment to “nothing less than monumental” in every endeavor, includes his dedication to education in the community. He has provided internships and opened his workshop to thousands of students through programs that demonstrate the importance of hard work, respect and passion. Riley has also supported the Golden Apple program by donating his and his team’s time and talent to create the hand-carved lecterns and stage setting that is used at the annual event to this day. Over the years, Riley has contributed the work of his team of artisans to support the Champions For Learning mission.

Susan McManus, President, Champions For Learning, says, “We are proud to honor Tom who has had a lasting commitment to our educators and students. He has shown great support of education through his involvement with Golden Apple. Tom’s passion to help support local teachers and students truly embodies the Heart of the Apple Award.”

Thank you to Tom Riley for helping to connect students to their future.

The Heart of the Apple and the Golden Apple recipients will be honored at the 28^th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner presented by Suncoast Credit Union on April 16, 2018, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Opportunities to sponsor a school to attend the event are available. For more information on event sponsorships and ticket sales click here.

Champions For Learning is proud to announce the 2017-2018 Glass Slipper recipients.  The recipients are Nancy Blackburn, Lynn Davidson, and Anne Fleming.

Each year, the Glass Slipper event is held to honor women leaders for their dedication and service to the children of Collier County. This event and recognition program benefits young ladies who are graduates of Champions For Learning student programs, and helps meet their needs as they currently seek post-secondary education.

Join us in honoring the Glass Slipper recipients at a cocktail reception, which will be held on March 21, 2018 in a custom model residence in Quail West by Stock Signature Homes. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction to benefit Champions For Learning student scholarships. Tickets for the event are $50.

For tickets please contact Heather Noel at (239) 643-4755 or HNoel@ChampionsForLearning.org.