Many Collier County teachers are facing serious challenges with housing and transportation following the destruction of Hurricane Ian. The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning – is uniquely positioned to articulate the needs of Collier County students and educators in times of need. To help, Champions For Learning has joined voices with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to secure a $350,000 gift to assist Collier County educators. This gift is part of the $2 million dollar gift from Governor and First Lady DeSantis’ Florida Disaster Fund, divided amongst the six education foundations (Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Collier, DeSoto and Hardee) who are facing similar staffing challenges post Ian.
Champions For Learning has extensive experience in selection processes and has leaned on their experiences to develop a grant application. This application window is now open and is available on the Collier County Public School website (https://www.collierschools.com/staff). Applications are due on November 30, 2022.
“These funds will directly assist our educators who are admirably teaching and supporting students while trying to rebuild their own lives,” said Dr. Kamela Patton, Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools. “We are grateful to partner with our Education Foundation of Collier County, Champions For Learning, to directly support staff who need this assistance the most.”
To be eligible, applicants must work for Collier County Public Schools (including CCPS Charter Schools). Applicants must demonstrate that they have sustained damage to their home and/or vehicle(s) due to Hurricane Ian. Applicants are required to document all financial information related to insurance claims, possible temporary living situations and temporary transportation solutions.
“Champions For Leaning is proud to be the conduit to ensure that our educators are anchored in our community. We are proud that we can assist Collier County Public Schools in resolving educator housing and transportation needs, their most pressing issue around educator retention post-Ian,” said Barbara Evans, CEO of Champions For Learning. “Education is everything.”
Champions For Learning is putting together a selection committee 100% composed of dedicated members of the Collier County community to make the award decisions. The committee will utilize a selection rubric designed to identify educators with the greatest needs while removing any opportunity for personal biases.
Champions For Learning is committed to ensuring that these funds that have been entrusted to the organization for distribution achieve the goal of the donor to assist educators in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. 100% of this gift will be distributed without administrative fees.