As we navigate through this difficult time following the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, Champions For Learning is here to help our students and their families, teachers, donors, and volunteers. Below are some frequently asked questions as well as resources being provided by Champions For Learning and our community.
General Questions:
Q: Is Champions For Learning open?
A: Yes! The Champions for Learning office is located in a CAT-5 rated building with a generator. We opened our offices the day after the storm for our Collier County nonprofit partners to use as a communication center as we are aware that many cannot use their own space at this time. Thus far, three nonprofits are borrowing our space. If your organization is in need of space, please reach out to info@championsforlearning.org.
Q: Is Champions For Learning giving away supplies?
A: Champions For Learning is working to connect schools, teachers and students with resources. We are also working with St. Monica’s Episcopal Church to collect supplies for Collier County students. You can view a list of supplies needed and how to donate by clicking here.
Click here to for a list of what Collier County Public Schools are doing for the community.
Q: What resources is Champions For Learning offering?
A: There is space here at Champions For Learning for you to use as a hospitality center. We have power, internet, laptops, hot coffee, and people who care and want to help.
Q: Are there any other resources available?
A: Collier County has resources in place to assist you with immediate needs. You can download the Collier Cares app (colliercares.org) or call 311 for non-emergency assistance.
Q: What do I do if I need assistance with mental health during this time?
A: Champions For Learning can provide you with mental health support. Please feel free to email kcarolan@championsforlearning.org if you are in need of this resource. Your inquiry will be kept confidential.
Q: Are events at Champions For Learning still happening this month?
A: Champions For Learning will not be hosting any social events in October, including the Meet the CEO event on Thursday, October 6th and the Glass Slipper reception on Tuesday, October 11th. We will keep you posted as these events are rescheduled.
Questions teachers might have:
Q: Is the classroom grant portal still open?
A: Yes, the classroom grant portal is still open. We recognize that you may have new needs due to the storm. Please continue to post requests via the portal. Surprise delivery day will be happening soon.
Questions our students might have:
Q: What can Champions For Learning do for me during this time?
A: Students and families are welcome to come to the office Oct 4th 2-7:30, Oct 5th 1-5pm, Oct 6th 3-5pm to use any of our resources (internet, laptops, hot coffee, and friendly staff that care about you and your family).
Q: When can I meet with my mentor?
A: Champions For Learning mentoring zoom sessions have resumed. Sessions will be offered virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82301363525
Mentor sessions by zoom are canceled October 13th, but will be Monday and Thursday weekly starting on the 17th. The zoom sessions are available 3pm-6pm, with the last option to join at 5:30pm.
Q: Can I meet with my mentor in person?
A: You are welcome to meet with your mentor at the Champions For Learning Office Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Please notify us in advance if you would like to meet with your mentor.
Q: When is the 9th and 10th grade Goal Setting Workshop?
A: This workshop will now take place on Oct 20th at 5pm and again at 6pm.
Questions our high school seniors might have:
Q: When will there be lab for 12th graders?
A: We have open “drop-in” times at our office to complete your FAFSA or work on college and scholarship applications. Please plan to join us during ONE of the following options:
Oct 4th 2-7:30, Oct 5th 1-5pm, Oct 6th 3-5pm, and Oct 10th 3-5pm.
Please bring your parents’ 2021 taxes & FASFA ID. You do not need to be here for the full session. These are open options to best meet the needs of our students during this time.
Q: How can I complete my FASFA during this time?
A: We will be holding open labs for students to complete FAFSA, College Applications, or use WIFI/technology. Open Labs this week: Tuesday, October 4th, 2-7pm, Wednesday, October 5th, 1-5pm, Thursday, October 6th, 3-5pm. You can also view a step-by-step video of how to complete the FASFA: https://youtu.be/zLDE-SAde0c (With Spanish subtitles: https://youtu.be/hylZEv7oVdY)
Questions volunteers and mentors might have:
Q: What can I do to help?
A: We are currently in the process of assessing the needs of our students, teachers, and schools, and will share that needs assessment with the community as soon as possible.
Q: When can I meet with my mentee?
A: Mentor/Mentee Zoom Sessions will be offered Thursday 10/6, 4-6:00 pm. The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82301363525
There will be no zoom sessions hosted on 10/13.
Q: Can I visit my mentee at school?
A: Please wait for in-person school visits through next week while the schools re-open. The Champions For Learning office is available 8:30am-5pm for sessions if needed.
Q: When is the next mentor learning session?
A: The next mentor learning session will be Tuesday, October 4th at 1:00pm. This optional learning session for mentors is about SAT/ACT, AP vs. Dual Enrollment, Bright Futures, TSIC App
The link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88447115874 (The session will be recorded if you are unable to attend).