(October 17, 2024- Naples, FL) The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning surprised Collier County educators today with funded Classroom Grants. Champions For Learning awarded 185 individual educators with 287 Classroom Grants totaling $195,685.92 to 62 schools in Collier County.
Taking into consideration school and office closures due to Hurricane Milton, Champions For Learning pivoted from the tradition of surprising educators in their classroom to notify them their grant has been funded. Rather than postponing surprise in-person deliveries, this morning CCPS grant awardees received an email notification informing them that their Classroom Grants requests are being fulfilled and funds will be available to teachers Friday October 18th. This change to the process ensures that teachers can access the funds for their Classroom Grants without delay.
“By funding teachers’ grant requests, Champions for Learning and their donors helps to make a difference for teachers and their students. Every year my students and I have benefited from Champions for Learning and their generous donors. By supporting and funding the grant program, teachers have been able to provide materials and programs necessary for student learning. Thank you for helping to make a difference!” said Heather Van Osten, a fifth-grade teacher at Veterans Memorial Elementary.
Champions For Learning’s Classroom Grants program provides educators with funding for supplies, school-wide projects, classroom items, and enrichment activities, projects or programs not included in the school’s budget. Classroom Grants are available to all Florida Department of Education approved schools in Collier County, including traditional public, charter, and private schools.
According to the National Education Association, more than 90% of teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money each year to purchase school supplies and other items their students need to succeed in the classroom. Over the past two years, the price of school supplies has increased nearly 24%. These out-of-pocket expenses are typically greatest during the back-to-school season but continue to add up during the year. The unstated expectation that educators will spend their own money on supplies and equipment are factors in teacher attrition, especially for new teachers who may struggle to provide these additional expenses.
“While we modified our delivery this year, due to Hurricane Milton, we remain steadfast in our support of our educators as they are the backbone of the learning experience,” said Barbara Evans, President and CEO of Champions For Learning. “Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions, and as the Education Foundation of Collier County, we are proud to empower educators through our Classroom Grants program so they can achieve success.”
There are still many Classroom Grants that need funding. Unfunded grants and additional requests submitted by educators will remain open on the online Classroom Grant portal until March. Members of our community can utilize the online Classroom Grant portal to view unfunded grant requests and select specific requests to fund at www.finditfunditflorida.com/collier/
About Champions For Learning™
Founded in 1990, the Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Our Student Programs are designed to equip and prepare students for their future learning and career goals, and our Educator Programs are designed to value, empower, and support our educators to experience professional success. Recognized as the education foundation serving Collier County by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Champions For Learning serves as a unifying force within the community by driving collective action towards the common goal of student and educator success.
Champions For Learning is a volunteer driven organization. Of the 428 people who volunteer with us each year, over half dedicate two to four hours of their time to our organization every week. With dedicated volunteers and a committed administrative team, Champions For Learning embodies the belief that education is everything! For more information about Champions For Learning or to see more of our work, visit our website www.championsforlearning.org.