Brevard Schools Foundation Receives $137,000+ in Grants

October 28, 2021 – The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) recently awarded Brevard Schools Foundation $137,715 in matching funds through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program to support over 48,000 students and nearly 1,600 teachers for four programs: the Moore Memorial Park and Museum Experiential Learning Trip, Destination Space, Teaching Quality Initiatives, and the Supply Zone for Teachers Resource Store.

A new project, the Moore Memorial Park and Museum Experiential Learning Trip will allow over 4,800 eighth grade students and their teachers to explore the history of the civil rights martyrs, educators and county residents Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore through interactive exhibits, historic collections, and knowledgeable speakers that provide focused presentations on the Civil Rights Movement, global civil issues, and human rights issues. “This field trip will help ensure equity and access for all students, regardless of geographical proximity and socioeconomic status,” said Janice Kershaw, President and CEO of Brevard Schools Foundation.

Since 2003, Brevard Public Schools and Brevard Schools Foundation have organized Destination Space to spark an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The Destination Space program, designed for 5,100 sixth grade students, celebrates the rich history of space with a curriculum aimed to inspire students’ imaginations and spark their curiosity. The program celebrates the unique history of advancements in space research and space exploration on the Space Coast and beyond.

While national teacher shortages grab headlines, Brevard Schools Foundation aims to help keep the best teachers in the classroom. Teaching Quality Initiatives focus on retention strategies that support new teachers and develop high-performing teachers. Brevard Schools Foundation will collaborate with Brevard Public Schools and teacher leaders, through the Teacher Leadership Council (TLC) to implement Teaching Quality Initiatives that improve classroom instruction, share best practices, and recognize achievement embedded across the four key programs funded: Bright Ideas Classroom Grants, TLC Fellowships, Educators Thriving, and the ABC Awards. “The ultimate return on investment is the positive impact on our students that leads to better academic outcomes, fewer achievement gaps, and increased graduation rates,” said Janice Kershaw, President and CEO of Brevard Schools Foundation.

Since 2014, the Supply Zone for Teachers, has operated as a free store, and serves the educational and creative needs of over 33,000 children in Brevard Public Schools by providing 100% free school supplies to 1,000 teachers at high-poverty schools. Students no longer have to feel disconnected, embarrassed, and unprepared when they come to school without supplies; teachers can make available the tools they need to succeed. In addition, teachers no longer have to reach in their own pocket to ensure no child goes without; they can shop for free at the Supply Zone.

The Consortium has received legislative matching funds which provide a dollar for dollar incentive for local education foundations to raise private contributions for eligible projects more than 20 years. Since inception of the program, more than $127 million in combined private and state dollars has been provided for local projects that serve students, literacy initiatives, encourage STEM and career/technical education, increase classroom innovation, support teachers, and/or increase graduation rates.

The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations, and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of local education foundations throughout the state in achieving student success. The Consortium now has 66 member foundations with 1,100 business and community leaders serving as volunteer board members. Collectively, the local education foundations raise $82 million annually to support students, teachers and schools through a variety of programs. The Consortium has facilitated more than $62 million to local education foundations since 2002 through various private- and public-sector partnerships, including the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program.

Contact: Janice Kershaw, (321) 633-1000 ext. 11754

kershaw.janice@brevardschools.org

To learn more about the Consortium and the statewide impact of the program, visit www.educationfoundationsfl.org.

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ABOUT BREVARD SCHOOLS FOUNDATION:

Brevard Schools Foundation fills educational funding and opportunity gaps at all of our 85 public schools for 75,000 students and 5,000 teachers by supporting innovation, engaging communities, and changing lives. Funds come from private contributions, corporate support, public matching funds, fundraising and endowments. The Brevard Schools Foundation is nationally ranked for their role in supporting public education in Brevard County.