The Mission of the Education Foundation is to enhance, enrich and encourage

educational opportunities for all students in our community. 

A charitable organization dedicated to working through funding initiatives

designed to improve the quality of education and sharing of information in

all of the community’s schools.

 

Board of Directors:

 

President - Rebecca Allen, Community Representative

President-Elect - Jay Campana, Community Representative

Treasurer - Sue Tompkins, The Harris Bank

Secretary - Susan Blaxill-Deal, Maverick Boat Company, Inc.

 

Donald L. Ames, MD

Lisa Becker, Sustainer, Junior League of Indian River, Inc.

Dan Bockhorst, Indian River National Bank

John J. Campione, Bowen & Campione P.A.

Kathy Edwards, Sustainer, Junior League of Indian River, Inc.

Tuny Hill, Community Representative

Margot Kornicks, Visiting Nurse Association

Colleen Lafferty, Curry & Company Real Estate

Scott Lambeth, Golden River Fruit Company

R. Lanse Padgett III

Adrian J.R. Smith, Carter & Carter, Telkom Caribe, Inc./Tutogen Medical

 

Highlights of Foundation Programs:

 

The School Supply Fund

This fund has infused over $150,000 into PreK-5^th grade classrooms since its inception in 1995.  Children in need are provided with necessary school supplies.  Averages of 59% of elementary students are economically challenged.  This year 560 full time public school teachers were provided vouchers to purchase supplies for children in their classroom. A total of $28,000 was distributed to children through this program.  This program is supported by private donations, the School District of Indian River County’s Employee Payroll Deduction Program and revenues from the sale of the “Support Education” license plates.

 

Sneaker Exchange

Over 7,000 pairs of shoes and socks have been distributed since the program began in 1993.  This unique program was designed to boost the self-esteem of children and allow them to participate safely in school activities.  Through the simple act of providing children in need sneakers, they are able to attend school in comfort, both emotionally and physically.  The Sneaker Exchange was developed by the Junior League of Indian River County.  It is supported by private donations and the following Community Partners: Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program, Inc., Holy Cross Community Service Ministry, Payless ShoeSource, and Quail Valley Charities, Inc.

 

Building Libraries: Teachers Helping Teachers

This special event is presented each fall by the Education Foundation and St. Edward’s School.  Any teacher or librarian who works in Indian River County is invited.  The purpose of the event is help teachers start or build their classroom libraries. 

 

Great Ideas! Grant Program

This innovative program was created to fund creative curriculum related classroom projects.  These highly competitive grants have a built in component which requires measurable outcomes and evaluations.  Specifically, teachers must show how low performing students have been impacted by these grants.  Grants are available to any teacher in Indian River County if their proposal directly involves students K-12^th grade.  Last year 10 grants were awarded totaling over $17,000.  This year over $35,000 will be awarded.  The application process begins September 15^th – October 31^st.  This program is supported by: Bank of America, Citigroup, the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and the Department of Education.

 

Science and Communication Enrichment Program

The Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair offer every student in our community the opportunity to participate in a forum of science education.  Prior to 1992, there was no regional science program available to all students.  Over the last 13 years the program as expanded to include the following:

1.                                Technical and financial assistance for local school fairs.

2.                                Teacher development and training programs in the area of science.

3.                                Recognition  and awards for students for their scientific achievement

4.                                Student internships to encourage their interest in science.

5.                                Scholarships for participation in state and international competitions

6.                                Scholarships for college, Florida Atlantic University provided over $250,000 worth of scholarships.

7.                         Observation Station: A Program for Aspiring Students.  This program is presented in partnership with the Environmental Learning Center.  Middle school students are introduced to science fair projects.  At this mini-science fair conference students attend sessions presented by area scientists.  Students are also linked with mentors to help them develop their projects.

Last year over 25 students competed at the state level and four students competed at the International level.  This year’s fair will be held February 25, 2006 at Vero Beach High School.

 

Award of Excellence

This program recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers in Indian River County Schools.  Any teacher currently teaching in public, private or parochial schools is eligible for nomination.  Nominations begin January 9, 2006.

 

Updated: 1/6/06