Education+ Matching Grant Opportunity

Education Matching Grant Opportunity

We have been awarded two separate matching, last in grants from 100 Women Strong. They are a  giving circle at Central Florida Foundation ($18,000), and the Winter Park Community Foundation funds at the Central Florida Foundation ($22,000) (Matched in April 2016!) for our new program, Education+ (formerly BEST). This is an excellent opportunity for investment in the education of foster children in our community. If you would like to contribute to all or a portion of these matching funds, please contact Brandy Mahler, bmahler@foundationforfosterchildren.org.

About the Education+ Program

Education+ aims to decrease the academic gap among foster children as well as improving academic performance and advancement from one grade to the next. Positive effects from improved academic performance. These effects include enhanced self-esteem, increased motivation, participation in extra-curricular activities, and decreased behavioral issues commonly associated with foster children. The long-term positive effects from these goals include an increase in high school graduation rates, matriculation into college or vocational programs, gainful employment, and self-sufficiency.

Eligibilty

In collaboration with Community Based Care of Central Florida, all students in foster care are eligible to receive professional tutoring through preferred vendors. Any student with an open case who requests additional academic support receives assistance and tutoring through the Foundation for Foster Children’s Education+ program.  This model provides a comprehensive approach to educational success:

• students are encouraged with notes and incentives
• report cards and tutoring notes are monitored and analyzed
• esteem and motivation surveys are collected to measure the impact of our holistic approach

As well as tutoring support, FFC has extensively researched educational practices in foster care programs across the country to see what works.  We are excited to incorporate a proven model of success to Education+ in the 2016-2017 school year. The pilot program will provide a second tier of support through individualized advocacy for foster children who struggle in school.  This personalized approach has been shown to improve academic success and educational outcomes – a goal the Foundation is determined to reach for each and every child in foster care.