A Letter From Leadership
Symbiotic is the best way to describe the mission of The Education Foundation of Collier County –Champions For Learning.
The mutually beneficial relationship that we help facilitate between educators, students, and our mentors leads to successful outcomes for our community. It is with a deep appreciation for symbiosis that Champions For Learning steers our work towards a brighter future.
Last fall we distributed more than $300,000 in educator and classroom grants. These grants were given to educators in public, charter, and private schools across Collier County. We responded to a matching grant opportunity to jointly invest $100,000 in a VR Aviation Maintenance Simulator for the Lorenzo Walker Technical College Aviation Maintenance program. These investments provide our educators with additional tools to bolster learning in their classrooms – the essence of symbiosis.
We reimagined our signature fundraising event into the Night for Champions Gala, highlighting the symbiosis of our students and educators. Night for Champions was a record-breaking event, raising $845,000 for our Student and Educator Programs.
Our Golden Apple program returned to its roots.
The Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers was held at Artis-Naples, enabling an awards ceremony format that not only showcased 63 Teachers of Distinction and recognized four Golden Apple educators, but also provided a stage to celebrate the artistic talents of Collier County students. As an original element to Golden Apple, we reinstated the Leadership Academy with the goal of creating professional development opportunities to keep educators in the classroom. This metamorphosis of Golden Apple is in recognition that the education profession creates all other professions – the crux of symbiosis.
Our Student Programs served over 300 students. More than two-thirds of these students were paired with volunteers who serve as mentors. Our mentors provide encouragement and empowerment to help students identify and achieve personal and professional goals as they work toward high school graduation and postsecondary education or technical training. Mentoring often leads to lasting relationships, benefiting both mentor and mentee. Symbiosis encapsulated.
We are proud to report that 100% of our senior students graduated from high school. Ten high school seniors also earned an AA/AS degree and 33 completed dual enrollment courses earning valuable and cost-saving college credits while in high school. These students secured over $1.7 million in college scholarships (not including state aid, federal aid, or Florida Bright Futures).
Thank you for believing that education is everything and for your generous support as champions for learning in Collier County. Together, we look to the future with acknowledgment of the symbiotic nature of our mission to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators.
In gratitude,
Barbara E. Evans, CFRE President and CEO
William J. Lutz Board Chair
Board of Directors
William Lutz, Board Chair
Dr. Bruce Mousa, Immediate Past Chair
Martha Rozman, Chair Elect
Denise Murphy, Secretary
Roger Lipitz, Treasurer
Stephanie Lucarelli, Vice Chair
Dr. Jesse Roberts, Vice Chair
Carol Windfeldt, Vice Chair
Barbara Evans, President
Dr. Della Burt-Bradley
Chuck Carlsen
Serge Ecityan
Janet Perna
Gary Personette
Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli
Jacqueline Rodriguez
George Sherwin
Ken Thomas
Yadira Vintimilla
Understanding the State of Education
At the core of our educational system is the relationship between our educators and students.
However, educational attainment and success remain out of reach for many. Teacher shortages and retention challenges continue to plague communities across the nation, and students who come from families with low incomes are facing increased obstacles in graduating high school and enrolling in college or postsecondary training. Challenges facing our educators directly impact our students, and vice versa.
As the backbone of the learning experience, educators are instrumental in preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s nurses, lawyers, business owners, and community leaders. Unfortunately, retention remains difficult for districts across the country. According to Education Resource Strategies, turnover is on the rise again, especially for new educators. After the 2022-23 school year, 30% of new teachers and 26% of teachers with 3-7 years of experience left their school. A 2023 study published by Chalkbeat explains the negative ripple effects that occur when retention challenges persist, including school
53% of educators in the U.S. state poverty is a major problem among students who attend their school NEA.org
89% of Champions For Learning students come from households living at or below poverty level
destabilization and classroom disruption. Both harm learning and educational achievement, as students lose relationships with trusted and experienced educators, who may be replaced with only long-term substitutes. Although Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) has a lower vacancy rate compared to national and statewide levels, our educators face unique challenges regarding the high cost of living and affordable housing. When the success of our educators is at risk, our students and community struggle.
Over 40% of teachers said they were likely to leave their job within two years
All three statistics: devlinpeck.com
Florida is ranked the 5th highest state for teacher shortages 270,000 teachers and staff quit or retire across the country every year
In response to these barriers to education, Champions For Learning’s slate of programs supports educators and students, equipping them with the resources and tools necessary for continued academic, career, and overall life success. Our relationship with CCPS is essential in carrying out our mission, and we are thrilled to share in their celebration of being ranked as an A school district in the state of Florida. This ranking is a testament to the exceptional quality of our district and our educators despite facing obstacles. Champions For Learning’s
Educator Programs support the district’s priority in educator retainment, and we will continue to partner closely with CCPS to ensure that the district remains resilient.
By emphasizing a web of relationship building that not only incorporates our students and educators, but also includes the crucial roles of our staff, volunteers, and entire community, we are reinforcing the very bedrock of education in Collier County.
Educator and Classroom Grants
According to the National Education Association, more than 90% of teachers spend an average between $500 and $750 of their own money on school supplies and other items their students need to succeed. Over the past two years, the price of school supplies has increased nearly 24%. These out-ofpocket 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. Many districts across the country are unable to supply everything that students need to be engaged and make instruction accessible for all types of learners.
First grade teacher Megan Schuchman utilized an awarded grant to purchase Bee-Bot Hive Bundles and introduce her St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School students to the world of robotics. The BeeBots help teach sequencing, estimation, problem solving, coding, and computational thinking. Using a series of command cards, her students entered directional movements and pauses into the Bee-Bot to design their own simple or complex programs, and then watched their robot take off on the floor and through a series of mazes they created. Through trial and error and by working collaboratively in teams, students learned how to program their Bee-Bot to successfully travel through their mazes.
At Immokalee High School, students with special needs were able to learn about recipe planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation through an awarded Educator and Classroom Grant project. After choosing which dishes they wanted to cook, the students visited Publix and navigated how to stay within budget by deciding between different brands. Back in the classroom, they learned how to use various kitchen tools and engaged in conversation about food safety, germs, and cooking techniques. Educator Lisa Brookins designed her Classroom Grant project around teaching her students important independent living skills as well as sustainability. The cookware and utensils she purchased with her grant will be used to teach students for years to come.
In addition to distributing Educator and Classroom Grants last year, Champions For Learning also received funding through Volunteer Florida to address additional critical and unmet student needs across Collier County, including uniforms, back-to-school supplies, backpacks, and athletic jerseys. A portion of the Volunteer Florida funding was matched by the Ray Foundation to support Lorenzo Walker Technical College in developing a Virtual Reality Aviation Program.
Elizabeth Draper, Oakridge Middle School Educator
$306,423 awarded in Educator and Classroom Grants
461 unique grant requests awarded
248 classrooms at 56 schools received grants
Golden Apple Program
Golden Apple is a multi-faceted and highly competitive educator recognition program that facilitates the sharing of high-impact practices, celebrates and honors the teaching profession, and provides continued learning opportunities for educators. It is the program that Champions For Learning was founded upon in 1990 and has been changing educators’ lives ever since.
In 1992, Dr. Tim Ferguson was a kindergarten classroom teacher. Back then, Champions For Learning implemented the Golden Apple program in conjunction with the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, and the two counties jointly offered leadership development opportunities for educators. Tim credits the inspirational and impressive span of his professional career trajectory – from classroom teacher to school principal and district administrator to education nonprofit executive to university professor – to the resources and support he received through Golden Apple.
In going through the Golden Apple selection process and welcoming community members outside of the education profession to learn about his classroom in action amidst a group of sometimes rowdy 5-year-old students, Tim grew more comfortable speaking to non-educators
about his teaching practices. After he was awarded the Golden Apple (“A highlight of my entire career,” he said), he participated in the Leadership Academy, then known as the Academy of Teachers, a weeklong professional learning experience with over 50 educators that combined motivational speakers, leadership and skills development, networking, and relaxation and well-being techniques. Through the Academy of Teachers, Tim met regularly and shared an open dialogue with the Superintendent, and as he continued to attend additional national professional development trainings, he felt an affirmation of the teaching profession and discovered that he had a strong voice outside of the classroom.
The opportunities and experiences afforded through Golden Apple launched Tim into the next stage of his career journey, inspiring him to pursue higher leadership roles. When he came to Collier County, Tim became the founding principal of Veterans Memorial Elementary School and was also the first to implement the “Leader in Me” Program, which now serves as a leadership development framework across the entire district. Champions For Learning continued to support his own professional development. Through a partnership between our organization, Collier County Public Schools, and the Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida, Tim completed his doctorate degree in educational leadership.
It is really nice how Champions For Learning is taking the time to invest in educators like me. It wasn’t just a one and done school year. We get the opportunity to come to the Leadership Academy offerings to develop different skills.
Alyssa Heberle, Educator at Mike Davis Elementary and 2024 Teacher of Distinction
It was a full circle moment in Tim’s career when we asked for his insight and expertise as we prepared to relaunch the Golden Apple Leadership Academy. In experiencing the program’s evolution over the past 30+ years, Tim has been steadfast in his belief that the foundation of Golden Apple is in creating and building a network of educators to ultimately have a larger impact on the community. “Educators too often feel like they’re operating on islands,” he said.
“And as a school-based administrator, if I believe that leadership is important, then my role is to develop leadership in everyone: students, teachers, staff, and families.” By reinstating the Golden Apple Leadership Academy, Champions For Learning is returning to our roots and actively investing in our educators’ professional development so they can confidently collaborate with each other, the school district, and our entire community in developing a shared vision for educational success in Collier County.
“Everyone has leadership within them,” Tim said. “But not everyone is given the opportunity to cultivate and develop those skills. Leadership is leadership. Whether educators stay in the classroom or want to become administrators, the Golden Apple Leadership Academy will provide them with the tools and resources to help them evolve into the journey of their own choosing.”
63 Teachers of Distinction celebrated at 2024 Golden Apple event
4 educators received 2024 Golden Apple top honors
35 educators attended inaugural Golden Apple Leadership Summit (June 2024)
2023-2024 Teachers of Distinction
Barbara Evans with 2024 Golden Apple Recipients Oksana Tariche Pastor, Erin Osborne, Elizabeth Draper, and Ashleigh Dean
Golden Apple Recipient Elizabeth Draper with her class at Oakridge Middle School
Golden Apple Recipient Erin Osborne with her class at Golden Terrace Elementary School
Golden Apple recipient Oksana Tariche Pastor with Golden Apple Selection Committee Volunteers
College and Career Access Programming
College and Career Preparation and Take Stock in Children
It is imperative for students to not only graduate from high school, but also to be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to succeed in life, regardless of their background or situation in life. College and career readiness combines academic support with leadership and non-cognitive “soft” skills development so that our students graduate from high school prepared to succeed in a wide range of postsecondary opportunities, including college enrollment and technical job training, depending on the students’ individual interests and aspirations. This type of programming is essential for setting the foundation for academic and professional success, especially for students who come from households classified as economically needy, and is often underutilized in the traditional classroom setting.
By committing to Champions For Learning’s Take Stock in Children and College and Career Preparation programs, our students and families invest their time and effort over the course of several years in order to achieve their learning and personal goals, be prepared for success post high school graduation, and change the trajectory of their lives. Champions For Learning continues to work with our students once they graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary education or training opportunities, and transition into their careers.
Fernando P.G. graduated from high school in 2024 and has been involved with Champions For Learning’s Take Stock in Children and College and Career Preparation programs since he was in eighth grade. Back then, Fernando and his family were still adjusting to life in the United States after immigrating from Cuba. They were unsure what Fernando’s future would bring and were looking for ways to support him during high school and beyond. He and his parents realized that Champions For Learning would offer exactly the type of resources and guidance that he needed to navigate the complex American educational system, which was completely new to the family.
Through our Take Stock in Children program, Fernando was paired with a caring Champions For Learning mentor, Roger Munz, who became another pillar of support as he progressed through the programs and high school. Roger not only showed Fernando how to view situations from different perspectives, but he also helped him prepare for classroom presentations and tests. Most importantly, they explored different career paths together, and Fernando discovered a passion for mechanical engineering and working with cars. When Fernando reached 11th grade, he was automatically dual enrolled in our College and Career Preparation Program, which offers our students a deeper understanding of the college admissions process, FAFSA and
100% graduation rate (88% statewide)
3.53 average weighted GPA
1137 avg SAT score (state avg 966)
20.6
avg ACT score (state avg 18.9)
scholarship opportunities, and career planning so they are more prepared for their future learning and career goals. “I don’t view Champions as just another organization,” said Fernando. “I view it as a community. A community of students, coaches, and mentors who all work together to achieve the ultimate goal of reaching college and becoming whoever we want to become.” Ferando is attending the University of Central Florida and studying engineering in the fall of 2024.
Importance of Mentoring
According to youth.gov, healthy and supportive mentoring relationships contribute to a wide range of educational, social, and mental benefits for the mentee. Mentoring can help pre-teens and adolescents identify and use their strengths to overcome difficult situations and transitions, such as stressful personal circumstances. Students who are involved in a mentoring relationship are not only more engaged inside and outside the classroom, but they also have increased graduation rates and higher college enrollment rates.
Champions
For
Learning’s support not only acknowledges our contributions but also empowers us to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our students and the community at large.
Alaysha Greene, Collier County Educator and Take Stock in Children Graduate
Class of 2024 Graduates - Take Stock in Children and College and Career Preparation Combined Class Photo
Sutton C., a senior student, ringing the bell after being awarded the Gates Scholarship
Ariana R., a senior student, receiving Suncoast Housing Scholarship Award
Students attending a campus tour to Florida Atlantic University
College application lab at Champions For Learning
Career and Technical Education Programming
Entrepreneurship Program and Technical Pathways
Currently in the state of Florida, the economy is experiencing a skills gap, with 54% of jobs requiring skills training and only 45% of workers being trained at this level. Students who participate in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming can help fill those gaps, particularly in key industries across the state like manufacturing and information technology.
According to the Community College Research Center, CTE programs produce strong labor market outcomes, with career academy participants being likely to earn sustainable salaries post-graduation. CTE provides students with training and skills in many different types of careers in high growth industries such as science and technology, healthcare, and business management.
Through technical pathways exploration, our students receive guidance on how to navigate real career opportunities first-hand in the community with local businesses and organizations. Through these practical learning experiences, students establish bridges to future education or technical training and are prepared for a wide range of high-wage, highskill, and high-demand careers.
Champions For Learning helps facilitate Collier County Public School’s high school Entrepreneurship Program, which combines academic content with experiential learning of technical knowledge and skills to prepare students for further education, technical training, and career opportunities in business. We recruit, train, and retain the volunteer base for this program, which is comprised of current or retired business professionals and leaders in the community. Many are entrepreneurs themselves who bring a unique and authentic approach to encouraging students and teaching them how to grow successfully in the field. Our volunteers not only impart valuable and lifelong soft skills like teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, but they also teach students how to apply business concepts like marketing, revenue forecasting, storytelling, and sales planning.
This past spring, Megan M. had recently enrolled in Champions For Learning’s Student Programs. She was excited to participate in broad technical pathways exploration to begin thinking about how her interests in design and architecture could translate into future career aspirations. Through our programming, Megan attended an instructional workshop in our learning lab where she was introduced to the different job opportunities available in the construction industry. Rich Housh, the owner of Smarter Business Solutions and a local expert in energy, HVAC, and automation, hosted the session, which delved into the different technologies that are utilized during a new building project and jobs available in Southwest Florida in the construction industry.
It was an exciting learning opportunity for our students, but Rich generously took his lesson a step further by setting up a one-of-a-kind tour for the group to experience these technologies in person at the active construction site of Gulfshore Playhouse’s Baker Theatre and Education Center. “This was a perfect display of partnering between two prominent Naples based nonprofits, Champions For Learning and Gulfshore Playhouse,” said Rich. “Both of these great organizations are focused on educating the youth of Collier County and beyond.”
In May, Megan and other students donned hard hats and reflective gear as they walked through the partially constructed theatre with Rich. They saw the implementation of sound and lighting technologies firsthand and learned about viable career pathways in architecture, construction, information technology, and engineering that are available in Naples. Visiting this state-of-the-art facility gave
Megan a practical educational experience about the intricate and often unnoticed details of the construction industry.
“Touring the building excited me about continuing to pursue my passion of architecture and design even more,” said Megan. “The complex process of bringing this whole theatre to life was very cool to me since I’ve never thought about how a building comes together and all the construction work that goes into it. I was amazed.”
177 students attended Career Exploration Panels
62 students obtained industry certifications
157 volunteers impacted 242 students who participated in the Entrepreneurship Program
Volunteers
By devoting their time, expertise, resources, and insight, Champions For Learning’s volunteers are true changemakers who make a difference in the lives of our students and educators and help us achieve our mission. The relationships that are forged between mentors and students, between committee members and educators, and between ambassadors and our staff are the foundation of our work. Thank you, changemakers, for reflecting our belief that education is everything in all you do.
According to a 2024 article by Forbes, giving back time not only benefits local organizations like Champions For Learning but also positively impacts the individuals who volunteer. Helping others, like students and educators, increases volunteers’ sense of purpose, mental health, and overall happiness, and can help develop valuable skills like communication and networking. Through various volunteer opportunities, community members can forge new friendships with others who share values, priorities, and interests by working together in teams towards a collective purpose.
I volunteer at Champions For Learning because it’s a meaningful and fun way for me to support our teachers and their students. It also keeps me feeling young!
Dr. Leo Hogan
Since 2017, Dr. Leo Hogan has served as a devoted Champions For Learning changemaker in many different capacities. As a mentor for our Take Stock in Children program, Leo provided support to students and helped them develop life skills, set goals, and increase their self-esteem. By building strong relationships with his mentees, Leo has been a powerful positive force in students’ lives, encouraging and guiding them toward their future goals. Through his role as a College and Career Coach, Leo has helped countless students be better positioned to achieve success post high school graduation by leading workshops and lab sessions centered on career exploration and networking skills.
His commitment to education through his volunteerism also extends to our educators. Leo joined the Golden Apple Selection Committee in 2019 and served as co-chair from 20212023, during which time he not only visited the classrooms of elementary and secondary Teachers
of Distinction but also led the effort in identifying and honoring exemplary high impact teaching practices. His thorough and thoughtful approach ensured that outstanding educators received the recognition they deserved, thereby fostering a culture that cultivates educators’ future growth in the profession and prepares them for success.
Leo’s ability to connect with students and educators on a personal level, combined with his professional background as a former educator and school principal, has allowed him to offer valuable insights and support. Beyond his direct volunteer activities, his role as an ambassador for Champions For Learning is invaluable. He has referred many prospective volunteers, led numerous orientations for new mentors, and actively promoted our organization’s mission through networking, media, and community presentations. We are incredibly grateful to Leo and the many volunteers who work with us, our students, and our educators along their educational journeys.
430 volunteers
7,916 hours
$250,225 value of volunteer hours
60% of our volunteers returned (from FY23 to FY24)
55% dedicate 2-4 hours each week
I volunteer because I want to make a difference in the life of a student who may not have the opportunity or skills to know how to proceed or get started. A successful mentee will be able to give back to his or her community in the future.
Eileen Pearson, Take Stock in Children Mentor
Financial Profile
We are incredibly appreciative of our generous donors who share our belief that education is everything. Their steadfast support ensured that our students are educated and empowered to choose and navigate their own path to success and that our educators have the support and resources to experience professional success.
Champions For Learning had a decrease in net assets in Fiscal Year 2024; however, this was a result of releasing restricted funds for use in their intended programmatic purposes. Our Florida Prepaid Scholarships and related net assets with restrictions were overstated in previous audited financial statements. We purchased scholarships and Florida Prepaid Foundation matched our purchase dollar for dollar and in previous years, we recorded the cost of the scholarship and the match. We have adjusted our net assets to include only the portion of scholarships we purchased and this adjustment has no economic impact on students’ scholarships.
Our strong financial health, commitment to accountability, and sound stewardship of funds earned Champions For Learning a 4-star Charity Navigator rating for the eighth year in a row and a GuideStar platinum rating, both of which are the highest levels available to nonprofits and showcase our trustworthiness and transparency.
As a member of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF), Champions For Learning had the opportunity to apply for and secure over $500,000 in Resiliency Through the Community grants to promote and implement resiliency initiatives throughout Collier County. We retained a portion of the funding to support our work with students and distributed the remaining funds to our local nonprofit partners to support their own direct service programming. Building resilience in our students, our educators, and our schools provides them with the resources necessary to grow and adapt in the face of adversity, thereby cementing a stronger and more cohesive community.
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Statement Of Financial Position
1,898,404
7,087,010
Liabilities and Net Assets
Statement of Activities
Allocation of Funds
Sources of Revenue
