Suncoast for Kids Scholarship and Grant Program Since 2005, Suncoast for Kids Foundation has awarded more than $320,000 in $1,000 scholarships to one graduating high school senior in each public high school in the 15 counties served by Suncoast. In addition to $1,000 scholarships, teachers can apply for classroom grants to help pay for innovative programs not funded through tax dollars. Principals can also apply for a discretionary fund, which is designed to financially assist students in areas such as field trips, band or sports uniforms, insurance and basic needs. The funds are administered by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and awarded on behalf of Suncoast. The education foundations in each county manage the scholarship applications and awards locally. Students, parents and teachers should contact their education foundation for more information. Criteria: This opportunity will be available to graduating high school students planning to enroll: In an accredited four-year institution, In an accredited two-year program leading to a four year undergraduate degree, In an accredited two-year degree program, or In a full time job preparatory program at an accredited trade or technical school. Candidates will be evaluated on Academic performance Leadership abilities Financial need (a strong emphasis is placed on financial need. In our 15 years of awarding scholarships, we have not always selected those with the highest GPA. Our goal is to give the opportunity to those deserving students who, without a scholarship, may not be able to continue their education. Please contact the Education Foundation in your school district for information and an application. Classroom Grants and Discretionary Funds Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, through the Suncoast for Kids Foundation, provides designated amounts per Education Foundation to participate as a sponsor in existing classroom grant programs and/or discretionary funds to provide financial assistance to students who may not otherwise be able to participate in school events or who lack basic needs to succeed in the classroom. Criteria for Grants: Teacher grants will be awarded directly to the educators. Educators applying for this grant should submit a brief essay explaining how the learning experience will directly impact the students. An emphasis should be placed on promoting an engaging and exploratory experience for the student that would not otherwise be available. Included with the essay should be a breakdown of the cost of the project. Criteria for Discretionary Funds: Examples of intended use: financial assistance for field trips, band or sports uniforms, insurance for participation in athletics, or when a teacher sees a child whose basic needs are not being met, such as, not having warm clothes in cold weather, needing basic school supplies etc. No cash donations will be made to the child or their parent/guardian. Request can come from a teacher/guidance counselor through the school Principal. The request will state the dollar amount of the need, the purpose of the request and how the funds will be spent. Please contact the Education Foundation in your school district for information. Charlotte Education Foundation (941) 255-0808 ext. 3113 Citrus County Education Foundation (352) 726-1931 ext. 2205 Education Foundation of Collier County (239) 643-4755 Desoto County Education Foundation (863) 494-4222 ext. 120 Glades/Moore Haven HS Scholarship Foundation (863) 946-2083 Hardee Education Foundation (863) 773-9058 ext. 204 Hendry Public Schools Foundation (863) 902-4244 Hernando County Education Foundation (352) 797-7029 Hillsborough Education Foundation (813) 231-1901 Foundation for Lee County Public Schools (239) 337-0433 Levy County Schools Foundation (352) 528-4424 Manatee County Schools Foundation (941) 708-8770 ext. 2148 Pasco Education Foundation (813) 794-2705 Pinellas County Education Foundation (727) 588-4816 Sumter School Enhancement Foundation (352) 793-2315 ext. 212