Community Foundation to host education showcase

On Wednesday, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is hosting the EdExplore SRQ Exploration Showcase, an event that will promote the collaborative program that allows Sarasota County students to experience arts, culture and science.

EdExplore SRQ, formed in January 2010, seeks to educate students in Sarasota County Schools through “explorations,” both in the classroom and outside of school. The explorations are offered by partner organizations; more than 30 groups team up with EdExplore SRQ to provide explorations.

EdExplore SRQ is a partnership between the Sarasota County School District, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida and the Patterson Foundation.

Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Lori White said in a press release that the activities offered by EdExploreSRQ are essential for a complete education.

“Experiential learning provides context for academic work,” White said. “Explorations create lifelong memories and improve retention across all subject areas.”

The showcase event, which will be held at 5 p.m. at the Community Foundation, will feature demonstrations and presentations from the program’s partners. The event will also be an opportunity for the program to award grants to teachers and principals in attendance.

Teachers interested in applying for grants to allow their students to participate in the program can do so at the Community Foundation beginning next week. The Community Foundation will evaluate the applications twice a month.

The Community Foundation has committed $500,000 over the next five years to the EdExploreSRQ program. The Patterson Foundation and the Community Foundation have also created an endowment fund for the program. The Patterson Foundation has made up to $3 million available in matching funds for donations, and has matched the $500,000 donation from the Community Foundation.

“Ensuring resources are available for explorations will allow the Sarasota County School District to continue to be a shining star of all Florida school districts with its focus on students and experiential learning opportunities,” said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation.

Since November 2011, over $354,211 has been awarded through 195 grants to provide explorations for Sarasota County students. More information on EdExploreSRQ can be found at the program’s website.

Contact David Conway at [email protected].