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Students in SCF’s College Reach-Out Program Recognized

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(Bradenton, Fla., June 16, 2020) – State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) honored 143 local middle and high school students in the College Reach-Out Program (CROP), including 48 graduating seniors from area high schools.

CROP, a statewide program serving 3,000 students statewide and funded through a grant from the Florida Department of Education, is designed to increase the number of low-income and educationally disadvantaged students who successfully complete postsecondary education. The program aims to develop students’ basic learning skills and foster academic, personal and career development through supplemental instruction, including workshops, visits to college campuses and other experiences.

Individual schools also select their top students of the school year. The 2020 CROP Students of the Year are:

  • Bayshore High School: Ku’tur Williams
  • Booker High School: Jaela Dennis
  • Lee Middle School: Katherine Vasquez
  • Manatee High School: Antonio Resendiz II
  • Palmetto High School: Mario Arredondo
  • Riverview High School: Daniela Sanchez
  • Southeast High School: Anayeli Alvarado

CROP site coordinators from participating schools are Dwight Gilmer from Bayshore High School; Lem Andrews from Booker High School; Keenan Wooten from Lee Middle School; Rui Fernandes from Palmetto High School; Angela Kasapakis from Riverview High School; and Laura Roberts from Southeast High School.

Of the 48 seniors in this year’s program, 47 plan to continue their education. Sixteen of the seniors will start taking college courses at SCF in June through the College’s Summer Bridge Program. These students will receive a scholarship of approximately $1,000 to cover tuition for two classes, as well as books and educational materials.  CROP graduates who attend SCF also are eligible to receive tuition and book scholarships.

Ten SCF students in the CROP program received their degrees May 1. They are Yvette Alanis, Associate in Science, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Raul Alvarez, Associate in Arts; Erykah Bazan, Associate in Science,  Criminal Justice Technology; Nayya Bowers, Associate in Arts; Dapheney Brinvert, Associate in Arts; Jefferson Brinvert, Associate in Arts; Megan Mellott, Associate in Arts; Mickerly Pierre, Associate in Arts; Grecia Quevedo, Associate in Arts; and Leonardo Reynoso, Associate in Arts.

For more information, contact Dr. Kristen L. Anderson, director of special programs at SCF, at AndersKL@SCF.edu.

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Barancik Foundation Awards $100,000 to Support Early Childhood Education at SCF

The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to State College of Florida Foundation (SCFF) to start the Barancik Early Education Pilot Program at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF). The program is designed to ensure more people working with children ages three to five have bachelor’s degrees.

SCF has been working diligently to help reset the image of early childhood education. About 80 percent of brain development occurs before a child reaches the age of six, making it important to provide young children with a strong educational beginning. There are new legislative requirements for early childhood educators to increase their level of education, so that they will be equipped to ensure student success. Having classroom teachers with Bachelor of Science degrees will provide three- to five-year-old students with a solid educational foundation, boosting their chances for continued success.

This grant aligns with Barancik Foundation’s Teacher Recruitment/Retention and First 1,000 Days Sarasota County initiatives. “We are pleased to partner with State College of Florida to educate and help employ those who will nurture the minds of our young children,” said Teri A Hansen, President and CEO of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

To help quickly increase the number of early childhood educators with bachelor’s degrees, SCF will begin accepting applications immediately for the Barancik Early Educators Pilot Program. Anyone interested in the program should contact April Fleming, director of educational programs, at FleminA@SCF.edu or 941-363-7265.

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SCF Students Receive Scholarships from Sertoma Club of Bradenton

Sertoma Club of Bradenton presented scholarships to two State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) students. The scholarship committee for the Sertoma Club participated in scholarship essay reading in August and was impressed with the need for scholarships at SCF. As a result, the club gave a total of $7,000.

Brooke Jones and Yavonne Bain thanked the Sertoma Club during a luncheon Oct. 24 where they were presented with the scholarships. Jones, a full-time student, works at Publix 20 hours a week while studying to earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. She is a first-generation college student and has worked at Publix since she was 14-years-old. She plans to apply to the nursing program.

Bain, who works full-time at NEUROInternational and is working toward her AA degree, also plans to apply to the nursing program. NEUROInternational works with clients who have sustained brain injuries. Bain went to work with them to gain experience in the health care industry.

Sertoma, which also awards academic and community achievement scholarships to students graduating from Manatee County public schools, awarded the SCF students $3,500 each. This year, more than 2,400 SCF students submitted scholarship applications. The Foundation awarded 1,151 scholarships totaling $1.63 million.

For more information, contact Allison Nash at NashA@SCF.edu or 941-752-5390.

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Foundation Awards $20,000 for SCF Studio for the Performing Arts

The Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to the State College of Florida Foundation for an acoustically correct music practice studio in the new Studio for the Performing Arts at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF).

The practice studios, which allow for one-on-one tutoring as well as individual practice time, are essential for students to meet their coursework requirements. Plans for the new building include a total of 10 practice studios. The 13,400-square-foot building at SCF Bradenton will support the growth of music, art and theatre programs in Sarasota and Manatee counties. It also will provide an outreach to all populations, including those with limited access to such amenities, meeting a critical need for SCF and the community.

The French Foundation was established to support organizations that educate and empower individuals to help themselves and others in need. Ralph S. French was a doctor who owned a home on Anna Maria Island. He believed not only in helping people, but also empowering them to help themselves.

The building where music students currently practice is more than 50 years old and will be demolished once the new Studio for the Performing Arts is complete. The older facility was originally designed for classrooms only, offers minimal functionality and has poor acoustics. In 2010 the Department of Education performed a facilities study, and based on the results, determined it was not suitable for college music program needs. The college received state approval for replacement, but without funding.

The $3.5 million Studio for the Performing Arts is designed to be an educationally sound and inviting space for both students and the community. SCF offers the only open-door access higher education music program in the region. It serves approximately 500 general education students annually taking music classes, including 80 music majors.

To donate to the Studio for the Performing Arts or other programs, or for more information, contact Barbara Bourgoin, development director, at BourgoB@SCF.edu or (941) 752-5398

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Tervis Donates $10,000 for Gator Den at SCF

Tervis has donated $10,000 to the State College of Florida Foundation (SCFF) to update technology at the Gator Den at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Venice. In addition, the Tervis Scholarship, a $25,000 endowed scholarship, has been set up to assist girls who graduate from Booker High School and are accepted into Gator Engineering at SCF. The scholarship is designed to encourage more young women to study engineering.

The $10,000 grant was used to provide technology that makes connections easier between Gator Engineering classrooms and the University of Florida (UF) Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. SCF has been chosen by UF as one of only two extension sites in Florida for Gator Engineering. Gator Engineering at SCF includes live-learn-work experiences, including co-ops, internships and job shadowing with local companies. The collaboration creates an innovative and technologically-ready engineering workforce available to employers in Manatee and Sarasota counties. By starting their education and internships locally, UF graduates are expected to return to embark on their careers.

Tervis, a privately owned company headquartered in North Venice, Florida has been operating for more than 70 years. It employs about 600 people, including engineers. The company recently hosted a tour with Gator Engineering students to offer them insights into the manufacturing industry. Two lead engineers at Tervis talked to the students about their careers.

For information about Gator Engineering at SCF, contact Heather Shehorn at ShehorH@SCF.edu or 941-408-1416. For information on setting up grants and scholarships for one of SCF’s programs or capital campaigns, contact Barbara Bourgoin at BourgoB@SCF.edu or 941-752-5398.

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Swift Family Foundation Gives $7,500 for Gator Engineering Den at SCF

The Swift Family Foundation has awarded State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) a $7,500 grant for its Gator Engineering Den at SCF Venice. The Swift Family Foundation provides grants for educational endeavors in medicine and technology areas. After a successful practice in Iowa, Dr. Frederick Swift moved to Gainesville in 1970.

SCF has been chosen by University of Florida (UF) to become one of only two extension sites in Florida for Gator Engineering.  Gator Engineering at SCF includes live-learn-work experiences, including co-ops, internships and job shadowing with local companies. The collaboration will create an innovative and technologically-ready engineering workforce available to employers in Manatee and Sarasota counties. By starting their education and internships locally, UF graduates are expected to return to embark on their careers.

UF lacks the capacity to admit all the qualified students who apply to its engineering program each year.  UF selected SCF as an extension of its program, offering a Bachelor of Science in engineering degree that allows local students to begin their coursework and then move on to the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. The Swift Family Foundation grant will support Gator Engineering and the Gator Engineering Den with technology and capital needs.

Gator Engineering and the Gator Engineering Den were established to eliminate the barrier for many Florida students, many first generation, who may not have funds or the transportation to enroll at UF as a freshman.  By creating a hub at SCF Venice, students will have an opportunity to develop plans to move to Gainesville with guidance from the onsite Gator Engineering advisor.

For information about Gator Engineering at SCF, contact Heather Shehorn at shehorh@SCF.edu or 941-408-1416. For information on setting up grants and scholarships for one of SCF’s programs and capital campaigns, contact Barbara Bourgoin at bourgob@SCF.edu or 941-752-5398.

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SCF’s Dental Hygiene Program and Clinic Receive Grant to Purchase Equipment

The dental hygiene program and clinic at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has purchased new equipment designed to teach students and to care for patients thanks to a $40,000 grant from The Lawrence E. Ruf Commitment to Excellence Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

The grant will pay for:

  • A Dentsply DXTTR radiographic mannequin head which is used in the classroom. The head allows students to practice panoramic x-rays and to demonstrate competency before entering the clinical setting.
  • A Miele thermal washer disinfector to ensure proper cleaning of instruments prior to sterilization.
  • Two SciCan Statims which sterilize dental instruments used to provide treatment to patients.
  • A Velscope VX oral cancer screening device to be used in the classroom and clinic. The Velscope will allow the clinic’s dentist to provide advanced oral cancer screenings to patients. Students will learn from the process of assisting the dentist and notating any abnormalities and making necessary referrals.

The dental hygiene clinic at SCF provides teeth cleanings, oral examinations, dental X-rays, fluoride and sealants to patients ages 6 and older. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. Clinic hours during the Spring semester are available Monday through Friday. Care is provided by SCF students under the supervision of licensed dental hygiene instructors and dentists. The cost ranges from $10 per quadrant for sealants to $52 for adult complex cleanings with x-rays. No insurance is required.

 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the SCF Dental Hygiene Clinic at 941-752-5353. To support equipment purchases for SCF’s health programs, call Barbara Bourgoin, development director, at 941-752-5398 or bourgob@SCF.edu.

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SCF Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members

The State College of Florida Foundation welcomes three new board members. Joining the board are Dianne Anderson, Robert Klingbeil and Barbara Najmy.

Klingbeil, of Venice, joined the board in April. He is a native of Florida and graduate of the University of Florida’s law school. His law firm, Klingbeil & Roberts, P.A., has been serving the Venice area since 1993. He concentrates in the area of estate planning and guardianship and also does general corporate work. Klingbeil is an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Sertoma Club of Venice, serving as club president. He is past president of the Kiwanis Club of Venice, past president and member of the board of directors of the South County Family YMCA, and is the past president and a current board member of the South County Division of the Sarasota County Bar Association.

Anderson, an associate with Remax Platinum Realty, joins the board May 17. She grew up in Orlando and went to Furman University in Greenville, S.C. She began her career as a financial advisor, and has served as a volunteer, mentor and fundraiser in education throughout her career. She has coached youth sports and serves on the executive committee of the YMCA Going for the Gold. She also volunteers as a Y Angel, providing outreach, support and funding to children in need.

Najmy, a lifelong resident of the Sarasota area, also joins the board May 17. She has a diverse professional background, including real estate, marketing, high-end retail, sales and management, and new home construction. She joined Michael Saunders & Company in 2003 and has brokered some of the area’s top luxury sales, including closing the highest single sale in the company’s Lakewood Ranch office. She and her husband, Joe, have a strong sense of community. They are both longtime board members of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, and Najmy supports and chairs fundraisers for Easter Seals of Southwest Florida and Jewish Family & Children’s Services.

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Mosaic Awards SCF, Manatee-Sarasota Technology Grant

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has received a grant from The Mosaic Company for more than $350,000 to be awarded over two years for a Manufacturing Opportunities for Skills Advancement and Innovation Collaborative. The collaboration will enhance SCF’s Engineering Technology (ET) program to offer 10 new employer-requested manufacturing courses beginning in Fall 2017.
“This expanded SCF and Mosaic partnership fills a critical advanced manufacturing skills gap and strengthens our community’s economic development with increased job opportunities for students and well-trained graduates for local employers,” said Dr. Carol Probstfeld, SCF president.
The grant is earmarked to help SCF purchase equipment and build a lab for the manufacturing program on its Bradenton campus. The purchased manufacturing and quality assurance equipment, software and classroom technology will offer students hands-on training and experience. The College also will retrofit existing classrooms for the program with training equipment for pumps, motors, AC/DC electrical systems, mechanical processes and manufacturing processes.

“This important partnership started two years ago as State College of Florida and Mosaic sat down together determined to make the right training for mining and production jobs accessible in Manatee County,” said Walt Precourt, senior vice president of Phosphate Operations. “The development of this curriculum is a meaningful step toward that goal and makes it possible for those entering the job market to call Mosaic or many other local industries home, while growing their future and the future of Manatee County.”

A Manufacturing Skills Gap study indicated that the need for regional manufacturing jobs continues to be critical. The new curriculum, including industry certifications such as Manufacturing Skills Council Certificate (MSSC), will provide students with a variety of foundational, technical and soft skills for a career in advanced manufacturing. Additionally, this expanded SCF-Mosaic partnership allows SCF to offer more industrial management and maintenance opportunities in credit and noncredit classes, as well as customized workforce training.

For more information, contact Cassandra Holmes, executive director of the State College of Florida Foundation, at holmesc@scf.edu.