Brenda Spearman

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. was founded in 1986 as a non profit 501 C3 organization. The goal of the Fuondation is to create and enhance opportunities for our public school students. The goal is accomplished in many ways. Sometimes, in-school programs are expanded ith additional resources - such as new titles being added to the Jim and Ellie Newton Children's Literature Center. Sometimes, students are given unique learning opportunities through Mini-Grants presented to their teachers. Sometimes, the teachers themselves are recognized and encouraged in their dedicated efforts-as in the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program. Since a concerned group of local businesses and community leaders created the Foundation in 1986, more than $25 million dollars has been donated to further education in Lee School District public schools. Another program that benefits students in Lee County is the Take Stock in Children is a mentoring and college scholarship program for low-income, at-risk students in 6th -9th grade in the public school system. Students apply and upon being selected, fill out a contract along with their parents promising to remain crime and drug free, maintain a 2.5 GPA and above, display good behavior, and meet with an assigned mentor on a regular basis through high school graduation. Upon graduation these students receive a 2+2 college tuition scholarship (2 years at a community college, and 2 years at a university).