Champions For Learning

10/19/2026

🍏 We are proud to announce the 58 educators selected as the 2026–2027 Collier County Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction!

This year, more than 1,200 educators across Collier County received Thank-A-Teacher nominations from students, parents, colleagues, and community members — representing nearly 40% of all Collier County Public Schools teachers. This remarkable show of appreciation reflects our community’s commitment to recognizing the educators who make a lasting difference in students’ lives.

Today, we will celebrate these outstanding educators at our Teachers of Distinction Kickoff Event, marking the official start of the Golden Apple selection process. Throughout the coming months, these teachers will share their best practices with our volunteer selection committee, which will select six educators to be honored as 2027 Golden Apple recipients.

Join us in congratulating this year’s Teachers of Distinction! 🎉 Read the full announcement and view the complete list of Teachers of Distinction on our website: https://championsforlearning.org/news/2026-golden-apple-teachers-of-distinction-announcement/

10/09/2026

🎓 Champions: The Next Chapter | Isabella L. is heading into her sophomore year at Columbia University with a growing passion for medicine, service and making a difference in underserved communities.

During her freshman year, Isabella became a certified EMT through Columbia’s Code One program, gaining hands-on experience caring for patients and solidifying her goal of becoming an ER doctor or trauma surgeon. She also volunteered at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, working with children in the pediatric physical therapy unit.

But Isabella’s commitment to service extends beyond her future career. She founded Hope Unboxed Movement, a student-led initiative providing medical supplies to underserved communities. The organization now has student chapters across multiple states, and this summer, Isabella partnered with Grace Place and Champions For Learning to distribute medical supplies to the Golden Gate community in Naples.

She was also one of 25 students selected for the Laidlaw Foundation research program, spending six weeks researching bioethics, and will continue that work through an upcoming international research experience.

Throughout her journey, Isabella says Champions For Learning helped give her the confidence and skills to pursue opportunities, build professional relationships and advocate for her ideas. Her QuestBridge scholarship, received with support from Champions, has also allowed her to focus on her education and goals without the burden of student debt.

Today, Isabella continues to give back to Champions through Hope Unboxed, showing that being a Champion doesn't end when a student leaves the program. We’re proud to see what she is building—and even prouder that she continues to bring her journey full circle by giving back to the next generation!

10/08/2026

October 8 is Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Day!

A Donor Advised Fund is a charitable savings account that gives you a simple, intentional way to support the causes you care about. Already have a DAF? You can recommend a gift to Champions For Learning through the DAF widget on our website and help provide opportunities for Collier County students and educators.

Don’t have a DAF? Talk with your financial advisor to learn if one could be right for your charitable giving.

Visit our website or contact [email protected] to learn more: https://championsforlearning.org/make-a-gift/

10/02/2026

You’re invited to our Fall Volunteer Recruitment Social!

Champions For Learning is reaching and serving more students throughout our community, and we’re looking for additional volunteers who share our commitment to student success. Join us to learn more about our mission, explore volunteer opportunities, and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of Collier County students and educators. Come learn, connect, and discover how you can be a Champion for Learning!

📅 November 16, 2026
🕓 4–5:30 PM
📍 Champions For Learning
3606 Enterprise Ave. #150, Naples, FL 34104
✨ Light refreshments will be provided!

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2_QOCO_iWzW7M-h7KvO9NuvKLO1ipDuGiy94Z_gERow-vMQ/viewform

10/01/2026

JumpStart your future! Applications for the JumpStart Scholarship are open for eligible Collier County high school seniors in the Class of 2027.

Recipients receive a Florida Prepaid College Foundation scholarship covering 30 credit hours at a Florida state college and can use the scholarship at an accredited Florida institution, including technical and vocational colleges. Students also receive virtual resources to help with financial aid, life skills and personal finance. To be eligible, students must attend a public high school in Collier County, be a Collier County resident and meet at least one of the program’s income eligibility requirements.

📅 Applications open October 1 and close December 4th
🔗 Visit our website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply: https://championsforlearning.org/12th-grade/scholarships/

09/30/2026

🎓 FAFSA is now open!

For students and families planning for college, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step toward accessing financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify, completing the FAFSA can help you understand what financial assistance may be available. Need help navigating the college and financial aid process? Champions For Learning is here to help. Our College and Career Access support provides resources and guidance to help students take their next steps toward their future.

📩 Visit our website or contact us to learn more about available college and career support opportunities: https://championsforlearning.org/

09/29/2026

Need help with your student’s application? Our next Open House event is this Thursday!

Join us at our Open House to learn more about Champions For Learning’s College and Career Prep Programs, get your questions answered and receive personalized assistance with the application process. Our team will be available to help families complete their applications and make sure all required information is submitted. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the mentorship, college and career coaching, and other resources available to help your 8th grader prepare for a successful future! ✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to get the support you need, and take the next step for your student.

Open House Dates:
October 1, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
December 1, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Space is limited, click here to RSVP: https://doodle.com/sign-up-sheet/participate/5926604e-bb38-4080-926b-c567de46ff7a

09/28/2026

Thank you to Suncoast Credit Union its generous $245,000 gift supporting our student and educator programs.

For 27 years, Suncoast has stood alongside us in our mission to invest in Collier’s students and educators — helping create opportunities for students and providing resources and recognition for the educators who make a difference every day. We’re proud to call Suncoast a longtime partner and grateful for their continued commitment to the future of our community. We’re incredibly grateful for a partnership that has helped strengthen education in Collier County for nearly three decades!

Read the full press release on our website: https://championsforlearning.org/news/suncoast-credit-union-foundation-provides-245000-to-champions-for-learning/

09/28/2026

We’re proud to support our longtime partner, Arthrex, and the Greater Naples Chamber! Arthrex has been a supporter of Champions For Learning and our work to support Collier County students and educators since 2005. We’re also proud to partner with the Greater Naples Chamber to strengthen our community.

Show your support for Arthrex by voting for them for this award! Voting ends tomorrow, September 29th.

Vote here: https://coolestthingmadeinflorida.com

We’re cheering on one of our own! 🎉

Greater Naples Chamber member Arthrex has advanced to the Final Four of the Florida Chamber’s 2026 “Coolest Thing Made in Florida” competition — and is the only Southwest Florida product still in the running!

Arthrex’s TightRope® PRO is designed and manufactured right here in Collier County and is helping showcase the innovation happening in our own backyard. Now, they need our community’s support to advance to the final round!

Voting is open through Sept. 29. Cast your vote for Arthrex and help put a fellow Chamber member and Southwest Florida manufacturer in the spotlight!

Vote here: https://coolestthingmadeinflorida.com/

09/24/2026

Reminder: Our 8th grade program College and Career Prep Programs application is open until January 4th! Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity for 2-year scholarship your student. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply today on our website: https://championsforlearning.org/8th-grade/take-stock-in-children/

🎓 A 2-year Florida Prepaid scholarship could be in your student’s future! If your student is entering 8th grade in Collier County, now is the time to take the next step toward their college and career goals. Through Champions For Learning’s College and Career Prep Programs, students receive:

✨ A dedicated volunteer mentor
🎯 College and career coaching
📚 Foundational workshops and life-skills development
💙 Support at no cost to families, thanks to our generous donors
🎓 And upon successful completion, students may be eligible for a 2-year Florida Prepaid College Foundation state college tuition scholarship!
📅 Applications open August 11 and close January 4.

Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity for your student! Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply today at https://championsforlearning.org/8th-grade/take-stock-in-children/