Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.

10/29/2026

The moment great teachers take center stage!

Join the Education Foundation of Sarasota County for the Teacher of the Year Celebration, presented by Sunset Automotive Group https://www.facebook.com/sunsetautomotivegroup/ It’s an evening honoring the educators who inspire students across Sarasota County Schools

Monday, December 7 | Mote Science Education Aquarium
6–6:30 PM | Registration and drinks
6:30–8 PM | Dinner and awards

Cocktail attire

RSVP by November 20: bit.ly/TOY_26

Questions? Reach out to Kaylen Hage, Events & Volunteer Engagement Manager, at [email protected] or (941) 927-0965 x6002.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, and a special thank you to Sunset Automotive Group for being our presenting sponsor!

10/27/2026

Your experience could be the roadmap a student needs.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is looking for Career-Connected Student Mentors, caring professionals who will guide and inspire a local high school student with goals in their field.

As a mentor, you’ll:

- Share insight into your industry and career path
- Help a student set goals and explore life after graduation
- Build their confidence and professional network

Ready to make a difference? Reach out to Maria Guardado. Know someone who would be a great mentor? Tag them below!

https://edfoundationsrq.org/students/mentoring/become-a-mentor/

10/15/2026

With special thanks to presenting sponsor Lexus Of Sarasota, registration is open for the 4th annual Ringling Bridge Run on Sunday, April 25! Join us in supporting students and teachers across Sarasota County.

Early bird registration for the 5K is $40 through December 31. Sarasota County teachers and students 18 and under can register for $25. The fun run is free, so everyone can join!

Register here: https://bit.ly/BRIDGE_27

10/13/2026

What does it really take to support educator well-being beyond individual self-care?

Jennifer Vigne sits down with Sandi Herrera and Dr. Stacie Herrera, co-founders of HumanizEDU, to explore how well-being, psychological safety and school culture affect both educators and students. They discuss burnout, the importance of relationships and everyday “micro moments,” and ways schools can create environments where educators feel seen, supported and valued. The conversation also looks at helping educators move from simply surviving to thriving and keeping education human-centered as AI continues to evolve.

https://edfoundationsrq.org/education-conversations-podcast/

09/23/2026

Why does voting matter? Sarasota County students, we want to hear from you.

League of Women Voters of Sarasota County public school students in grades 6–8 to enter the 2026–2027 YVote Contest.

Students can respond to the question, “Why Vote? Convince Me It Matters!” by writing an essay, creating a video or submitting a piece of 2-D artwork.

Students can win up to $200. Entries are due January 22, 2027.

For complete contest details and application materials, visit:
https://lwvsrq.org/YVote

Please share this opportunity and encourage a young person to use their creativity and voice.

09/08/2026

Thank you to Tommy Gregory, president of State College of Florida for joining Jennifer Vigne for a thoughtful conversation about education, leadership and student success.

President Gregory shares how his experiences in the military, law, public service and higher education have shaped his approach to leadership. Together, they explore the connection between education and workforce needs, the value and affordability of state colleges, and the importance of helping students graduate and build sustainable careers.

The conversation also looks ahead at the future of State College of Florida and offers practical advice for students and families considering what comes after high school.

For the first time this fall, you can watch full episodes of our podcast on YouTube. Find links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or just listen on our website here: https://edfoundationsrq.org/education-conversations-podcast/

09/01/2026

Teachers: Classroom grants are officially open now through Sept 30! Apply today.

Principals: New School Staff Well-Being Grants are open through Sept 11. Schools serving K-5, K-8, and 6-8 can apply for up to $5,000 for a qualifying school-wide program to invest in the well-being of their staff. This is an opportunity to bring an initiative to your campus that strengthens well-being, connection, and school culture.

https://edfoundationsrq.org/teachers/grants/

What questions do you have? Ask in the comments or reach us directly: [email protected].

08/24/2026

Teachers! Is this the year you become a Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation TIME Fellow? Details below.

Sarasota County Schools educators, where would your curiosity take you if you could design the learning experience yourself? Find out by applying for our 2027 TIME Fellowship! Through Barancik Foundation's TIME Fellowship program, we invite educators to propose their own learning experience of a lif...

08/12/2026

In this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer Vigne sits down with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, to explore the vital role of arts education in today's schools.

Brian shares why the arts are essential to a well-rounded education, helping students develop lifelong skills that prepare them for success. From strengthening communication and critical thinking to encouraging curiosity, this conversation highlights the lasting impact arts education has on students and the community.

Listen here, or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://edfoundationsrq.org/education-conversations-podcast/

08/06/2026

In education, summer is a time of transition. Last month, we interviewed class of 2026 graduate and STRIVE awardee Jackie Salomon, inviting her to reflect on finishing high school, her dreams for next year and beyond, and what advice she would give to others like her. Watch this short clip, then visit our blog to read Jackie's full story.

https://edfoundationsrq.org/reflecting-on-success-looking-toward-tomorrow/