Academic Achievement

Advancing Student Achievement

Pinellas Education Foundation is committed to ensuring every student in Pinellas County has access and the opportunity to benefit from a high-quality education that equips them for a fulfilling future.

We develop innovative solutions that drive academic achievement and work closely with the school district and business leaders to create positive systemic change. We focus on measurable academic outcomes to help students thrive where they need it most.

Building Strong Foundations:

Our Literacy Focus

We strategically focus on literacy achievement because research consistently shows that reading on grade level by third grade is a strong predictor of a student’s long-term academic success. Early intervention is key to laying a solid foundation for every educational journey.

We have two programs committed to improving literacy outcomes: Pinellas Early Literacy Initiative (PELI) and Closing the Gap. PELI focuses on increasing professional development based on the science of reading and coaching for Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd-grade teachers. We are seeing remarkable progress in the number of students reading at grade level by third grade through this program.

Closing the Gap addresses the gender achievement reading gap within our schools. This initiative provides professional development for teachers and administrators, equipping them with research-based, gender-differentiated instructional strategies and tactics to close identified achievement gaps.

Empowering Future Success:

Mastering Algebra

Mastering algebra by 9^thgrade propels students toward academic success, critical thinking, and future educational and career readiness. It equips them with skills and knowledge applicable across various domains, both within and beyond mathematics. Our math initiative, Ready Set Algebra, takes a three-pronged approach to ensure success through professional development for math teachers, math enrichment activities, and tutoring.

Our Academic Impact

800

Teachers participated in professional development focused on literacy and improving instructional strategies in the 23-24 school year.

89

Of participating PELI schools had significant gains in English Language Arts proficiency in the 23-24 school year.

38

Of participating Closing the Gap schools have closed the gender achievement literacy gap.

Mentoring Impact

“What truly transformed my experience was the mentor I gained through Take Stock in Children. Mentorship, for me, has been a lifeline. My mentor served as a guiding light, offering wisdom and support at every critical juncture, especially during the college application process.”

– Vidi L., Take Stock in Children Mentoring Program Alumni

Teacher Impact

“The work you do in uplifting educators makes such a difference in our ability to inspire, innovate, and serve our students. I am beyond grateful for all that you’ve done to support me, and I will continue to pour that gratitude back into the work I do every day.”

– Natalie S., Visual Arts Teacher

Mentoring Impact

“My mentor has been an outstanding person for me throughout high school, she has offered support, encouragement, and wisdom since the beginning that has helped me navigate challenges, set goals and grow as a person. Her guidance, serving as a light, shaping my confidence and aspirations, inspiring me to strive for excellence and to believe in my potential.”

– Valerie O., Take Stock in Children Mentoring Program, Class of 2025

Scholarship Impact

“The support from the scholarship program has been a huge source of motivation for me. Knowing that others believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my education has inspired me to work even harder toward my goals.”

– Kelvin A., Scholarship Recipient

Classroom Impact

“The Literacy Magazine project I received funding for impacts so many students at our school. Students can submit a poem, short story, flash fiction, artwork, or photos for publishing consideration. They anxiously await the magazine’s arrival, and when it does, the excitement is palpable. On behalf of all students and staff members who love to read students’ original writing and see their creative art, thank you very much.”

Teresa Z., Classroom Grant Recipient

Become a Mentor

or Volunteer

You can help students build a solid foundation of values, establish goals, improve their academic and life skills, while developing self-esteem and confidence.

Partners in Impact

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Academic Achievement

Advancing Student Achievement

Building Strong Foundations:

Our Literacy Focus

Empowering Future Success:

Mastering Algebra

Our Academic Impact

800

89

38

Mentoring Impact

“What truly transformed my experience was the mentor I gained through Take Stock in Children. Mentorship, for me, has been a lifeline. My mentor served as a guiding light, offering wisdom and support at every critical juncture, especially during the college application process.”

Teacher Impact

“The work you do in uplifting educators makes such a difference in our ability to inspire, innovate, and serve our students. I am beyond grateful for all that you’ve done to support me, and I will continue to pour that gratitude back into the work I do every day.”

Mentoring Impact

Scholarship Impact

“The support from the scholarship program has been a huge source of motivation for me. Knowing that others believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my education has inspired me to work even harder toward my goals.”

Classroom Impact

Become a Mentor

or Volunteer

You can help students build a solid foundation of values, establish goals, improve their academic and life skills, while developing self-esteem and confidence.

Partners in Impact

Join Us in Making a Difference!

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