Giving students real world, real work experiences benefits us all
By Bill Goede, President of Bank of America Tampa Bay At Bank of America, we are dedicated to driving… Read More
Groundbreaking strategies for systemic change
The Pinellas Education Foundation is proud to offer innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by public education today. Explore our blog, whitepapers and other education resources, and check our calendar to see all upcoming events. To receive our latest updates and quarterly newsletter, sign up to join our email list below.
Innovative Solutions Blog
Influential Teachers Make an Impact That Last a Lifetime
By Stacy Baier, CEO When I think back to graduate school, a fond memory stands out that goes far beyon… Read More
Closing the Gap: Cutting-Edge Program Tackles a Troubling Trend by Helping Boys Catch Up
By Jim Myers and Sebastian Dortch Seven years ago, it was an issue in pressing need of a solution –… Read More
USF’s Closing of the College of Education Runs Counter to University, Community Goals
By Charles M. Harris, Chairman The teacher at the front of each classroom is an absolute cornerstone o… Read More
The Power of Internships: Summer Career Acceleration Program Readies for Second Year Following Promising Debut
One point was underscored powerfully during the first year of the Summer Career Acceleration Program:… Read More
“Teaching is a Calling:” A Reflection on a Special Profession by 2018-19 Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year Nicole Kenngott
By Nicole Kenngott Teachers are driven by a passion to help others to become the best versions of them… Read More
Events
December 7, 2021
The fourth annual ChangeMakers celebration pays tribute to the dedication of our community as it has supported the work of the Pinellas Education Foundation for more than three decades. December 7, 2021 Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Program begins at 8:00 a.m. St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater 12600 Roosevelt Blvd N St. Petersburg, FL 33716 Sponsorship […] Learn More
News
10 Tampa Bay’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ Interviews
(Aug. 27, 2021) 10 Tampa Bay Stuff the Bus event day interviews Capris Edmond Interview Stacy Baier In… Read More
The Tampa Bay 100: Pinellas Education Foundation partners with JPMorgan Chase
(Sept. 15, 2021) The Pinellas Education Foundation has announced a $100,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase… Read More
Tampa Bay Business Journal: Pinellas County’s new early learning effort aims to create lifelong, career-ready learners
(Sept. 3, 2021) The future of business development is brighter in Pinellas County. Last month, the H… Read More
The Pinellas Education Foundation Partners with JPMorgan Chase to Fund Teacher Externships
JPMorgan Chase awarded the Foundation $100,000 to fund externships for teachers to better promote tech… Read More
The Weekly Challenger: $1 million donation prepares VPK, K-2 students to become stronger readers
(Aug. 13, 2021) ST. PETERSBURG — Leaders from Pinellas County Schools, Pinellas Education Foundati… Read More
10 Tampa Bay: Help kids and Stuff the Bus!
(Aug. 11, 2021) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Kids throughout the Tampa Bay area are now back at school, so… Read More
White Papers and Reports
Early Literacy Scan Report
In late 2019 the Pinellas Education Foundation convened an Early Literacy Steering Committee to better… Read More
Preparing Pinellas Students for the Future: College and Career Readiness Insights
For this report, college and career ready is defined by the indicator tracked by the Florida Departmen… Read More
Career and Technical Education
Pathways for Postsecondary and Employment Readiness Many jobs require more than a high school diploma… Read More
2018 Pinellas Community Indicator Report
The State of Postsecondary Access and Attainment in Pinellas County In December 2017, a group of Pinel… Read More
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The Next Generation Entrepreneurs program is now accepting applications from Pinellas County Schools high school students. This opportunity allows students start new businesses, bring an innovative idea to market while working with business community mentors. The program emphasizes adding value to people’s lives and the steps involved to being a successful entrepreneur. Students will compete in a "Shark Tank" style competition for a chance to win $10,000 in start-up funds! Learn more and apply at: pinellaseducation.org/nge
It is with great sadness we share news of the passing of Jean Giles Wittner, a trailblazing businesswoman who made an incredible impact on Pinellas County through her leadership in both business and philanthropy. ![]()
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Known as a woman of many firsts, Mrs. Wittner was the first woman to serve as Chair of Pinellas Education Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2003. During her term, the Walker's Rising Stars Scholarship Competition for the performing and visual arts was launched. To date, the program has awarded more than $750,000 in scholarships to students. She also helped the Foundation lead a statewide advocacy campaign that resulted in a $10 million increase in technical education funding, and saw to it that every Take Stock in Children scholar had a mentor to guide them through their education. ![]()
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We are grateful for Mrs. Wittner’s passionate support of education all these years and know her legacy continues to live on through the many lives she has touched. ![]()
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We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Wittner family. Read more about the inspiring life of Jean Giles Wittner: www.tampabay.com/life-culture/2021/09/20/st-petersburg-banker-shattered-every-glass-ceiling-she-hit/
St. Petersburg banker shattered every glass ceiling she hit
www.tampabay.com
Jean Giles Wittner believed in “being so good at your job that you can’t be overlooked.” She died at 86.
Ensure that this generation's knowledge continues to expand. Consider purchasing our Support Education license plate, and keep Florida's programs growing. bit.ly/3EB6U7q
Volunteer Opportunity: Our College and Career Centers are looking for committed volunteers to help students and families navigate the college process. Ongoing training is provided to all volunteers. Your expertise will grow alongside the committed team members as you support our students and families to fulfill their post-secondary dreams. Volunteer opportunities are available for both on-site and virtual volunteering. Learn more about the centers: bit.ly/3gfsR1l![]()
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Sign up to attend a virtual volunteer information session: bit.ly/2W8AFuw
Casting Call: The Pinellas Education Foundation is now accepting applications from Pinellas County Schools juniors and seniors for the 2021-2022 Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition. During this year-long initiative, students hone their audition and portfolio skills while ultimately competing for scholarships. Casting call categories include Dance, Instrumental, Theater, Visual Arts, and Vocal Performance. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15. Learn more at pinellaseducation.org/wrs
Jean Giles Wittner was a trailblazing businesswoman who made an incredible impact on Pinellas through her leadership in both business and philanthropy. A woman of many firsts, she was the first woman to serve as Chair of @PinellasEd's Board of Directors. https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/2021/09/20/st-petersburg-banker-shattered-every-glass-ceiling-she-hit/
