LOCAL PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release 02/11/2025
Media Contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq. President & CEO (239) 337-0433
For more information contact:
Mary Chance 352-338-0250 or marychance@cfef.net
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Helps Lee County Students Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways
Fort Myers, FL – February 11, 2025 – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools today announced it has received a grant for $33,750 as part of a three-year $1,200,000 grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) aimed at increasing student interest in healthcare careers and successful participation in high school healthcare career academies, particularly among students from underrepresented rural communities.
Through the ‘Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways’ program grant, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools will implement initiatives designed to ignite student interest in pursuing healthcare careers. This program will specifically benefit students from underrepresented communities, including aspiring healthcare professionals from East Lee County High, Gateway High, and South Fort Myers High. By providing access to resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, we aim to empower these students to explore and excel in healthcare fields. Over the next three years, the grant will directly impact over 400 students, focusing on expanding and enhancing career pathways in healthcare.
“This funding from the Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways’ program will have a transformative impact on both our students and the broader community by expanding access to healthcare career pathways.” Said Dr. Lisa Wright, Health Occupations Coordinator at The School District of Lee County. “For students, it opens doors to hands-on learning, specialized training, and real-world experience in a growing industry. By investing in education and resources that support healthcare careers, we are empowering students to pursue fulfilling and high-demand roles in healthcare, which not only benefits them but also strengthens our community’s workforce. As these students enter the healthcare field, they will bring fresh talent and innovation, contributing to better care and improved health outcomes for the community.”
The specific initiatives funded by the grant will include career exploration activities, student internships, and work-based learning opportunities. Additionally, funding will be allocated for the start-up and expansion of healthcare CTE programs and career academies, covering costs for curriculum, teacher training, and necessary equipment. The grant will also help eliminate barriers for student participation, such as uniforms, equipment, transportation, and competition/conference fees. Furthermore, teacher externships will be funded to deepen understanding of healthcare professions, while summer transition programs and certification test preparation will be provided to ensure students are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields.
“The Consortium is pleased to bring much-needed healthcare career pathway exploration and acceleration opportunities to students across the state of Florida,” said Mary Chance, President/CEO of the Consortium. “As healthcare careers continue to be in-demand, the need to inspire and engage students in this area is critical.”
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About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium):
The Consortium is a membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations, and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of Florida’s local education foundations. The Consortium now has 64 member foundations with 1,200 business and community leaders serving as volunteer board members. Collectively, they raise more than $100 million annually to support students, teachers, and schools through a variety of programs. The Consortium has provided nearly $70 million to local education foundations since 2001 through various private- and public-sector partnerships, including the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. For more information about the Consortium, visit: educationfoundationsfl.org