Remembering Bob Dillinger
We celebrate the life of Bob Dillinger, a former public defender, child advocate, and philanthropist w… 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
Celebrating Our Take Stock Seniors!
We hosted our Take Stock in Children Se… Read More
Academies of Distinction
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a core focus of our work and supports our vision of ensuring e… Read More
Breaking Down Barriers: Impact of Scholarships
Did you know the number one barrier preventing students from pursuing higher education is financial? T… Read More
Closing the Gap Through Books
Boys and Guys Read Book Battles Our Closing the Gap initiative originated from research we conducted t… Read More
New Worlds Reading Initiative
Literacy is a fundamental skill that plays a critical role in education, which is why it is one of our… Read More
News
Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools Name Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Winners
Press Release (April 23, 2024) St. Petersburg, Fla. – Twenty-three Pinellas County high school junio… Read More
WWE Royal Rumble had $47M economic impact in St. Petersburg
WFLA (April 19, 2024) A World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) event held earlier this year had a $47 mil… Read More
Official report details economic impact of WWE Royal Rumble in St. Pete
Fox 13 (April 19, 2024) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – New official numbers show in vivid detail the eco… Read More
Royal Rumble’s economic impact tops $47 million
St. Pete Catalyst (April 18, 2024) Recently released financial numbers for World Wrestling Entertainme… Read More
Pinellas schools closing the gender gap in reading with classroom strategies, a little competition
83 Degrees Media (April 16, 2024) The National Football League has the Super Bowl; Major League Baseba… Read More
Pinellas County Schools book battle competitions expand to engage more male students in reading
ABC Action News (January 26, 2024) PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Students in Pinellas County put their kno… 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
Follow
We are proud to have over 70 career academies in middle and high schools across Pinellas County. These programs play a pivotal role in preparing students for the future. Today, we’re putting a spotlight on one of those programs, the Early Childhood Education Academy at Tarpon Springs High School. The school hosts an on-site preschool known as the Little Spongers, an integral component of its early childhood education academy. ![]()
![]()
Within this program, high school students enrolled in the academy actively engage in various aspects of the preschool, gaining hands-on experience crucial for earning their Child Development Associate certificate. Additionally, students undergo CPR and First Aid training, ensuring they are well-equipped with essential skills for their roles in the preschool environment. This immersive experience not only enriches their educational journey but also prepares them for future careers in early childhood education. Join us as we celebrate the next generation of educators!
What a show! Last night’s Walker’s Rising Stars was an outstanding display of the talent and artistry being cultivated in Pinellas County Schools. We were blown away by each performer. If you missed the show or want to relive the magic, we hope you enjoy this highlight reel.
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE: Congratulations to our 2024 Walker's Rising Stars!!! In partnership with Pinellas County Schools, we have been providing students in the arts the opportunity to compete for college scholarships in culinary arts, dance, instrumental, theater, vocal performance and visual arts. The performances showcased tonight were truly remarkable. We are honored to award $48,000 in college scholarships to these deserving students. A special thank you to all our generous sponsors who helped make this possible. ![]()
![]()
Congratulations to our first-place winners:![]()
![]()
Culinary Arts: Shane Conway, Tarpon Springs High School![]()
Dance: Jackson Beck, Gibbs High School![]()
Instrumental Music: Wesley McDaniel, Tarpon Springs High School![]()
Theater: Za’Naisha McGuire, Gibbs High School![]()
Visual Arts: Natalie Galán, Gibbs High School![]()
Vocal: Altea Ali, Largo High School![]()
![]()
To see a full list of student placements, visit pinellaseducation.org/walkers.
We were honored to nominate Pinellas County Schools for a Power of Hope Award from the National Postsecondary Strategy Institute.![]()
![]()
PCS is among only four school districts across the nation to be honored with this award for their collaborative efforts in the College and Career Centers. We take great pride in being their partner and helping students create a plan for success after high school. Congratulations, Pinellas County Schools!!!PROUD MOMENT: Pinellas County Schools was named a 2024 Power of Hope winner, recognized for the leadership of our counselors in driving postsecondary success. As one of just four winners nationwide, we're dedicated to a collaborative approach, offering College Career Readiness Centers and expert guidance every step of the way.
🌟 Tonight’s the night! 🌟 Join us at the Mahaffey Theater for Walker’s Rising Stars, where students take center stage and talent shines bright! ![]()
![]()
Let’s give a round of applause to our amazing finalists who are competing for scholarships tonight. From mesmerizing dancers to awe-inspiring musicians, visionary artists, and captivating performers, they're ready to give the performance of a lifetime!![]()
![]()
Remember, it's a free, ticketless event! All are welcome to join us. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Learn more: pinellaseducation.org/walkers