Safe Children Coalition receives grants for Achievers program

To assist at-risk middle and high school students in achieving their educational, career and life goals, three foundations have awarded grants to support Safe Children Coalition’s Achievers program.

Those who contributed funds to support the Achievers program are: the Harold C. and Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation, $5,000; Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, $2,500; and Wawa Foundation, $1,500.

The Achievers program empowers at-risk, minority students with disadvantageous conditions to set and achieve goals in both their educational and personal lives. It encourages continuous growth in the areas of personal development, college preparation, community service and leadership, cultural enrichment, and career options.

The program, which has served thousands of students in the community for over 30 years, is open to all middle and high school students in Sarasota County. It has been proven to increase student participation in school programs, decrease school absenteeism and dropout rates, and prevent delinquent behavior.

Nearly 150 students participate in the Achievers program annually. Career cluster programming features Achievers alumni as well as professionals from the community and surrounding areas currently serving in the finance, education, and health and medical industries.

Thanks in part to generous foundation and corporate support, the program also provides scholarship opportunities to successful participants as they transition from high school to college as well as returning college students who were engaged with the program as teens to support them with obtaining an advanced education degree.

“The Achievers program provides students – many of whom will be the first in their families to go to college – with the motivation and tools they need to succeed after high school,” said Brena Slater, president and CEO of Safe Children Coalition. “We are grateful to these foundations for supporting the program and helping our program participants to aspire to greater heights and better futures.”

For more information about the Achievers program and how you can help, call program director Jone Williams at 941-487-6600. For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.