EdExploreSRQ Showcase brings educators, program providers together

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently hosted the EdExploreSRQ Showcase, featuring local community providers who currently post explorations – experiential learning programs – for teachers to access for the benefit of their students. The celebratory event, a partnership of the Community Foundation and the Sarasota County Schools, offered a rare opportunity for informal conversation, refreshments and, most importantly, a chance for teachers to talk face to face with the EdExploreSRQ providers.

EdExploreSRQ is an initiative that provides students in grades K-12 with valuable exposure to arts, science and culture through “explorations,” in-classroom and off-campus experiences that are offered by numerous partner organizations. The goal of the initiative is to improve connections between the classroom and community assets that better support Common Core and Next Generation Standards. The associated website – www.EdExploreSRQ.com – serves as a resource not only for teachers but also for parents seeking family entertainment opportunities that support their children’s learning in school.

The Showcase bubbled with enthusiastic teachers and administrators who wandered throughout the venue chatting with the various exhibitors to learn more about program offerings for students. Guests were welcomed by Terri Vitale, board member and chair of the Community Foundation’s Education Taskforce, who announced the Community Foundation’s new rolling grant application process that enables teachers to apply for exploration funding throughout the year.

Several of the teaching artists performed, including the Fuzion Dancers, storytellers and FST thespians. Fruitville Elementary School won a $3,000 exploration for bringing the most teachers to the event, and raffles were also held, with teachers earning entry through visiting the various provider booths. 
The Community Foundation has committed $500,000 over the next five years for explorations. Additionally, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation created an EdExploreSRQ Endowment Fund to increase awareness and funding. The Patterson Foundation has designated up to $3 million in matching funds to go into the explorations endowment fund, matching dollar for dollar the Community Foundation’s $500,000 investment as well as providing a 2:1 match for all donations for existing and future explorations.

More information can be found at the Community Foundation’s website, www.cfsarasota.org or at www.EdExploreSRQ.com.