Focus on Manatee | COVID-19 exposes gaps in local education. Here’s how you can help fill them

At Manatee Community Foundation, we believe that education is the greatest source of opportunity. It is often considered the great equalizer.

But the pandemic has made us more fully aware of the gaps in access to education. If you are in a home with a laptop, internet access, and the experiences that help you navigate your email and online programs, you may not realize that many families do not enjoy these privileges.

Children from low-income families are more likely to lack one or more of the digital ingredients necessary to have made gains in virtual learning during the summer and in the final months of the last school year. Their parents may not have the luxury of working from home to help them, and many are essential workers that we depend on to keep our economy moving forward.

The Florida College Access Network recently conducted a survey revealing that more than one in four recent high school graduates reported changed plans such as postponing enrollment in post-secondary education, attending a school closer to home, or switching to a more affordable option. Forty-two percent of Floridians who are currently enrolled in college or a postsecondary training program said they have changed their plans. This could include taking time off or transferring to another school.

As the weeks of summer lead to the inevitable start of a new school year and the start of college, in whatever evolving forms they will take, this is heavy on our minds.

We commend leaders at our local school districts. They are working diligently in an extremely challenging set of circumstances, with hundreds of potential scenarios and logistical decisions to be planned. With the tools and funding available, and the uncertainty of COVID19’s impact on each physical and virtual classroom, they have focused on providing devices to children who need them and developing models that will help them remain flexible.

Manatee Community Foundation believes this is a time to reflect on how our community will play a role.

Our individual commitments will nurture healthy families and ultimately enable Manatee County to continue attracting and staffing new industry, keeping our small businesses competitive, and helping us lead with excellence. It is an investment in our collective future.

There are many ways each of us can support the work and do it safely. Over the summer, engagement in learning for younger children has been kept alive by foundations, volunteers and businesses who have partnered with the School District for virtual programs and book distributions such as “Dive Into Reading,” created by Anna Maria Oyster Bar, and “This Book is Cool,” hosted by Beth Duda of The Patterson Foundation.

For the sixth year in a row, the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading has been named as a Pacesetter by the national organization. It is innovating and adapting to reach children under these new circumstances. We thank The Patterson Foundation and our partner who leads the effort in Manatee County, Bronwyn Beightol and her team at United Way Suncoast.

UnidosNow, an organization committed to elevating the quality of life of the growing Hispanic/Latino community through education, has continued to engage elementary, middle school, and high school students virtually—providing the encouragement and access to keep them on track to pursue college.

Here are some specific ways you can help:

• Volunteer virtually. You can make a difference in the life of a young person, even from your home. Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, New College of Florida, UnidosNow, and other local nonprofit organizations can use your help in mentoring students. The time commitment varies widely, but each offers a structured program with training and support.

• Give. Make charitable donations to local organizations investing in education. The Manatee Education Foundation’s COVID19 Relief Fund focuses on emergency needs and programs at the School District of Manatee. There are many other charitable nonprofits with missions that are exclusively focused on education or that support safe and enriching environments outside of school, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. Others such as the Food Bank of Manatee and Feeding Empty Little Tummies ensure our children can learn with enough to eat.

• Support collective initiatives such as REACH Manatee, a collaboration of local colleges and universities, nonprofits, and business groups working on a coordinated approach to increase post-secondary attainment in Manatee County. A recent investment of $20,000 from CareerSource Suncoast is boosting the ability for REACH Manatee to succeed. Additional donations and community engagement are necessary.

• Help a student with post-secondary expenses. Many young adults with families return to school to earn a certificate or licensure with guaranteed jobs and living wages. You can help with the cost of the fast-track program, or with books or materials, for a student attending State College of Florida or Manatee Technical College.

To learn more about local nonprofit organizations supporting work in education, REACH Manatee, or other ways to support children and families, call Manatee Community Foundation at (941) 747-7765. Together, our community can get students through a challenging time while building a county that remains competitive into the future.

Susie Bowie is executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation.