THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS INC
Enhance, Enrich, Excel
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which enhances and enriches the quality of public education for students and educators in Lee County. Programs, resources, and experiences are made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships with the Foundation. We serve the 9th largest school district in Florida and 33rd largest nationwide, with more than 89,000 students in Lee County public schools. The Foundation has committed to addressing the issue of underachieving at-risk students by helping them escape the cycle of poverty through education.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program
The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Progam enhances public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching.
Public school teachers are nominated by students, parents, administrators, and the general public for their extraordinary contributions to our students.
Six recipients are chosen and honored at the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet, a formal dinner attended by more than 800 community members and business leaders.
Take Stock In Children
Take Stock in Children is a statewide scholarship program that provides a unique opportunity for deserving students from low-income homes to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The Foundation is the local administrator of the program and provides a college scholarship, caring volunteer mentors, and hope for a better life.
Students accepted into the program must sign a contract to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, stay crime- and drug- free, and meet with their mentor regularly. Having kept this commitment, students will receive a four-year college tuition scholarship upon graduation.
Education Resource Center
The Education Resource Center supports teachers and students with access to free materials to use in their classrooms to enhance the learning experience.
The Resource Center also provides emergency funding to low-income students for items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, vital prescriptions, and school uniforms.
Classroom, School, and Department Grants
The Classroom, School, and Department Grants program supports teachers and students by funding tools and resources that are normally not included in their budget, but are necessary to creating unique learning experiences. Teachers submit a grant application to The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools for innovative projects that enhance student learning through hands-on activities and unique perspectives on traditional subject areas. Classroom grant categories include: Arts, Health/Fitness/Nutrition, Literacy & Social Studies, STEM, Natural Environment of SWFL, and Financial Literacy.
Student Advocacy & Mentoring Partnership
To support at-risk, low income students with a mentor and resources to ensure they graduate from high school with the potential to continue their education via vocational/technical training or college. We believe that given extensive support, motivation and accountability, children will succeed.
STEM@Work
This program helps educate students on the importance of having the skills and knowledge to be successful in today's high-tech, information-driven, global marketplace. Students participate in hands-on activities with STEM related business leaders to prepare them for a future career in this field.
Collegium for the Advancement of Education
Collegium for the Advancement of Education is a program that shares best practices for excellence in teaching based on the integration of the Sterling and Glasser models of Quality Training. Teachers trained in this philosophy develop ways to examine data, set and monitor goals, and integrate quality tools into the classroom. The program provides strategies for increasing student achievement by helping students to self-evaluate and make responsible choices.
FutureMakers
FutureMakers is an educational program that aims to inspire more high school seniors to explore college and career options, including vocational training or specialized certification programs. It is designed to educate and provide resources to high school sophomores and juniors on pre-graduation financial aid requirements and post-secondary opportunities. The program takes place at eight Lee County high schools and offers guidance, information, and workshop events on various topics including financial aid, scholarships, and vocational training. Students also receive the opportunity to practice interviewing skills and attend workshops on dressing for success and resume building.
College & Career Center
The Foundation’s College and Career Center (C3) supports students by preparing them for post-secondary education, technical training, and entering the workforce. This facility, on the Foundation campus, offers assistance through workshops and resources and aims to support students in their pursuit of academic success by helping them gain valuable information for short- and long- term goals.
This facility is supported by the business community through their participation and guidance in monthly workshops and student mentoring. Students create imperative connections with members of the local business community who have a vested interest in the students as their future employees. Workshop topics include career and military exploration, financial aid, scholarship applications, resume writing, interviewing skills, dressing for success, and post-secondary preparation.
A-Team Challenge
Modeled after Jeopardy, a team of high school students from each school competes against each other, answering questions under several categories including Science, Math, Arts & Humanities, Language Arts, Social Studies, and General Knowledge. Both public and private schools are invited to compete, with four team players and four alternates entering the competition. The purpose of the A-Team Challenge is to encourage, promote, and spotlight academic achievement and excellence among area high school students.
Where we work
Awards
Sustained Growth & Stability 2010
FL Take Stock In Children
Distinguished Organization Award 2007
Ford Motor Company Fund & Community Services
Four Star Rating 2010
2012 Guidestar
CHrysallis Award 2012
Achievement Award
Affiliations & memberships
Education 2012
External reviews

Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber of job skills training courses/workshops conducted
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adolescents
Related Program
College & Career Center
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
The Foundation's College & Career Readiness initiative is an ongoing program offered to high school students with opportunities to achieve success by preparing them for post-secondary education.
Total dollar amount of scholarship awarded
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adolescents, At-risk youth, Economically disadvantaged people
Related Program
Take Stock In Children
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of students who receive scholarship funds and/or tuition assistance
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adolescents, At-risk youth, Economically disadvantaged people
Related Program
Take Stock In Children
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of students showing interest in topics related to STEM
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adolescents
Related Program
STEM@Work
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. supports all teachers and students in Lee County Public Schools with innovative programs and initiatives that create opportunities to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of our teachers and students.
These distinctive and varied programs focus on teacher recognition, quality teacher training, and student achievement. Additionally, we provide programs and initiatives that foster academic achievement, positive social skills, and self-esteem for our students who are at-risk.
Public education faces many obstacles including an increase in student population and a decrease in dollars to support them. Our goal is to meet that challenge with special programs and initiatives that address those needs and many of the Foundation's programs support at-risk children.
One of our major educational supports is for the advancement of STEM-related educational opportunities for our students. This program helps educate students on the importance of having the skills and knowledge to be successful in today's high-tech, information-driven, global marketplace. Students participate in hands-on activities with STEM-related business leaders to prepare them for a future career in this field. Additionally, we aim to support students and encourage them to graduate from high school and attend either college or technical training, ensuring their future success.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. was established in 1986 by a diverse group of local business and community leaders to enhance the quality of public education in Lee County by increasing community involvement in, and support for, Lee County public schools. The purpose of every initiative of the Foundation is to create and enhance opportunities for our public school students and teachers. Our goals are accomplished by providing many distinctive programs and resources to Lee County students and educators. Many of our programs address the needs of low-performing and at-risk students.
The Foundation has been serving the Lee County Public School students and educators for twenty-nine years. We have a strong relationship with the Lee County School District as they support our efforts to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County.
We have strong support from the corporate community and individual donors, and our supporters believe in the programs we have initiated. The community provides additional support of our initiatives with volunteer hours and resources. We are constantly updating our strategic planning, adding pertinent staff, increasing community awareness, and enhancing the Foundation's current and future status with the full support of our Board of Directors.
The Foundation has strong partnerships with many of the area's strongest and largest corporations such as Publix Supermarket, Chico's FAS, Suncoast Credit Union and The News-Press Media Group. Several members of our Board of Directors are representatives of the community's major corporations including Bank of America, Florida Gulf Coast University, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Lee Memorial Health System, GATES Construction, and Florida SouthWestern State College.
Our strategy is to continue our strong relationship with our local businesses who support education and are willing to share their time, treasures, and talent to ensure that Lee County students receive the best education possible.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Our Foundation is capable of supporting the Lee County Public School District with funding and programs established by our staff, Board of Directors, and community partners. With more than thirty million dollars in support, we will continue our efforts to grow our organization and meet the needs of our ever-growing school population. With more than 92,000 students to serve, we believe that education is everyone's responsibility, and we will continue to seek funding opportunities and partnerships to ensure our students are well-educated and equipped to meet the needs of an ever-changing global economy.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has grown since its inception in 1986, starting with a staff of three people and currently employing thirteen full-time staff members. Our programs have increased in number and population served, with a current annual budget of 1.9 million dollars in revenue.
In 2010, our Foundation was recognized, out of 67 Florida counties, as having the most growth and sustainability of all Take Stock in Children programs.
Other awards that demonstrate our progress in the community are:
In 2015, we received the Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency. Charity Navigator is an independent, non-profit organization that evaluates American charities by rating the financial health of that entity.
In 2012 and 2014, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. was named as one of the top 20 Education Foundations in the nation by Dewey and Associates, Inc.
In 2013, the Foundation received the Chrysalis Award in Education from the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for excellence in partnering with tourism & business.
- 2014 – 2018: Take Stock in Children Gold Level status
- 2017: Gulf Shore Business: Best of Business Award, in the Best Charity category
- 2016 – 2018: Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency
- 2014 – 2018: GuideStar Exchange Gold Seal rating for commitment to transparency
- 2016 – 2019: GuideStar Platinum Status
- 2018: Great Nonprofits – Top-Rated
- 2019: Great Nonprofits – Top-Rated
Progress Accomplishments:
- 2016 – 2017: Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency
- 2017: Gulf Shore Business: Best of Business Award, in the Best Charity category
- 2016 – 2020: GuideStar Platinum Status
- 2018-2020 Greater Nonprofits 5 Star Gold Rating
- 2020 – SouthWest Florida Inc. Best Non-profit finalist
Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more
about GuideStar Pro.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS INC
Board of directorsas of 08/02/2023
Mr. Mike Wukitsch
Chief People Officer Lee Health
Term: 2023 - 2025
Marshall T. Bower
Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.
Kevin Daly
Teachers Association of Lee County
Thomas Giles
Avalon Engineering, Inc.
John Hayes
GATES Butz Institutional Construction, LLC
Richard Lewis
HSA Engineers & Scientists
Gary Griffin
B & I Contractors, Inc.
Michele Laboda
Gulf Coast Orthodontics
Mark Loren
Mark Loren Designs
Thomas Mueller
Covanta Energy Corp
Harlan Parrish
FineMark National Bank & Trust
Cole Peacock
RC Peacock Consulting, LLC
Steve Pontius
Waterman Broadcasting
Robbie Roepstorff
Edison National Bank/Bank of Islands
Carmine Marceno
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Jeffrey Kunberger
Suncoast Credit Union
Randy Henderson
City of Fort Myers
Stacey Mercado
Community Partner
Joe Mitchell
Pool Pros, Inc.
Peter Tuffo
Suffolk Construction
Michael Wukitsch
Lee Health
Greg Adkins
School District of Lee County
Deana Homsi
McDonald's
Kyle DeCicco
Sanibel Captiva Bank
Mike Martin
Florida Gulf Coast University
Keith Banasiak
Waste Pro of FLorida, Inc.
Amira Fox
State Attorney 20th Judicial Court
Lawrence Cremia
Fiber Solutions
Howard L. Wheeler
Chris-Tel Construction
Denise Gergley
Boys and Girls Club
Robert Jones
Florida SouthWestern College
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
-
Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data