Category: News

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News Resources

Future Ready Collier Case Study Released

A recent comprehensive case study explores Future Ready Collier’s history, goals and drivers, network, reasons for success, and long-term direction. As a collective impact network of more than 60 Collier County education providers, organizations, and supporters, Future Ready Collier works to ensure all children enter kindergarten ready, and all high school students graduate with a plan for continuing education or a career. This case study provides a high-level analysis of the components that keep the network and its mission on track.

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
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News Resources

January Updates, Opportunities and Deadlines

If it feels like 2020 rolled right into 2021 without a break in the action, you would not be alone. But there are important updates and deadlines that come along with the new year! Read more for news from Collier County Public Schools about school registrations, as well as separate critical upcoming scholarship deadlines, and FAFSA information.

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
rolled diploma in hand
College & Career News Resources

Congratulations! You Might Already Have Your AA Degree Through Reverse Transfer.

A special contribution from the FutureMakers Coalition with Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) to the Fort Myers News-Press wants students on track to finish their associate’s degree that they may already have earned that credential. As students transfer from FSW to FGCU to pursue a bachelor’s degree, they may think any progress towards an AA is left behind. These schools want you to know, that’s not the case.

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
Immokalee Foundation children We Are Immokalee sign
News Partner Profiles

The Immokalee Foundation: Creating Pathways to Success

Founded in 1991, The Immokalee Foundation’s core charge is to build pathways to success for Immokalee’s children by connecting opportunity with accountability, linked by empowerment. During its history, the organization has steadily expanded its programmatic footprint, offering more services in-house in addition to its early legacy of fundraising. As a partner within Future Ready Collier, The Immokalee Foundation is in lockstep with efforts to ensure students know about, and are facilitated to access, a range of academic, career, and life choices.

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
back to school colored pencils
News Resources

CCPS Goes Back to School on August 31

Collier County Public Schools reopen for the year on Monday, August 31. This includes back to school for both in-person, on-campus learning and digital or other home-based options. CCPS created a webpage with plenty of helpful resources for parents. Make sure to read through and have all the information you need!

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
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News Resources

Round-Up of Current Resources and Updates

Future Ready Collier is keeping watch over current resources and updates for families about the start of school and related topics. Read on for specifics, and share with those who would benefit from this information. Stay tuned to the Future Ready Collier website and Facebook page for future quick summary updates like this one. 

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
food pantry
News Resources

Collier County CARES Funding Distributions and Applications

Collier County has announced its plans for distributing funding received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Those eligible to apply include: nonprofits, hospitals, nursing homes, community health care and public safety assistance providers; licensed childcare facilities; individuals needing help with past-due rent, mortgage, utilities and childcare; and small businesses to relaunch and rehire. Application deadlines for Collier County CARES support vary by category. PPE kits may be included in requests and distributions. Future Ready Collier is committed to sharing important information like this with the community. Please alert anyone who may be in need and eligible. 

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
Back to School
College & Career Early Learning News Resources

School Reopening Updates

In any other year, August’s arrival means students and parents start to eagerly gear up for the school year ahead. As the onset of the 2020-2021 school year looms, however, many are wondering how best to navigate a world still dominated by COVID-19. This uncertainty applies as much to early childhood learning as to post-secondary schools. Future Ready Collier is keeping an eye on school reopening plans and safety precautions being adopted.

Posted by Caroline Ridgway
College & Career News Resources

College and Career Paths in a COVID World

A survey conducted in May 2020 by the Florida College Access Network begins to reveal some of the effects of COVID-19 on workforce and higher education. Most immediately relevant to Future Ready Collier, the pandemic is negatively impacting students’ post-high school plans. The data indicate that students already pursuing postsecondary education of some kind, and current or graduating high school students exploring their next steps, are being affected.

Posted by Caroline Ridgway