help keep students connected & learning
Our Digital Equity initiative provides our most vulnerable students with technology,
internet access and support to keep them connected and engaged with their learning.
Education is Key to a Prosperous Community
Together with our partners, we are investing in students today to ensure a bright future
for tomorrow’s workforce and a sustainable, prosperous community for all of us.
HEF CEO REcognized for leadership
Our Board of Directors and HEF team are proud to celebrate our CEO Kim Jowell for
being the first recipient of the CFEF Joe Rizzo Learner & Leader Award.
empowering our teachers
Our Teaching Tools Resource Center provides teachers in Hillsborough County Title I schools
with the resources and supplies they need to help students succeed in school and in life.
Strengthening Public Education and Empowering Students to Succeed
We are committed to increasing graduation rates by funding innovative ideas and driving solutions that strengthen public education so all students in Hillsborough County Public Schools will graduate and be prepared with the skills necessary for postsecondary, career and life success.
WE BELIEVE
success relies on relationships
JOANNE’S STORY
Take Stock in Children Mentor
Mentor Joanne Sudman spent 43 years in education as a speech and language pathologist. Now retired, she wanted to continue to give back to students as a mentor.
“It’s probably the best way we can touch the lives of those students who are in need and help them,” says Sudman.
Joanne meets with her mentee several times each month during school hours. She hopes her support and guidance will help empower her mentee to achieve both academic and personal success—and plans to be one of her biggest cheerleaders long after graduation.
“I hope our relationship continues throughout college and the rest of her life—as long as I’m here,” Sudman says. “I’ve never seen a child so determined and focused. I have no doubt it’s going to lead her where she wants to go.”
WE BELIEVE
every student matters
Katherine’s Story
Take Stock in Children Student
Katherine, a Lennard High School Freshman, has always known she wanted to go to college to study medicine, she just didn’t know how she and her family would afford it—until she learned about Hillsborough Education Foundation’s mentoring program.
“I was interested in getting involved in this mentoring program because it’s a great way to prepare for my future and to make sure I’m on track with my work—so I’m the best possible student I can be.”
Mentees are paired with a college success coach and mentor and have the opportunity to earn at least a 2-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship. Katherine says she’ll make the most of this opportunity.
“It makes me feel very excited knowing that my future is on a great path and I will ultimately be able to do what I want in life.”
CURRENT NEED
Help Erase the Need - Support our Supply Drive
While many kids eagerly begin the school year with a new backpack filled with school supplies, thousands of students in our community will not have some of the basic tools they need to succeed in school like pencils and paper. Students' needs are greater than ever given the financial hardships of recent years. There are a variety of ways you can get involved and help the most vulnerable students in Hillsborough County. Sign up to host a supply drive, shop from our Amazon Wish List or make a donation today!