TAMPA, Fl (July 31, 2025) – Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is proud to announce that, in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), its transformative SCOPE initiative—Student Center of Postsecondary Exploration—will expand to all 29 high schools across Hillsborough County, ensuring thousands more students receive the support they need to plan for life beyond graduation.
The SCOPE program was launched in fall 2022 at King High School with a bold vision: to create school-based college and career centers focused on helping students explore college, career, and technical pathways. By creating staffed college and career centers at high schools, it ensures equitable access to post-secondary resources and support so that every student in Hillsborough County graduates prepared for life.
Since its inception, SCOPE has grown to serve four additional schools: Brandon, Spoto, Lennard, and East Bay High Schools. Through SCOPE, students gain access to one-on-one college and career planning, help with applications and financial aid, guidance toward technical colleges and trade schools, and personalized support to explore all pathways available to them after high school. The program has already impacted thousands of students who are beginning to envision—and take steps toward—meaningful futures.
“From the start, SCOPE has been about more than access—it’s about ensuring students have the support and guidance they need to pursue their goals with confidence,” said Anna Corman, President & CEO of HEF. “This expansion is a powerful example of what’s possible through strong partnerships. From donors and district leaders to school counselors and community partners, this has truly been a shared effort. We’re proud to be a strategic partner with Hillsborough County Public Schools and honored to continue supporting this important initiative as it reaches every high school in the district.”
Van Ayres, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, emphasized the district’s commitment to student success and the importance of collaboration in driving that success: “At Hillsborough County Public Schools, we believe every student deserves a clear path to a bright future. The expansion of SCOPE into every high school is a game-changer, providing consistent support, guidance, and opportunities to help students explore what’s possible after graduation. We’re proud to partner with Hillsborough Education Foundation on this important work and grateful to the many individuals who are helping make it a reality.”
In the upcoming school year, HEF will support HCPS in establishing SCOPE centers at every traditional high school to ensure that all students have consistent access to college and career readiness resources. At a time when navigating life after high school is more complex than ever, SCOPE will help ensure every student has the opportunity to explore these pathways—whether that means entering the workforce, earning a two-year or four-year degree, or pursuing technical certifications—with the guidance and confidence they need to build a fulfilling future.
As the program transitions to the school district in the upcoming year, HEF will remain a strategic partner—providing technical and logistical support, helping to maintain consistency, and championing the community partnerships that made this growth possible.
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ABOUT HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Every child deserves access to the best possible education — and the teachers, tools, and trusted mentors they need to succeed. But today, this fundamental right remains out of reach for too many young people in our community. Hillsborough Education Foundation works to ensure every student in Hillsborough County receives an outstanding public education that equips them for a fulfilling future. By unlocking opportunities for students, investing in teachers, and strengthening public schools, we’ll make Hillsborough County Public Schools one of the best places to learn and teach, where 100% of students graduate with the ability to pursue anything they can dream.
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