The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay strives to leverage the dollars entrusted to it by generous donors in our community. In accordance with its mission to build a better community through creative philanthropy, vision, and leadership, the Foundation holds itself accountable to those donors and to the community as a whole by asking, "What difference does the Foundation make in the community? What are we doing that might not be addressed otherwise?"

Our response comes in the form of the following special programs, which are unique, powerful, and meaningful examples of living our mission and walking
our talk.


BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF TAMPA BAY - HYPE (HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE EXCEL) PROGRAM

HYPE is a gang prevention program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay that provides effective prevention programs for youth who are the most likely targets of gang recruitment by providing youth with positive out-of-school time activities and youth development programs.  Outcomes from the HYPE program include:
 

• 87% of participants showed increased competencies based on pre-and post-test data

• 81% missed less than 10 days of school

• 86% were on grade level and progressed to the next grade level

• 98% had no reported involvement with a gang or the juvenile justice system.

Click here to read our newsletter article about HYPE.


YMCA COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER AT SULPHUR SPRINGS

This initiative has strengthened the connection between schools and neighborhoods by leveraging school facilities in a low income area (Sulphur Springs) as the hub for community services and programs to create the conditions conducive for learning.  This program has transformed Sulphur Springs Elementary School into an active community center to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for the young people in this area.  Successes from year one include the school receiving a B score after being an F school for the past two years and a 27% increase in students scoring at 3.0 or higher on FCAT.  Due to the success of the CLC, the school district has requested two additional sites be added.


HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION - PROJECT SUCCESS

This program focuses on students attending the South County Career Center, a Hillsborough County School District alternative high school that combines basic academics with career and technical training.  Project Success assists the students with (1) pre-graduation needs (incidental expenses while in the career center such as uniforms, materials, etc.), (2) post-graduation needs (certification or association expenses, tools, materials, etc.), and (3) post-secondary scholarships to technical education centers or HCC).  Year one successes include a dramatic impact on the graduating seniors.  Out of 78 graduates, 48 are pursuing postsecondary education, 24 of whom have been accepted to HCC (compared to
4 last year) and 24 plan to attend one of the five High Tech centers in Hillsborough County. 
 

READY FOR LIFE - AGING OUT FOSTER YOUTH IN PINELLAS COUNTY

Ready For Life (RFL) is engaging foster care youth, private citizens, and public resources to assist Pinellas County foster youth in a successful transition to adulthood.  The website (www.readyforlifepinellas.org) has become a central hub of information for the youth aging out of the foster care system for resources in areas such as health, education, employment, housing, legal matters, etc.  Ready For Life is a public private partnership in conjunction with Eckerd Community Alternatives and JWB Children’s Services.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS - 2008