Our region is home to exceptional schools, dedicated educators, and a community that values learning at every age. From early childhood to adult career pathways, access to quality education shapes lives and fuels regional opportunity. Because strong educational foundations are essential to personal and economic success, Gulf Coast invests in programs that inspire students, support educators, and ensure that every learner has the tools to thrive.
Education
Preparing the workforce of tomorrow starts in the classroom today.
Our Work in the area
Gulf Coast embraces a leadership model emphasizing that partnering with all sectors of the community and creating systems of care is how we build thriving communities with opportunities for all. In education, this approach supports coordinated pathways to learning, reduces barriers to success, and helps ensure individuals of all ages have access to the tools and support needed to reach their full potential.
Gulf Coast Scholarships
- Our scholarship program helps students of all ages pursue their dreams of a better life—for themselves and their families—through education.
Education Stories
Discover the Impact
Learn how community efforts support educational growth.
Stories
SRQ Daily: Reconnecting Students to Opportunity
The following guest column by Jennifer Johnston appeared in the Saturday, May 31, 2025 edition of SRQ Daily.
Stories
Powerful Podcasts: Exploring Education and Community Leadership
Our own Jennifer Johnston was a guest on the Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s ‘Education Conversations’ podcast, discussing education, mental health, affordable housing, and the ways we are working to transform our region.
Stories
SRQ Daily: Unlocking Futures: Gulf Coast Scholarships Launch Students’ Success
The following guest column by Phillip P. Lanham appeared in the Saturday, September 21, 2024 edition of SRQ Daily.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: Forging the Path of Success for Students
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on July 29, 2024.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: Inspiring Students’ Dreams
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on August 1, 2023.
Investment in Education
(Fiscal Year 2025)
$1.2
Million
Board-Directed Giving
Our Board of Directors' investment in education.
$7.3
Million
Donor-Directed Giving
Gulf Coast donors' investment in education.
Past Work
These community-wide initiatives are now led by trusted community partners.
21st Century Learning
Building on STEMsmart work, we are technologically transforming language arts and social studies throughout Sarasota County middle schools.
Cross College Alliance
Supported by a partnership of foundations, this alliance leverages higher-education resources to create a “multiversity” educational hub.
Reading Recovery
This literacy program helps Sarasota County first-graders who struggle with reading and writing quickly catch up to their classmates.
STEMsmart
Our nationally recognized STEM education initiative has transformed the way teachers teach and students learn science and math.