The work of innovative teachers making a difference for students is top on the list for Cindy Helton, Executive Director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.
“As a community, we have to place value on learning, and we have to support it actively,” said Cindy Helton.“One way to do that is to create opportunities for educators to collaborate and share best practices. It’s pretty simple, the stronger we make our teachers, the stronger their students will be.”
Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has been investing in the work of Collier County teachers through the work of Champions For Learning as presenting sponsor of the Golden Apple Awards, numerous classroom grants, and supporting the online portal for teachers to request support from the community for their great ideas.
Now in the fourth year of awarding a $5,000 grant to Golden Apple recipient to expand their practices, 20 teachers have been actively working across schools to show their work.
“When we think about strengthening our communities and empowering the next generation to be successful, it all comes down to what opportunities we are giving students—either directly, or through their teacher,” said Helton. “We want our future leaders to have a strong foundation of academics as well as life skills, including financial literacy.”
Since 2007, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has invested more than $1,000,000 to impact students and teachers through Champions For Learning. Overall, Suncoast has donated more than 16 million dollars to improve the lives of children throughout their coverage area in Florida since the foundation was established in 1990.
“When we all share the goal of the future success of our young people and we achieve true collaboration around that goal,” explained Helton, “there is a strong sense of hope for our community and its future.”