$33,750 in Additional Grant Funds Support Exploration of Healthcare Careers
The Education Foundation of Lake County is embarking on the third year of implementing grant funding through the investment from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation. This initiative aims to increase student interest in healthcare careers and promote successful participation in high school healthcare career academies. Year three also includes an additional $33,750, to the allocated $101,250 grant, totaling $135,000 supporting these initiatives. The first two years of the DeLuca grant supported the purchasing of Juno Nursing Skills Manakins for Leesburg High School and South Lake High School. These tools create hands-on experiences for participating students and enable teachers to deliver high-quality instruction. More than 3,000 students across middle schools and high schools received informational resources related to healthcare careers. Strong certification performance was also evident following the first two years of the grant for EKG Technicians (69% in 2024-2025 and 61% in 2025-2026), Patient Care Technician (97% in 2024-2025 and 75% in 2025-2026), and Nursing Assistant (96% in 2024-2025 and 100% in 2025-2026). In addition to enhancing the classroom experience for year 3, funds will also support teacher grants in the Allied Health Assisting & Nursing Assisting programs, as well as cover the expenses for two field trips to local healthcare institutions. As one of the fastest growing industries in Florida, the Education Foundation is proud to enhance the student experience in partnership with the DeLuca Foundation and the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. “We are grateful for the continued trust of the DeLuca Foundation and Consortium that we will invest in our students and enhance the quality of the learning experiences the Lake County classrooms,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. “We are excited to build on the first two years by creating meaningful experiences in the community at local healthcare facilities.” The grant funding concludes at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. About the Education Foundation of Lake CountyEstablished in 1987, Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization anddesignated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve asthe connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources toenhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefitof students and teachers in Lake County public schools.
Education Foundation of Lake County awarded $10,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation as part of commitment to support communities across Florida
The Duke Energy Foundation announced it has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Education Foundation of Lake County to support the vitality of communities across Florida, including here in Lake County. The grant is part a larger commitment from Duke Energy Florida and its Foundation to support the vitality of communities served. Funding will be directed to student participation in the district’s Robotics and Science Fair programs, particularly supporting critical resources that expand access to hands-on STEM learning opportunities. These programs help students develop skills essential for future success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. The support from Duke Energy will strengthen the Lake County Schools District Science Fair by helping cover student awards and essential volunteer support needed to successfully host the event. These investments ensure that students are recognized and celebrated for their scientific inquiry, creativity, and innovation while maintaining a high-quality competition experience. The grant will directly support two Lake County Schools robotics teams that qualify for prestigious championships by covering registration costs of $1,800 per team. Funding will also help underwrite a district-wide Robotics Scrimmage, hosted by the Education Foundation of Lake County, on October 17, 2026. Students can test, refine, and improve their robot designs and competitive strategies in a real-world environment. The combined Robotics and Science Fair initiative provides students with engaging, hands-on experiences that promote innovation and academic achievement. Through robotics competitions, students work collaboratively to design, build, and program robots for game-based challenges, applying concepts in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. The annual robotics scrimmage gives teams valuable practice and preparation with the ultimate goal of qualifying for and competing at a higher-level. “By investing in robotics and science fair programs, the Duke Energy Foundation is helping students build critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and engineering skills that will serve them throughout their education and future careers,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson of the Education Foundation. “The partnership with Duke Energy is instrumental to creating meaningful experiences for our students & teachers. It’s one thing to teach a lesson, it’s another thing to bring the curriculum to life.” Together, these investments will strengthen STEM programming throughout Lake County Schools, increase student engagement, and expand access to meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong success. The Education Foundation is still actively seeking partnerships for the Robotics Scrimmage scheduled for October 17, 2026. Community partners are encouraged to reach out via e-mail to edfoundation@lake.k12.fl.us or explore ways to get involved & support: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/robotics26/event/sponsors/ About the Education Foundation of Lake County Established in 1987, the Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the designated direct-support organization for Lake County Schools. Its mission is to serve as the connection between the community and public education—evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education for local students and teachers through impactful programs, grants, and essential services. For more information on how to participate in the Core Tools for Schools drive, please visit www.edfoundationlake.com
Breaking Records & Celebrating 20 Years of Stepping Out for Education to Support Lake County Schools
The Education Foundation of Lake County held the 20th Anniversary of Stepping Out for Education on July 31 & August 1, 2026 at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, Florida. This signature fundraiser for the Education Foundation brought in more than $258,000 through sponsorships and donations, which will be matched with an additional $110,000 helping the event exceed the total fundraising goal of $350,000. The Education Foundation of Lake County receives matching dollars through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) School District Education Foundation Matching Grant program, doubling the impact of support for Lake County students and teachers. Known as the local version of “Dancing with the Stars,” the 2026 Stepping Out for Education included local celebrities from years past serving as “All-Stars” and new competitors known as “Rising Stars.” The dancers included: The celebrity dancers prepared for the event by completing 20 hours of dance training. The 20th Anniversary included a unique twist with an All-Star dancing with a Rising Star. During the second act, the celebrities danced with a professional dancer. Dance It Studio’s Eddie Rivera served as the Creative Director for the event ensuring an unparalleled performance by all the dancers. Rivera was also recognized as the Education Foundation’s Scott A. Strong Business Partner of the Year for 2026. Past Stepping Out alumni and Education Foundation Board of Directors, Marc Robertz-Schwartz and Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, served as emcees for this event. Their energy and enthusiasm for raising funds during this platinum anniversary event was instrumental to its success. “Stepping Out for Education is known as one of our premier fundraising events, but this year was extra special. We celebrated 20 years of community leaders stepping out of their comfort zone, all while more importantly, raising funds for the District. The dollars raised enhance our students’ experiences and provide meaningful support for our teachers. We are deeply appreciative to the sponsors, donors, attendees, volunteers, community partners & vendors, and of course the dancers who dedicated their time, energy, and talents over the past few months.” A panel of professional judges, that included Andy Bradfield, Kia Blair, and past dancer & Education Foundation Board Member, Bobby Rhodes, judged the two performances each night and combined the scores to award the top All-Star & Rising Star each night. The event opened with a stellar performance from student dancers from Lake Minneola High School & East Ridge High School. The 2025 Mirror Ball winner, Marlene Straughan, kept the crowds entertained after dinner with her encore performance. The audience participated in voting for the audience choice performer each night with assistance from the Lake County Supervisor of Elections staff. Friday & Saturday Night Winners • Top Rising Star: Dr. Stephanie Luke • Top All-Star: Sharon Nobles • Audience Choice: Dr. Stephanie Luke The anniversary event brought high energy performances and overwhelming community support. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Stephanie Luke was crowned the 2026 Audience Choice & Mirror Ball Champion! Sharon Nobles earned this year’s Influencer Award. This competition relied on dancers to secure votes, valued at $5 each, ahead of the event. Each dancer identified an Education foundation or Lake County Schools program to allocate the earned funds. More than $6,400 were earned through this competition. Nobles dedicated funds to performing & visual arts programs.
8,000 lbs of School Supplies Breaks Record for Education Foundation’s Supply Drive
UPDATE: The Lake County community has come together in a historic way to support local education. The annual Core Tools for Schools summer supply drive officially shattered previous records, collecting nearly 8,000 pounds of school supplies in just two days to benefit Lake County teachers and students. This monumental achievement was made possible by more than 50 local business partners and volunteers. Key community sponsors who helped drive the success of the initiative include Covenant Roofing & Construction Inc., Cecil Clark Chevrolet, Leesburg Sunrise Rotary, Lake Glass and Mirror, Kona Ice of North Lake County, and the City of Minneola. The competition among local businesses was fierce, and we are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s summer school supply drive initiative: In addition to the mountains of physical supplies, the drive received critical financial backing, highlighted by the largest monetary donation from Hillcrest Insurance Agency. The Education Foundation of Lake County is grateful for the grant funding from the Fred B & Helen Monar Foundation, C Warren Barry Foundation, and Dorothy B Crooker Steves Foundation which also allocated more than $9,000 towards school supplies for the Apple-Mart stores. Thank you to every partner, volunteer, and community member who stepped up to ensure our students and teachers start the school year strong, confident, and fully equipped. # # # The Education Foundation of Lake County is proud to recognize the generous local sponsors supporting its 2026 summer school supply drive. These vital community partnerships strengthen the Education Foundation’s mission to serve as the bridge between the community and Lake County Public Schools. This year, we have over 40 collection site partners that have stepped up to support Lake County classrooms by donating school supplies. Many of these supplies get distributed through Apple-Mart, this is known across the district as the place where Lake County public school teachers can “shop” for free. These stores are open weekly throughout the school year to provide educators with essential classroom resources and student supplies. The impact of this program is massive: during the 2025-26 school year, teachers made 925 store visits, resulting in the distribution of $143,375 worth of free school supplies. Each shopping trip saves teachers an estimated $155, ensuring that students have the supplies they need to be better prepared in the classroom. “The Education Foundation is excited for the renewed energy surrounding our Apple-Mart locations,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. The Apple-Mart locations are also embracing data-driven upgrades this upcoming school year by digitally tracking both the supplies distributed and the exact financial impact of their locations. “We look forward to increasing the number of teachers who visit our stores and expanding the number of resources we provide across the entire district.” The initial inventory for the Apple-Mart stores relies heavily on volunteers and community donations—most notably through the foundation’s annual summer school supply drive. This year, the summer campaign has been officially rebranded as Core Tools for Schools (formerly known in previous years as Red for Ed). “We have more than 40 businesses and community organizations joining forces to collect school supplies through our newly rebranded Core Tools for Schools initiative,” shared Dr. Johnson. “Core Tools for Schools carries on the tradition of a friendly competition that encourages local businesses to collect essential resources. This ensures our Apple-Mart locations remain fully stocked so teachers and students have everything they need to start the school year off right.” To wrap up the campaign and tally the community’s impact, the Education Foundation will host two events to officially weigh in the collected supplies. Both events will feature a festive community environment and local partners to celebrate the upcoming school year. Community members and businesses can drop off donations at the following dates and locations: “We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors Covenant Roofing, Cecil Clark Chevrolet and City of Minneola for their generous support of these supply drive events,” said Kacey Edmondson, Donor Development Specialist at the Foundation. “Their commitment to public education demonstrates a shared belief in the power of community to positively impact students and teachers. Their sponsorship ensures that we can continue to celebrate the incredible work happening in Lake County Schools as we kick off another successful school year.” About the Education Foundation of Lake County Established in 1987, the Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the designated direct-support organization for Lake County Schools. Its mission is to serve as the connection between the community and public education—evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education for local students and teachers through impactful programs, grants, and essential services like the Apple-Mart stores. For more information on how to participate in the Core Tools for Schools drive, please visit www.edfoundationlake.com