🤝 Meet our Interim CEO 📚 Early Literacy + more! 🎉

October 2023

Fall brings a season of change and during this time of transition for our organization, I am honored to serve as HEF's Interim CEO. If we haven't met, I'm Anna Corman, and I have had the privilege of working alongside the dedicated HEF team for the past six and a half years, most recently as Chief Program Officer. Through our diverse programs, I am confident we will continue to make an impact in the lives of the thousands of students and teachers we serve in Hillsborough County.

Guided by our mission and strategic priorities, our initiatives will ensure more Kindergarten students are starting school prepared, are reading on grade-level and are graduating equipped with the skills necessary for postsecondary, career and life success.

With the extraordinary support from our community, business and district partners, our team is committed to expanding our transformative work, during this transition and beyond. I hope you enjoy reading more about our impactful programs in this newsletter and consider ways you can get involved with HEF to help make a difference for students.

The Importance of Early Literacy

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HEF is tackling the critical issue of literacy rates head-on, through our programs like the Transforming Early Literacy Initiative (TELI), understanding the pivotal connection between third-grade reading proficiency and future graduation rates.

By fostering early literacy skills, we're empowering young minds, paving the way for brighter educational journeys and building a foundation for lifelong success.

Learn more about our work in this area and how it aligns with the district's priorities.

Keep Reading

Closing the Gender-Based Achievement Gap

Did you know, in Florida and nationwide, girls typically outperform boys in reading and writing and graduate high school at a higher rate?

We wanted to share these important findings from our community partners at Helios Education Foundation and WestEd. The research reveals more about the gender achievement gap and sheds light on the strategies and practices district leaders, teachers and education advocates can implement to help close the divide.

Read the Report

Unlocking Opportunities at EmpowerED 2023

Check out these videos to see how your support is helping students and teachers in Hillsborough County!

With the help of our AMAZING sponsors and guests, we raised more than $110,000 at EmpowerED 2023 to strengthen public education in Hillsborough County.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from HCPS Interim Superintendent Van Ayres and King High School Principal Dr. Greg Basham, who discussed the benefits of HEF's initiatives.
Nicolas Legeret-Harris, a Take Stock in Children graduate, shared how HEF's mentoring program and guidance from his mentor positively changed his life.
And the adorable kindergarteners from Oak Park Elementary, representing the Class of 2036, showed us how unlocking opportunities for students today will make the future brighter for all of us.

Didn't get the chance to attend but still want to support Hillsborough County students and teachers? Click here to donate.

Don't Miss the Event Photos

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