April 2023

In our commitment to impact as many students as possible, we are looking to the future in our next Strategic Plan for 2023-2026 and finalizing our vision to expand our programs, raise awareness on key education issues and engage our community to help empower every student to achieve academic and personal success.

We couldn't carry out our mission to strengthen public education in Hillsborough County without the dedication of our more than one thousand HEF volunteers. As we celebrate Volunteer Month, I am so grateful for those who selflessly give of their time and energy and want to give a special thank you to all our volunteers—your support of HEF, teachers and students is making a difference. 

The Tremendous Impact of Our Volunteers

We value our volunteers who play a crucial role in the success of our programs and help ensure students can graduate, prepared with the skills necessary for success in school and in life.

Last year, HEF volunteers dedicated more than 7,000 hours to our programs by mentoring, lending a hand to ensure students and teachers have the supplies they need to succeed and reviewing scholarship applications.

Thank you to those who give the greatest gift – your time – to benefit HEF and those we serve!

Advocating for Public Education

With the 2023 legislative session now past the halfway mark, lawmakers have advanced more than 100 bills impacting public education through committees.

The House and Senate proposed budgets each passed in their respective chambers. Now, budget conference committees will negotiate differences, including per student funding.

As a resource, the school district has a dedicated web page with weekly legislative reports highlighting key education bills.

Sharing Gratitude for Our Teachers

It's so important to show our teachers we appreciate them and their impactful work, because what doesn't change throughout the decades is how important they are!

This Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12th, we encourage you to take time to explore the ways to #ThankATeacher. Some examples:

🍎 Provide snacks or meals for staff at a school.

🍎 Drop off some gifts for raffle items.

🍎 Go Big! Offer to spruce up a teachers' lounge.

🍎 Give a shout out to your or your child's favorite teacher on social media.

In partnership with the district, HEF will be offering special discounts at local businesses. Our Teaching Tools Resource Center will have extended shopping hours with treats and raffles. Plus, we will be giving away gift cards and classroom grants on our Facebook page!

Great Turnout for the 2nd Annual Race for Education

Almost 1,000 runners and walkers came out to support Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools at the 2nd Annual Race for Education at Blake High School.

Participants of all ages and skill levels enjoyed a beautiful morning racing down North Boulevard and over the Hillsborough River.

Proceeds from the race go to HEF to directly benefit students and teachers in the district and are used to fund innovative and engaging ways schools are improving the mental health and physical wellness of students.

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