March 20, 2020
A message from Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell regarding COVID-19
Like you, Hillsborough Education Foundation is concerned about the spread of COVID-19, and we are doing everything we can to move our important work for students and teachers forward while also helping to protect the health and safety of our community.

Our mission to strengthen public education in Hillsborough County continues ; however, we have closed our office to guests based on the CDC’s recommendations. Our team is working remotely but still staffing the office during normal business hours on a rotating basis through April 1st. After careful consideration, we have closed our Teaching Tools Resource Center until further notice and postponed or canceled all our events until at least mid-May.

This is an unprecedented time, but it will not stop our work. We are unwavering in our commitment to serving students and teachers in Hillsborough County. Our team is strong, ready to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of our district as it navigates this uncharted territory.

Hillsborough Education Foundation is changing how we deliver our programs and resources to help ensure we keep students on the pathway to success.
  • We are working on innovative ways to continue to get core school supplies into the hands of our students who need them most and are creating supply kits for distribution.
  • We are looking at options to ensure the digital divide does not delay students’ progress—especially the most vulnerable students we serve—who may not have access to computers and may live outside of free Wi-Fi service areas for online learning.
  • We are transitioning to virtually deliver some of our workshops and program activities.
 
We are all in this together. COVID-19 has changed daily life for all of us—that’s why your continued partnership is vital during this massive disruption to education. As always, we are working with the district to understand students’ and teachers’ needs. We will share updated information with you on our newly designed website and on our social media channels. 

Our staff is available to assist you by email at info@educationfoundation.com or by phone: (813) 574-0260. Above all else, we wish you and your family safety and good health.

With appreciation,
Kim Jowell
CEO