Category Archives: News

Partnership with FGCU Foundation and Florida Prepaid College Foundation to Celebrate FGCU’s 25 th Anniversary

Earn to Learn FL (ETLFL), a 501(c)3 nonprofit who envisions a world without barriers to higher education, announces partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Florida Prepaid College Foundation to celebrate FGCU’s 25 th Anniversary. The celebration will
culminate in $1,000,000 Earn to Learn FL Matched Savings for Education Scholarships for FGCU students.

In partnership with FGCU Foundation, ETLFL will raise the funds to purchase Florida Prepaid College Foundation one-year scholarships for FGCU students. In turn, Florida Prepaid College Foundation will match the generosity of Southwest Florida dollar for dollar to leverage the community’s investment of $500,000 into $1,000,000 for scholarships to be awarded to deserving students who will attend FGCU.  Angelo Serrano is an ETLFL scholarship recipient who will graduate from FGCU this spring. “ETLFL’s innovative approach ensures that students are financially prepared for college,” said Serrano. “I couldn’t have gotten through college without all of tools they provide.”

“Approximately 1.4 million of Florida’s working-age adults have earned some college credit but never completed with a credential, often incurred student loan debt, and remained unemployable,” said Brenda Tate, CEO of Earn to Learn FL. “We empower income challenged students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt. We do this through matched savings scholarships, personal finance training, and peer coaching. It’s a formula for student success that works.”

“Florida Prepaid College Foundation offers opportunities to change the lives of deserving Florida students through scholarship programs,” said Cynthia F. O’Connell, Director of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. “The majority of our programs double the value of scholarship funds by receiving a dollar-for-dollar match from the Foundation, allowing organizations like Earn to Learn FL to have a greater impact on the community.”
“Florida Gulf Coast University is pleased to partner with Earn to Learn FL on this important initiative.  Earn to Learn FL is committed to student success, and that is also one of the five pillars of FGCU’s strategic plan,” said Dr. Michael Martin, president of Florida Gulf Coast University.  “We have made significant strides over the past five years, and our partnership with Earn to Learn FL means more students will graduate with little or no debt and will enhance the workforce and economic well-being of our state.”

For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at
Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org.

About Earn to Learn FL
Earn to Learn FL (ETLFL), formed in 2011, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower income challenged students to successfully complete college.
ETLFL has developed based on three core tenets:
1. Matched Savings for Education: Students and their families who income-qualify are eligible to deposit up to $500 into an ETLFL savings account each year. Their savings are then matched 8:1 by ETLFL. This brings the combined available funds for financial assistance paid directly to an academic institution up to $4,500 per academic year. The funds are used for tuition, books, fees and other approved educational related expenses.
2. Near Peer Coaching for Postsecondary Success: ETLFL trains and deploys AmeriCorps members to coach income challenged students in the areas of postsecondary access, personal finance training, and career planning. Coaches support student preparation and success strategies to successfully pursue their higher education.
3. Personal Finance Training: ETLFL provides a dynamic online personal finance training program designed to produce measurable and meaningful outcomes for students and coaches.

Earn to Learn FL™ (ETLFL), a 501(c)3 nonprofit who envisions a world without barriers to higher education, announces that it has received Candid’s (formerly GuideStar) coveted Platinum Seal of Transparency.

Candid is the world’s largest source of nonprofit data and this designation demonstrates that ETLFL is an organization focused on measuring  progress and results in order to provide current and potential funders accurate and detailed information. The designation is only awarded to charities illustrating the highest level of responsible fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

“We are so proud to earn this recognition from Candid,” said Brenda Tate, CEO of Earn to Learn FL.  “Our team works tirelessly to maintain a transparent and efficient organization while ensuring the highest possible portion of our budget goes to empowering income-challenged students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt. We do this through matched savings scholarships, personal finance training, and peer coaching. It’s a formula for student success that works.”

For more information about Earn to Learn FL, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org.

About Earn to Learn FL

Earn to Learn FL (ETLFL), formed in 2011, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower income challenged students to successfully complete college.

ETLFL has developed based on three core tenets:

1.       Matched Savings for Education: Students and their families who income-qualify are eligible to deposit up to $500 into an ETLFL savings account each year. Their savings are then matched 8:1 by ETLFL. This brings the combined available funds for financial assistance paid directly to an academic institution up to $4,500 per academic year. The funds are used for tuition, books, fees and other approved educational related expenses.

2.       Near Peer Coaching for Postsecondary Success: ETLFL trains and deploys AmeriCorps members to coach income challenged students in the areas of postsecondary access, personal finance training, and career planning. Coaches support student preparation and success strategies to successfully pursue their higher education.

3.       Personal Finance Training: ETLFL provides a dynamic online personal finance training program designed to produce measurable and meaningful outcomes for students and coaches.

Earn to Learn Florida (ETLF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower income-challenged students to complete college, announced that Cheyenne Ram has been named Near Peer Coach program coordinator for the Tampa Bay region.

“Near Peer Success coaches support students as they transition from high school to a postsecondary education institution,” said Brenda Tate, CEO of Earn to Learn FL.  “Members focus on advising students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, through the complex steps toward college enrollment, including the admission and financial aid processes.”

“Cheyenne’s personal experience with mentors who supported her to complete her college education make her the perfect choice for this position,” said Tate.  “Her communication skills, professionalism, and positivity will be tremendous assets as she finds, recruits, trains, and supports our peers and students.”

AmeriCorps funds the Near Peer program in partnership with Volunteer Florida.  The program targets economically disadvantaged students in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier Counties, with plans to expand to other counties.  The Near Peer program helps students pursue their dream of completing a postsecondary education with little or no debt.  Not only do the students benefit, but the peers find themselves growing as they share what they have learned through their own experiences.  Each Near Peer Coach receives a stipend of $9,900, plus a $3,000 scholarship for their continued education upon completion of 12 months of service.  This year ETLF will deploy 72 Near Peer coaches.

Ram attended The Boys and Girls Club in Sarasota while attending high school.  “I am a first-generation college graduate, and The Boys and Girls Club provided me the mentorships and opportunities that made college a reality,” said Ram.  “I am grateful for the support and resources I received, and that inspired me to serve with Earn to Learn FL.”

Ram’s experience includes working as a program supervisor for The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.  Her responsibilities included recruiting, interviewing, and selecting intervention specialists, providing training, coaching, and feedback, setting programmatic objectives, defining roles, and prioritizing tasks for direct reports.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of South Florida.  She served at her local Boys and Girls Club during the last semester of her master’s program.

Earn to Learn FL empowers low-to-moderate income students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt through matched savings, personalized financial capability training, and success coaching.  In addition, eligible students who establish a habit of saving for higher education can receive matching funds for financial assistance provided by Earn to Learn FL supporters committed to enhancing workforce development and the economic well-being of Florida communities.  For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org.

 

High schools students may be eligible to have their savings matched 8:1                                               

Earn to Learn Florida (ETLF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower income-challenged students to complete college, announces that applications are open for Matched Savings for Education Scholarships.

High school juniors and seniors who income-qualify may be eligible to save up to $500 in their Florida 529 Savings Plan each year and have their savings matched at least 8:1 by Earn to Learn FL. This brings their total available funds for financial assistance to at least $4,500 per academic year.

In partnership with Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Earn to Learn FL doubles the impact of non-government funds donated to Earn to Learn FL for scholarships at the 8:1 ratio. The partnership with Florida Prepaid College Foundation provides 1-year Florida University or 1-year Florida College scholarship plans for tuition, local fees, and tuition differential fees in Florida. In addition, the students’ savings in their Florida 529 Savings Plan pays for additional expenses for education such as lodging, books, fees, and other costs.

“Income-challenged students will be prepared for long and short-term success by combining student savings, personal finance training, near peer coaching, and scholarships,” said Brenda Tate, CEO of Earn to Learn FL.  “We are confident that an investment in these students’ high school and postsecondary success will have long-lasting effects on their careers and the rest of their lives.”

Students must complete the online pre-application form to begin the process. To be eligible, students must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

Academic:

·         Apply during 11th or 12th grade

·         Be enrolled at a public Florida high school

·         Earn a 3.0 high school GPA if pursuing a Florida state university degree program

·         Earn a 2.5 high school GPA if pursuing a Florida state career and technical education certificate or two-year associates degree

Income:

·         Documentation that the student (or family) receives benefits from one of the following programs, based on income:

o   Free and Reduced Lunch (based on income)

o   Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

o   Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

o   Medicare

o   HUD – must not exceed the “Very Low Income” HUD Eligibility threshold

o   Or, a filed IRS 1040 tax return that lists the student as a dependent and demonstrates eligibility to participate in the program.

o   Or, proof that the student is in foster care.

Citizenship:

·         Scholarships (based on availability) are available for both U.S. citizens and resident aliens; a valid social security number is required.

·         Eligible students must have Florida residency and a valid Florida ID card, such as a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or state ID.

If eligible, students will automatically be directed to complete personal finance training.  Once completed, students will be invited to complete the full application.

Students will make monthly deposits for at least six months before university or college enrollment to meet the savings goal and receive the Earn to Learn FL Scholarship.

To apply, visit www.earntolearnflorida.org. Then, click on Programs and Matched Savings.

Earn to Learn FL empowers low-to-moderate income students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt through matched savings, personalized financial capability training, and success coaching. In addition, eligible students who establish a habit of saving for higher education can receive matching funds for financial assistance provided by Earn to Learn FL supporters committed to enhancing workforce development and the economic well-being of Florida communities. For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org.  To donate, visit https://give.classy.org/nearpeer.

Earn to Learn Florida (ETLF), a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to empower income-challenged students to complete college, announced that Rebecca Gerke has been named finance and human resources director.  Gerke joined Earn to Learn FL in 2016 as an accountant.

“Rebecca is an experienced accountant and consultant with collaborative success in guiding multiple small businesses and non-profits in growth, profitability and sustainability,” said Brenda Tate, CEO of Earn to Learn FL.  “She implements sound business practices and improved management of costs and utilizes a consultative approach to work with key leaders, board members, management, and staff to control overhead expenses and cash flow, streamline operations with policies, processes, and procedures, and analyze business strategies.”  Gerke earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

“I love the opportunity to see education happening on so many levels,” said Gerke.  “Our Near Peer Coaches enhance their own education through leading personal finance and college readiness training. Our Student Savers are reaching their savings goals as they apply knowledge learned through the program.  This education is far-reaching, with many ripple effects. It’s a joy to provide behind-the-scenes support to the organization.”

Earn to Learn FL empowers low-to-moderate income students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt through matched savings, personalized financial capability training, and success coaching. In addition, eligible students who establish a habit of saving for higher education can receive matching funds for financial assistance provided by Earn to Learn FL supporters committed to enhancing workforce development and the economic well-being of Florida communities.  For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org.