Our region’s relationship with the beaches, swamps, pastures and estuaries that enrich our lives is inseparable. This is something many of us only rediscovered during the pandemic (or gave greater priority to), and this rekindling of greater appreciation for the outdoors has conjured childhood fascinations of the natural world.

To help ensure today’s young people who are fascinated with the natural world keep that inquisitive sense of wonder, we at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County are proud to partner with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to ensure the next generation has access to the world-class assets and possibilities blooming at our community’s botanical garden.

Through a three-year partnership with our Community Foundation and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, local students interested in the growing field of environmental sustainability will have access to hands-on, real-life experiences to nurture their goals of pursuing a career in the natural sciences. A new Education Lab Series, being developed by Selby Gardens and reviewed by Sarasota County Schools, will open these college and career-readiness pathways for middle and high school youth, guided by a curriculum focused on renewable energy science. Students will be able to take an active role in developing their own studies, sharing feedback alongside their teachers, school administrators, and industry experts.

Naturally, our K-5 learners will also have their learning moment in the sunshine. Recognizing that our interests sprout young, three donors working with our foundation have personally invested in the partnership to fund an array of solar panels for elementary schools, further enhancing their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) offerings and possibilities.

Think of all the future scientists, activists, and change-makers these efforts will inspire amongst our children and their families, as these experiences are also critical investments in adults too. As part of our commitment to a “two-generation” approach, this partnership will also expand the Family Togetherness program established in 2017 to connect more underserved families to Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus. In the years to come, this programming will bring together those families that might not otherwise have the means to enjoy events and other activities at Selby Gardens – like Lights in Bloom®: An Open-Air Holiday Light Show and the Enchanted Garden Festival – with all expenses covered.

From Family Togetherness to the Education Lab Series, all of these are invaluable opportunities to inspire today’s youth to become tomorrow’s environmental caretakers, carrying with them a lifelong passion that will only continue to grow.

As this partnership reminds us, the responsibility of building a more sustainable future doesn’t only fall to the next generation. It’s a task that requires each one of us to think of ourselves as forward-thinking stewards of this planet we all call home. I believe that by deepening our understanding and connection to sustainability, and taking micro, everyday actions, every generation can plant the seeds for macro change and grow, bloom, and thrive where they’re planted.

Roxie Jerde is President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Photo by Daniel Perales. Family Togetherness Night at Selby Gardens - Downtown Sarasota Campus.

“Planning is everything.”

The value of creating and employing an effective strategic plan has been on my mind with the Education Foundation of Sarasota County having recently completed a thorough and rigorous strategic planning process.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, former U.S. president and Army general, was referring to preparing for a military emergency when he made the “planning is everything” assertion, but it applies to corporate, nonprofit and education worlds as well.   

As many would agree, strategic planning is an organization’s process to determine its vision for the future while identifying the goals and objectives to get there.

I am happy that the Education Foundation’s plan accomplishes that and I’m excited about using the strategic plan as a working document that will carry us forward as we expand essential services and resources that students, teachers and families need more urgently than ever before.

By honing in on our purpose, our “why”, we affirmed that the Education Foundation works to unite our community to prepare each and every student for life. We believe each and every student will be better prepared for life if:

1. Every student has personal agency and wellbeing.

2. Every student has access to resources and relationships that make a difference.

3. Every student has a plan for next steps upon high school graduation.

Our goals are based on achieving these outcomes. It is a bold, ambitious plan that is student-centered, community-connected, and teacher-supported. 

In short, our strategic plan is filled with hope and optimism for the future.

That’s why I understandably was enthusiastic when I saw a preliminary draft of Sarasota County Schools’ new strategic plan that Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen and his administrative team are creating. The document’s synergistic tone and forward-looking vision resonated with me.

The district plan recognizes and responds to the incredible need that’s prevalent in our community.  The district’s plan also recognizes likely challenges but does not shirk from putting forward aspirational priorities that I believe will set our community apart and advance our students toward achieving better outcomes. 

We are enthusiastic about the goals being identified and eager to see the plan’s finishing touches. Overall, reading it resulted in a sense that our children are in good care and under good stewardship of district leaders who prioritize students’ and teachers’ academic and social-emotional progress. 

An immense amount of work and attention to detail went into developing the plan. Dr. Asplen and the high-caliber team he assembled deserve the community’s appreciation and support for tackling this important initiative during some of our society’s most trying times.

As a valued partner with the district, the Education Foundation stands ready to support the district as it launches its new strategic plan. I believe many other community partners with expertise and knowledge will join in supporting the district to ensure that this new plan can be realized.

Let’s leverage our considerable community connectivity to maximize this opportunity for renewed hope, positive vision, and forward direction for the benefit of our children and our community.

Jennifer Vigne is president of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Official portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower