The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County

As we observe National Cyber Security Month, I'm excited to highlight an exceptional program making waves in cybersecurity education right here in Palm Beach County. The Cybersecurity Academy at Santaluces High School completed its fifth year of operation in 2023-2024, and the results are truly impressive. This innovative program, funded in partnership with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, is setting a new standard for preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Key Features of the Program: ? A comprehensive four-year curriculum designed to launch successful careers in cybersecurity ? Specialized courses covering computer and network security, security vulnerabilities, and other critical topics ? Support extended to six schools throughout The School District of Palm Beach County ? Opportunity for students to earn up to 16 industry certifications upon graduation The 2023-2024 academic year showcased the program's remarkable success: ? 1,916 students enrolled in Cybersecurity courses across the district's six Cybersecurity Academy programs ? An outstanding 90% of these students (1,739 out of 1,916) successfully obtained one or more industry certifications in cybersecurity/IT These statistics not only demonstrate the program's effectiveness but also highlight the growing interest and importance of cybersecurity education in our increasingly digital world. As cyber threats continue to evolve and proliferate, initiatives like the Cybersecurity Academy are crucial. They not only contribute to our collective digital security but also open up exciting career paths for our youth. #MondayMotivation #NationalCyberSecurityMonth #PBCSD #CybersecurityEducation #STEM #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation

Wow! What an incredible turnout for our 10th Annual Heroes for Education 5K presented by UnitedHealthcare and Optum! ??♀???♂? A huge THANK YOU to all our amazing sponsors who made this event possible. Your support helped us: Welcome over 1,600 runners Raise more than $120,000 for Education Foundation programs and grants See participation from over half of Palm Beach County's 182 schools Award $14,000+ in prize money to 28 schools Your generosity is investing in our students' futures. Together, we're making a real difference in education! ???? To see all the photos from the day visit https://bit.ly/4eyD84X Thanks to our sponsors Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Boca West Children's Foundation, Tanger, GOLD COAST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, PROCEDEO, B & I Contractors Inc., NCCI, PNC, Proctor Construction, CORE, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Palm Wealth Partners, Orange Theory Fitness, and Keiser University. #HeroesForEducation #ThankYouSponsors #CommunitySupport #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation

A big thank you to Tanger for being our fantastic Finish Line sponsor at this year's Heroes for Education 5K! ???? Your support helped make our event a huge success and will have a lasting impact on local schools. Thanks to generous sponsors like Tanger, we're able to fund essential educational programs and resources for our community's students. To everyone who ran, walked, cheered, or volunteered - you're all heroes in our book! Together, we've taken important steps towards improving education in our area. Missed out this year? Follow us to be the first to know about next year's event! #HeroesForEducation #TangerCares #CommunityPartners #EducationMatters #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation

Don't let the forecast fool you – tomorrow's Heroes for Education 5K is on, come rain or shine! While the skies might be uncertain, our commitment to education is rock solid. At John Prince Park, we're gearing up for an unforgettable morning of community spirit and healthy competition. The action starts at 7:15 AM when our youngest heroes take center stage for the Kids 1-Mile Fun Run. Then, at 7:45 AM, runners of all ages will hit their stride in the main 5K event. So whether you're sprinting through puddles or basking in sunshine, you'll be making a splash for our local schools. Lace up those running shoes, grab your rain gear (just in case), and join us in turning every step into support for education. Remember, it takes more than a little weather to stop a true hero! #HeroesForEducation #5K #FunRun #SupportingSchools #PBCSD #EFPBC #youreducationfoundation

Our President and CEO, James Gavrilos, appeared on WPEC-TV CBS12 News this morning, highlighting the Education Foundation's impact on The School District of Palm Beach County. He also shared that the 10th Annual Heroes for Education 5K presented by UnitedHealthcare and Optum is this Sunday, October 6th at John Prince Park. Join us in making a difference! Whether you're running or just coming out to support education and cheer on our 1,600 runners! Together, we're building a stronger future for our community through education. Register at https://bit.ly/3P1KK2d #EducationFoundation #5KForEducation #PalmBeachCounty #CorporateSocialResponsibility #5K #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation

?? Celebrating Educational Innovation and Student Success at Palm Beach Lakes High School! ?? We're thrilled to share the remarkable journey of the eSports program: ?? From less than 10 students to over 450 participants ?? Made possible by an Education Foundation GoTeach! Classroom Grant The eSports initiative is more than just gaming—it's a catalyst for student growth: Fostering a passion for technology Building self-confidence Driving academic excellence Improving school attendance Creating a supportive community ?? Milestone Achievement ?? Beckham Llewellyn, a graduate and former member of the "Retro Rams" eSports club, signed his letter of intent to join Keiser University's eSports team. Beckham is the program's first-ever recipient of an eSports scholarship! This success story exemplifies how innovative educational programs can open new doors for students. It's a testament to the power of embracing emerging fields and the incredible potential of our youth. We're immensely proud of Beckham and all the eSports participants. Their dedication not only enhances their skills but also prepares them for the digital future. Here's to continued growth, more success stories, and the bright future of education in the digital age! #EducationInnovation #eSportsScholarship #StudentSuccess #STEM #GoTeach #DigitalLearning #PalmBeachLakesHS #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation

??♂??? What's the best thing to have after a run? ????♀? A refreshing bottle of DASANI water or BodyArmor Lyte Sports Drink! ?? Thanks to our water station sponsor Coca-Cola Beverages Florida and BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition, you'll have the perfect way to replenish those electrolytes at the finish line of the 10th Annual Heroes for Education 5K! ???? See you at the race on Sunday, October 6th, hydrated and ready to go! ?? Wait, not registered? Click on the link and join us https://bit.ly/3P1KK2d #Heroes5K #CokeFlorida #BodyArmor #Hydration #PostRunRefresh

The Education Foundation team recently attended the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations' ConnectED Conference in Orlando, where we gathered with Education Foundations from across the state. Our Director of Program and Grants, Jennifer Ethridge, led two insightful sessions, sharing the success of our Resiliency Through the Community initiative. The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking, exchanging ideas with our peers, and learning how other Education Foundations are driving impact in their communities. It was an inspiring and productive experience, strengthening our mission and energizing us for future success. #TestimonialTuesday #SharingIdeas #Community #EducationMatters #CFEF #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation

Can you spot the hidden meanings? This year’s Collector’s Finisher Medal sponsored by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is more than just a keepsake – it holds TWO special meanings! ???? Think you know what they are? Drop your guesses in the comments below for a chance to win a special prize! ???? Hint: Look closely at the design, every detail tells a story... ??♂? Rules to Enter: Like this post ?? Follow our page ?? Comment with your guesses below ?? Winners will be announced on Monday, October 30th! Good luck! ?? Wait, are you not registered for this year's 5K? There is still time, register at: https://bit.ly/3P1KK2d #MondayMotivation #5K #Community #EducationMatters #SDPBC #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation

?? Congratulations to Jennifer Ethridge, our Director of Program and Grants, for being honored with the prestigious Consortium of Florida Education Foundations' Staff Superstar Award! ?? Jennifer's incredible leadership in bringing the first Behavioral Health Technician program to students in The School District of Palm Beach County has made a profound impact. Not only has she paved the way for students to earn industry certifications in mental health in Palm Beach County schools, but she’s also generously shared her knowledge with other education foundations to help them implement the program in their districts. Her unwavering commitment and passion for the achievements of students and families in our community shine through in all her actions. Thank you, Jennifer, for your dedication and hard work in creating positive change in our community and beyond! ?? #ThankfulThursday #StudentAdvocate #HelpingTeachers #SupportingStudents #MentalHeathAwareness #Community #EFPBC #YOUREducationFoundation