In the midst of today’s hurried world and constant chatter that turns news into noise for many Americans, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County is creating inspiration, unity and outreach that is shaping the lives of our students and our community in very positive ways.

Did you know that October was also College Knowledge Month? The Education Foundation kicked off the month with a viewing of the e-documentary Most Likely to Succeed. This film, which we will be sharing again in January, inspired us with a sense of purpose and possibility by stimulating us with ideas on how together we, as a community, can reimagine education in a variety of ways. Coffee and conversations will keep the invigorating dialogue alive and we invite you to join us.

We also launched a career interactive series program designed to help middle schoolers explore career options. This pilot program for eighth grade students will provide experiential field trips to illuminate ways that career interests may be aligned with students’ studies in high school and beyond. Exposing middle school students to careers early helps them understand the relevance of what they are learning and increases the likelihood that they will be better prepared for life. After all, as America’s Promise Alliance states: “How do we expect young people to dream if they don’t know what they can dream about?”

October also saw the launch of two major new programs. For example, one young woman’s life was irrevocably changed as teams of mentors, students and community leaders joined together over a weekend to make a difference. This Booker High student blossomed from a shy observer to an enthusiastic participant, helping design a mobile application created to help teens facing bullying or peer pressure. Hers was just one of many amazing stories that came out of the #SRQHacks Hackathon, a three-day event that combined 43 teenagers with more than sixty entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators and innovators from our own community. Men and women lent their time and talent serving as mentor volunteers by guiding teams through the process of creating a product addressing a specific community issue, from idea to planning stage to pitch. The weekend proved exhilarating and unifying to all involved—so much so, many of our mentors are helping student teams continue their work. Guided by mentors and encouraged by the relationships they developed, students realized their own potential and discovered new interests and opportunities. As one child commented, “The Education Foundation is creating a renaissance.”

A week later, the Education Foundation teamed up with America’s Promise Alliance, which selected Sarasota as one of 100 cities across America to host a GradNation Summit. Did you know that 90 percent of all jobs by 2020 will require a high school diploma and 65 percent will require some form of post-secondary certification or degree? Just getting students to the starting block requires our collective effort to raise the high school graduation rate. Recent reports show the national high school graduation rate at 82 percent, and in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, we are striving for 100 percent. With support of community organizations and area educators, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County brought together over 100 students from five area high schools to hear speakers and participate in panel discussions on posthigh school education paths that include college and vocational training. Students worked together to develop ideas on how to improve graduation rates, ultimately competing for $500 grants.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is fortunate to be able to support area youth thanks to a generous community that understands the long-term benefits of education and is willing to give back to ensure the long-term health of our community. As we close out College Knowledge Month, we know we are drowning out the noise with inspiration, unity and outreach that is possible only because of organizations and individuals from Tampa to North Port who advocate tirelessly for education, giving their time and financial support to ensure our youth have opportunities to reach their potential.

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