FUTURES Foundation Helps Volusia County Students Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways

Local education foundation FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools announced it has received a grant for $101,250 as part of a three-year $1,200,000 grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation to the

Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) aimed at increasing student interest in healthcare careers and successful participation in high school healthcare career academies, particularly among students from underrepresented rural communities.

Through the Explore & Excel in Healthcare Career Pathways’ program grant, FUTURES Foundation will support expansion of the Allied Health Academy at T. DeWitt Taylor Middle-High School in Pierson impacting 100 high school students. This expansion will enhance the program's capacity to train future healthcare professionals who are equipped to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the healthcare industry. Funding will be used to incorporate new technologies to prepare students for emerging healthcare challenges, ensuring they are prepared for future healthcare innovations. Additionally, hands-on tools will provide students with the opportunity to engage in realistic simulations, helping them better understand the skills required in vital healthcare fields such as ECG/EKG lead placement and rhythm interpretation, venipuncture, and pediatric nursing to improve clinical competence. 

“As the education foundation for Volusia County Schools, FUTURES Foundation continuously seeks out new opportunities to support VCS students and teachers,” said Shimene Shepard, Executive Director of FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools. “CTE programs and career pathways are a priority focus area for the school district, and we are thrilled to bring this grant opportunity to T. DeWitt Taylor Middle-High School.”

These students can leave the Health Science program as EKG technicians, Certified Patient Care Technician and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, giving them the advantage to enter the workforce immediately after high school and continue their education as future nurses, physicians and many other health care related professions.

“The Consortium is pleased to bring much-needed healthcare career pathway exploration and acceleration opportunities to students across the state of Florida,” said Mary Chance, President/CEO of the Consortium. “As healthcare careers continue to be in-demand, the need to inspire and engage students in this area is critical.”

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About the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium):

               The Consortium is a membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations, and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of Florida’s local education foundations. The Consortium now has 64 member foundations with 1,200 business and community leaders serving as volunteer board members. Collectively, they raise more than $100 million annually to support students, teachers, and schools through a variety of programs.

               The Consortium has provided nearly $70 million to local education foundations since 2001 through various private- and public-sector partnerships, including the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. For more information about the Consortium, visit: educationfoundationsfl.org

About FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools:

Founded in 1985, FUTURES is a nonprofit, direct support organization for Volusia County Schools. Its mission is to engage business, civic, and district leaders to promote and achieve educational excellence for Volusia County Public Schools. For additional information about FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools, please contact Executive Director Shimene Shepard at 386.255.6475, ext. 50730, or futuresfoundation@volusia.k12.fl.us, or visit its website at www.FUTURESVolusia.org

Photo 1: CTE Check Presentation at Taylor Middle High