SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Receives $125,000 Grant from St. Joe Community Foundation to Expand Seacoast Collegiate High School STEM Programs
SEASIDE SCHOOL™ is proud to announce a $125,000 grant award from the St. Joe Community Foundation to support the expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School at the Northwest Florida State College South Walton Campus. This critical investment will enhance science and technology infrastructure, ensuring students are equipped for high-demand careers in healthcare, STEM, and environmental sciences.
This grant will directly fund the acquisition of cutting-edge technology, science lab equipment, and educational infrastructure necessary to create a robust college and career preparatory environment. With a targeted focus on 9th and 10th grade students, the initiative includes a 1:1 technology rollout—providing Chromebooks and iPads in core classrooms—and the introduction of advanced STEM tools such as microscopes, probeware, and environmental science equipment.
“We are incredibly grateful to the St. Joe Community Foundation for their visionary support,” said Dr. Tom Miller, Executive Director of the SEASIDE SCHOOL™. “This grant allows us to not only enrich academic instruction but also to prepare our students to lead in high-wage, high-need fields like healthcare, renewable energy, and sustainable development.”
The initiative aligns with a critical regional need: developing a workforce that is both college-ready and career-ready. Students will gain hands-on experience and earn industry-recognized certifications, giving them a competitive edge in both higher education and the job market. Through enhanced access to technology and science instruction, Seacoast graduates will be better prepared for fields that require advanced knowledge and skills—from nursing and medicine to engineering and environmental science.
Key Benefits of the Grant-Funded Program Include:
- Substantial Cost Savings: Dual enrollment and certifications will save students an estimated $60,000 in college expenses.
- Workforce Development: Graduates will fill workforce gaps with skills and credentials relevant to healthcare, STEM, and environmental careers.
- Economic Growth: Increased graduation and employment rates will raise average salaries and strengthen Walton County’s economy.
- Talent Retention: Students are more likely to stay in or return to Walton County, enhancing the local talent pool and community engagement.
Beyond traditional career pathways, the program emphasizes environmental science literacy and sustainability. Students will emerge as informed advocates and decision-makers, applying their knowledge in diverse fields such as real estate, law, public policy, and conservation. With training in both university-level research and real-world applications, graduates will be well-positioned to tackle global challenges like climate change and natural resource management.
To ensure successful implementation, the grant will support teacher training in the latest educational technologies, the hiring of a dedicated technology support specialist, and the integration of STEM tools into both classroom and extracurricular programs. This comprehensive approach guarantees a sustainable, high-impact learning environment for current and future students.
“This initiative is a major step toward our vision of balanced progress and preservation,” said Dr. Miller. “By investing in our students today, we’re building the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
To learn more about the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ and the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project at Northwest Florida State College, visit SeasideSchools.net.
Author: Sowal Editor
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