A significant investment in agricultural education is coming to rural Okaloosa County students. The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, in partnership with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, has awarded $100,000 to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) through its new Career Catalyst initiative. This grant program specifically targets rural, underserved areas by funding innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The funds will create hands-on agricultural career pathways for students in an underserved community. Chosen from a competitive pool of 13 outstanding applicants, the OPSF stood out for its comprehensive approach to career education. The "Growing Laurel Hill" program will serve 150 students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with 69% qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch. Through hands-on experiences in horticulture, Agri-Technology, greenhouses, aquaponics systems, and internships, students will gain valuable skills to prepare them for careers in agriculture and related industries.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the initiative, stating: "The 'Growing Laurel Hill' program is a shining example of how we can create meaningful career pathways for our students. This grant will provide them hands-on learning experiences, industry skills, and real-world opportunities to shape their futures. We are incredibly grateful to the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation for investing in the success of our students and our community." Assistant Superintendent John Spolski echoed this sentiment, adding: "This project is a testament to what can be achieved through strong community partnerships. With support from local businesses, organizations, and agencies, we are equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in Florida's evolving agricultural landscape. We are excited to see this program take root and flourish."
The program has already secured $50,000 from the Farm Bureau, with an additional $100,000 pending from Yellow River Soil and Water Conservation and support from the USDA and local businesses. This public-private partnership will ensure the success and sustainability of the "Growing Laurel Hill" initiative, which is set to launch in the 2025-2026 school year. The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation remains dedicated to fostering career pathways in Florida's high-demand fields. With this grant, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation is poised to cultivate brighter futures for students and the community.
"The Growing Laurel Hill Academy is exactly the type of initiative that we hope to foster through our Career Catalyst program," said Mary Chance, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. "We're excited to see how local industry and community leaders have rallied around this effort to create a meaningful opportunity for students. We believe this program will serve as a model for similar projects across the state."
(Pictured Left to Right: Assistant Superintendent John Spolski, OPSF Office of Community Affairs Debbie Tate, Senator Danny Burgess, Chair of PreK-12 Education Appropriations Committee, and Mary Chance, President/CEO of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations)
