Profiles in Partnership: Hodges University

What happens when you mix eager learners of all ages, committed volunteers, an institution of higher education that thrives on continuous learning, and an organization whose role it is to foster the collaboration?

You get a dynamic partnership that creates opportunities for success for all involved.

Hodges University is growing quickly as the educational needs of our community expand. Hodges uses an educational model for adult learning which integrates academics with career.

The Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Scholarship and Mentoring program provides deserving high school students who have financial need with a tuition scholarship to a Florida state university upon successful completion of the program and graduation.

“The partnership is a perfect fit for Take Stock students. It allows them to attend school full time and start their career path earlier. They bring workplace experience to the classroom and classroom theory to the workplace,” said Louis Traina, Ed.D., Vice-President, Hodges University Advancement.

This year, Hodges and The Education Foundation will host Take Stock in Children University, which includes two days of College Preparation, Employment and Life Skills, and Leadership. The first day, held October 23, was a rousing success engaging over 75 students. The second date will be held in the Spring. In November, a two-day workshop will allow mentors, students and parents to learn the college and financial aid application process.

In addition to the support for Take Stock, Hodges University, through its Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning, will be partnering with The Education Foundation’s Corps of Retired Educators (CORE) to create an experience through which they literally get on a bus and learn more about Collier County Public Schools.

Thank you Hodges University! Your commitment to getting on the bus is extraordinary!