The inaugural CORE Construction Golf Tournament at the in Sarasota on Sept. 30, raised over $56,000 in support for a USF College of Education program at the campus that prepares teachers in the to take leadership roles at their schools.
"I'm really proud of what we were able to accomplish with the event, and overwhelmingly
humbled by the support of our trade partners and friends within the community," said
Jason Mitchell, vice president of client services at CORE Construction. "Our industry
knows how to rally and come together for a cause, and the teacher leader scholarships
were another great example of what we can do."
The GYOTL Academy, a four-semester, 12-credit-hour graduate certificate program, provides
unique opportunities for participating teachers to collaborate on class projects that
address real challenges on their campuses. The program will equip teachers with the
necessary skills and knowledge to become impactful school and community leaders. Teachers
who complete the program, which started this semester with 15 students who teach in
one of five Manatee County elementary schools, earn a graduate certificate that can
be applied toward a master鈥檚 degree from USF.
Proceeds from the golf tournament mean the program will be largely funded in its inaugural
year by . The construction manager for USF Sarasota-Manatee's Campus Student Center and Atala
Residence Hall, CORE donated $42,000 to fund the first two semesters of the inaugural
Manatee County GYOTL cohort and invited their construction industry partners to the
tournament to further support the program. The event was a success, thanks to the
support of 69 golfers, including school district and Manatee County government officials,
and 29 sponsors.
"The Grow Your Own Teacher Leader Program will make a meaningful and direct impact
on the lives of students who attend five Title 1 elementary schools in the School
District of Manatee County,鈥� said Cheryl Ellerbrock, Sarasota-Manatee campus dean for the College of Education 鈥淏y connecting our talented
College of Education faculty with 15 exemplary elementary teachers, together they
investigate ways to support student learning through leadership, professional development,
coaching, and teacher research.
鈥淭his is just one way we are partnering together with our community businesses, such
as CORE Construction and their amazing industry partners, to uplift our community
and retain our teachers,鈥� Ellerbrock said. 鈥淭ogether, USF the College of Education,
the School District of Manatee County and our very giving community partners strive
to make a difference in the lives of teachers and students in our community."