FSU Panama City program that teaches middle, high school kids tech skills gets $135,000

Ebonee Burrell

2022-10-12

One program at Florida State University Panama City received a grant worth more than $100,000 from the St. Joe Community Foundation.

The university's Advancing Science and Career Education in New Technologies Program accepted a $135,490 grant that it says will enhance efforts to increase interest in technology, information security and cybersecurity among middle and high school students.

A check presentation was held Tuesday at the Bay District Schools board meeting with members of the St. Joe Community Foundation and FSU Panama City's ASCENT Program.

"We are excited about this generous gift from St. Joe in support of the ASCENT Program," said Randy Hanna, dean of FSU Panama City. "The foundation is a great community partner with a demonstrated commitment to education."

The ASCENT program aims to increase IT computing skills and knowledge within the Florida Panhandle. This includes expanding educational opportunities in computing and IT with the primary goal of strengthening collaborations to help build computing proficiency, opportunities and careers across the region.

"This grant from St. Joe Community Foundation directly supports local teachers and FSU Panama City in creating and funding Integrated technology Clubs," said Larry Dennis, ASCENT program director. "As a result, hundreds of local middle and high school students will enjoy hands on experience with computing technology, build computer skills, and learn about exciting career and educational opportunities."

In addition to Dennis, the college's ASCENT Program's team includes Suzanne Remedies, program manager; Beverly Nelson, director of homeschool and informal programs; Heidi Gentry-Kolen, curriculum development adjunct; Grant Macdonnell, director of information technology; Denise Newsome, K12 director of youth initiatives; and Ebe Randeree, project manager.

Created in 1999, the St. Joe Community Foundation provides grants to 501c(3) organizations for the areas of education, environmental stewardship, building healthier communities and programs that honor the cultural arts.

"It's our mission to help enrich the quality of life for everyone in Northwest Florida," said St. Joe Community Foundation Executive Director April Wilkes. "By supporting programs that improve educational opportunities in our community, like FSU PC's ASCENT Program, we're equipping today's students with the skills they will need to find great jobs and become the local business leaders of tomorrow."

The grant will help provide training and certification for students and teachers in technology and cybersecurity.

"Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a critical role in ensuring our students are prepared for the real-world tasks that face them after graduation," said Bay District School Superintendent Bill Husfelt. "CTE classes and clubs provide students with valuable experiences and the opportunity to explore a plethora of different career paths while they are still in middle and high school. We know this invaluable experience pays rich dividends for them later in life and we are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in this project."

For more information about ASCENT, visit pc.fsu.edu/ascent. Local nonprofits can apply for grants through the St. Joe Community Foundation. Learn more at JoeFoundation.com.

Panama City News Herald