IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area | Umbrella Learning Academy Corporation, Inc.

08 Aug Umbrella Learning Academy Corporation, Inc.

Posted at 21:19h in 2023, Education, Nonprofits by Jae Vogei

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Umbrella Learning Academy Corporation, inc.

ULA Gives Kids a Lift

Grant Year: 2023 | Focus Area: Education| Grant Amount: $108,364| Grant Status: In progress

The Umbrella Learning Academy (ULA) is an inclusive private school that serves students from PreK through 12th grade. Its mission is to empower students to discover, develop, and manage their unique gifts and talents through individualized learning plans focusing on where a student is now and where their future goals are. ULA has completed 2 full school years since it was founded. During the 2021-2022 school year, it started with 13 full-time students and as of June, 64 students are enrolled for Fall 2023 with expectations that will increase. Each full-time student who attends ULA is the recipient of a Florida Step Up for Students scholarship, which provides educational options for students whose needs are not being met in their zoned public school. Teachers plan lessons in ways that will engage their classes and meet student needs making certain they base all learning goals on Florida BEST Standards for each grade level. ULA has graduated one student from the program, who went on to complete Army basic training and is currently stationed in Korea and working in the intelligence field. The ULA is extremely proud of him and excited to watch more ULA students move on to higher education and/or careers in the future.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Umbrella Learning Academy needs solutions for transporting students to and from school and other activities. As many of its students fall in the low-income category, transportation is often a factor that limits them being able to attend ULA or is even a barrier to attending school on a consistent basis. In addition, some students have physical disabilities that limit their mobility, causing them to be unable to participate in activities that require specific transportation accommodations. IMPACT 100 grant funds will be used to purchase two 15 passenger vans, train staff to operate them, and cover the cost of car seats, boosters, and equipment to aid students with disabilities. This would allow the school to offer daily transportation to families who need that service, as well as increase ULA’s ability to participate in community service opportunities, local enrichment programs, and local and state 4-H programming. In addition to enhancing student access to these activities, this project allows staff the opportunity to create partnerships that will boost student readiness for further education or for the workforce.

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

This project is critical to enhancing ULA’s mission and vision by providing access to its unique school environment, allowing staff the opportunity to expose students to educational off-campus experiences, and creating partnerships that will boost student readiness for further education or the workforce. Being able to provide daily transportation to and from school will give students with working parents, no transportation, or unstable living arrangements the ability to attend this school. Having a means to transport students to other locations in the community gives staff the ability to plan off-campus activities i.e., historical sites, museums, and community events that will enhance students’ education. Being able to provide these opportunities will expand students' knowledge and help create well rounded children. ULA would like to be able to help its middle and high school students plan for their future. Whether their interests lie in higher education, the military, or vocational areas, having transportation will give ULA the opportunity to partner with institutions of higher learning, recruiters, businesses, and vocational schools to help students learn about ways to pursue and achieve future goals.

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Grant Year: 2023