Page 25 - January 2023 Report

Resilience
Grant Program Committee meeting minutes (draft) (7)
Bo talked about how students seem less engaged, which he attributed to a lingering effect of COVID. At the same time, students’ digital literacy has increased as well as their ability to multitask, which is making them more entrepreneurial. To address the shift, the program has introduced a new student orientation process and resumed college tours, among other changes. The program also educates students about entrepreneurship through a partnership with the 10X Kids University, an interactive e-learning program by real estate entrepreneur Grant Cardone that teaches financial literacy and goal setting.
Take Stock/Johnson Scholars also has a full-time corporate development officer. Danielle announced that retired JSF Board member David Rinker is helping Take Stock establish an endowment. Other future plans include offering more summer enrichment programs and internships; greater emphasis on certificate programs, dual enrollment and leadership opportunities; and adding more college tours. It was noted that 3 students have been chosen for the QuestBridge program.
Program graduate and software engineer Rasha Rahaman shared his story. He joined the program in 2014 as a student at Lake Worth High School. After graduation he started several businesses and opened an orphanage in Bangladesh. He thanked Bo and former program leader Wanda Kirby for helping to keep him on the right path. He now volunteers as a mentor in the program.
After their presentations, the Elevation Scholars and Take Stock/Johnson Scholars participants were invited to stay for lunch. Afterward, they left the meeting.
d. Florida Gulf Coast University
Malcolm welcomed Kitty Green, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation. She appeared before the Committee via Zoom. The following materials had been circulated: an email request for emergency funding from Oct. 27, 2022; an application requesting a one-year grant of $50,000 with a 1:1 match; and an email containing information about FGCU’s Hurricane Ian Relief Fund.
Though it has been several weeks since Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida, insurance issues and other challenges are continuing. The FGCU Foundation has raised $2.3 million to date and awarded $2 million in emergency aid. Awards ranged from $250 to $1,000. The next phase involves moving $50,000 to Eagles Care, an existing emergency fund for students. For employees, the plan is to transition to a zero-interest loan program. Meanwhile, the FGCU Foundation will stop actively fundraising for disaster relief.
Kitty was asked whether it would that make things harder for her department if JSF were to require that its grant go to student aid only. Kitty replied that it would not. The FGCU Foundation would be willing to match JSF’s $50,000 for Eagles Care if desired. Another question involved the students’ long-term needs. She said many students are dealing with job insecurity, making it harder for them to pay tuition and school-related expenses. Kitty was thanked and she left the meeting.
Malcolm opened the floor for discussion. Student emergency funds are the least supported by university foundations, and it seems a better fit for JSF than an employee loan program. Another comment was that this type of weather-related request could become more frequent as a result of global climate change.
The Committee approved a request from Florida Gulf Coast University for a one-time grant of $50,000 with the following conditions: the FGCU Foundation will designate JSF dollars for the Eagles Care student emergency fund and match the grant 1:1 with funds to be used only for Eagles Care.
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