SCC Foundation awarded $15,000 from the Wachovia Foundation supporting SCC's Educator Preparatory Institute Program

The SCC Foundation recently secured a $15,000 grant from the Wachovia Foundation that will help address an urgent need for teachers in Florida.

The grant will benefit SCC's Educator Preparatory Institute (EPI) program, a state-wide initiative that seeks to address teacher shortages through innovation and collaboration.

SCC's EPI program uses the resources of the community college and partnerships with Seminole County Public Schools and the University of Central Florida to help qualified students make the transition into a career in teaching.

"The Wachovia Foundation's investment in this unique program at SCC will have a broad impact in the Central Florida community, preparing teachers for placement in math and science fields, especially in high-risk communities," said Marilyn Hawkins, SCC professor of education.

The nine-month EPI program will address the need for additional teachers and also serve to develop the growing workforce in Central Florida.

"Thanks in large part to the State of Florida Matching Gift Program, this investment will impact enrollment growth in EPI over the next three years," said Matthew Hodge, SCC Foundation executive director. "The expected match will increase the grant value to more than $26,000." For more information, please visit www.scc-fl.edu.