Hector J. Ponte Champions Public Education

Why I'm Supporting The Education Fund This Give Miami Day 

For more than 40 years, The Education Fund has had one mission: to maximize every child's potential in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I believe that the health of our community begins with the quality of its public schools. By raising student achievement, particularly for children from financially disadvantaged homes, The Education Fund raises hopes and improves futures for entire families. 

I'm proud to support an organization that focuses on the challenges facing public schools in Miami-Dade County, the third-largest district in the U.S., with 100% of students eligible for federal food assistance. The Education Fund works closely with teachers, administrators, parents, community leaders and business supporters to implement programs that reach all 470+ schools, 20,000+ educators, and 310,000+ students. 

This Give Miami Day, I'm asking you to join me in supporting The Education Fund. Your gift will directly impact public school students across Miami-Dade County. Please give today. Thank you for your support. 

THE EDUCATION FUND’S SUCCESSES INCLUDE: 

• More than 4.1 million students and families have received more than $29 million in school supplies (paper, books, pens, crayons) and household basics (paper products, hygiene supplies) since inception
• A 65% improvement in students' science achievement and STEM proficiency and 73% improvement in students' math performance, all while improving eating attitudes and habits by 50% through The Education Fund's first-in-the-nation Food Forests for Schools. Additionally, 68% of students participating in the Resiliency curriculum showed increases in skills such as citizenship and persistence
• A 34% increase in college enrollment for participating students through The Education Fund SmartPath program, one of only three nonprofits selected nationally for this work
• More than $1.1 million raised to support The Education Fund's annual juried 'found object' Art Exhibition and auction, which has recognized more than 203,000 students and teachers for their artwork since inception
• The digital divide bridged for more than 10,000 families through The Education Fund programs that provided each child with a home computer and training for their parents
• More than 2,100 students who benefited from additional STEM and financial literacy lessons provided by Public School Champions during The Education Fund Teach-A-Thon
• Launched Miami Loves Teachers this year, a program that aims to recognize and retain teachers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In the first three months, over 7,000 educators joined the campaign
• More than $90 million raised to transform our public schools