INK! receives grant funding for computers supplies equipment and transportation from Rotary Clubs

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Dec. 8, 2020 - PRLog -- Local Rotary Clubs and  Rotary International Foundation empower Rotarians to advance regional, domestic and world understanding, goodwill, and peace through improvements and funding of education and health nonprofits, and the alleviation of poverty. Recently, four Clubs in St. Johns County, Fla. have fulfilled member support and donations with more than $20,600 to benefit programs and services provided by The St. Johns County Education Foundation, Inc. which operates as INK! (Investing in Kids).

Monetary contributions from Rotary Club of Hastings, Rotary Club of St. Augustine, Rotary Club of St. Augustine Beach, Rotary Club of St. Augustine Sunrise, and Rotary Club of St. Johns will help INK! with basic learning and literacy intervention for students and provide support for teachers throughout the County. The funds will also assist educators with early identification and treatment for children who are at risk for reading and learning skills failure.

"Demands for more revenue increases as the student population continues to rise. For the last several years, the student population has grown by a minimum of four percent annually.  Additional students require more educators to be hired and District funds are bare-bones," said Lueders. "The problem is that students and teachers are suffering while working extremely hard every day to obtain the tools necessary for academic success.  Today's classrooms are less likely to be equipped so all types of learners can achieve. Educators must look to outside resources for support," she said.

In 2020, INK! generated more than $840,000 back into classrooms to enhance public education in St. Johns County, however the nonprofit cannot sustain its mission without having the proper tools, funding, and equipment.  With the new donation, Rotarians can get involved in activities while volunteering to help fill and deliver supply orders along with mentoring students, volunteering in classrooms and at events, to name a few.

Items purchased with the grant include the latest in technology with laptop computers, monitors, keypads and mouses, wireless and universal docking stations, software, and an enclosed and customized trailer with sponsor graphics, among others.

INK! provides innovative resources to support academic success for all St. Johns County public schools to benefit 44,000 students and approximately 2,785 teachers. The office is located at 1 Christopher St. in St. Augustine. For more information, contact Donna Lueders at 904-547-7120 or email Donna.Lueders@stjohns.k12.fl.us. Visit the website at www.ink-stjohns.org.