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The Rotary Futures Program (RFP) is an innovative approach to post-secondary decision-making that utilizes a resource center with 13 Internet computers, numerous printed materials, and willing volunteers to assist students, parents, and community members with linking education, career, and life opportunities. Since opening its doors in January 2002, the RFP has had over 33,000 visitors.
THE ROTARY FUTURES PROGRAM
HISTORY
In 2001, several Venice-area community leaders recognized the need to provide additional support to students and community members regarding post-secondary planning and decision-making. These community leaders formed a 22-member Board of Directors with the vision of starting a program that would supplement the services provided by Venice High School. Teamed with the School Board and school officials, the Board of Directors began by reviewing similar programs throughout the country.
After this review, a vision was formed and the Board began to seek funding. Coupled with support from community organization, the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club agreed to be the primary continuous sponsor of the program, thereby the name "Rotary Futures Program". Housed at Venice High School, the Rotary Futures Program (RFP) opened its doors in January 2002.
THE PROGRAM
The Rotary Futures Program (RFP) is a community based non-profit resource center located at Venice High School that provides FREE post-secondary planning services to Venice-area students of all ages. The RFP's innovative approach utilizes a resource center with 13 Internet computers, numerous printed materials, and willing volunteers to assist students, parents, and community members. Since opening its doors in January 2002, the RFP has had over 33,000 visitors. This comprehensive program provides assistance with post-secondary planning including: college and technical school research, school applications, resumes, SAT/ACT information, scholarships, Federal Aid, Bright Futures, and volunteer service hours. The Rotary Futures Program developed and implemented the first local scholarship database, which now houses over 900 local, national and institutional scholarships. The VHS Class of 2008 received over $2.1 million in private and institutional scholarships (this figure does not include Bright Futures or scholarships offered but not accepted). Since its inception, VHS students have earned over $24.5 million dollars in total scholarship dollars. Open to area students of all ages, the RFP is an invaluable and unique resource in the Venice community.
Rotary Futures Program
2008 Summary of Operations
> MISSION STATEMENT: To educate, inspire, and motivate students of all ages to access post-secondary education and/or training by linking education, career, and life opportunities.
RESOURCES & SERVICES-
> College Planning
> Technical / Vocational school planning
> Scholarships
> Financial aid
> Military options
> College / School applications
> Bright Futures Scholarships
> Community Service
> Resumes and essay writing
> SAT/ACT information and after-school prep classes for VHS
> Parent seminars
SINCE OPENING IN JANUARY 2002-
> VISITORS
Jan. - May 2002 = 1,298 visits
2002-2003 = 4,633
2003-2004 = 4,547
2004-2005 = 5,409
2005-2006 = 6,464
2006-2007 = 5,300
2007-2008 = 5,548
Total visits to date = over 33,000 visits
Students from all area high schools have visited as well as parents and community members.
SCHOLARSHIP DATABASE
Developed the first local scholarship database
Contains over 900 scholarships (local, national, and institutional)
Over 2,800 students have accessed the database to date
SCHOLARSHIPS received by VHS students (not including Bright Futures)
2001 = $585,685 (class size of 575)
2002 = $786,725 (class size of 560)
2003 = $746,595 (class size of 547)
2004 = $1,400,158 (class size of 466)
(includes 3 Service Academy appointments = $750,000)
2005 = $1,066,500 (class size of 473)
2006 = $1,411,742 (class size of 460)
2007 = $1,102,666 (class size of 475)
2008 = $2,147,919* (class size of 480)
*An additional $1,500,000 in scholarships were offered but not accepted
Numbers represent total scholarships accepted, not offered.
FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIPS
Florida Academic Scholar (FAS) - 100% tuition at a FL public college for 4 years
Flordia Medallion Scholar (FMS) - 75% tuition at a FL public collee for 4 years
Gold Seal Vocational (GSV) - 75% tuition at a FL public school for 2 years
2001-2002 = 35% of Seniors earned BF
31 FAS; 165 FMS; 1 GSV - $1,894,082
Class Size = 560
2003-2004 = 43% of Seniors earned BF
35 FAS; 160 FMS; 4 GSV - $1,908,916
Class Size = 466
2004-2005 = 40 % of Seniors earned BF
36 FAS; 151 FMS; 3 GSV - $1,960,288
Class Size = 473
2005-2006 = 44% of Seniors earned BF
40 FAS; 158 FMS; 5 GSV - $2,203,328
Class Size = 460
2006-2007 = 41% of Seniors earned BF
38 FAS; 150 FMS; 5 GSV - $2,155,272
Class size = 475
2007-2008 = 41% of Senior earned BF
45 FAS; 147 FMS; 5 GSV - $2,433.592
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Coordinate Volunteer Plans for VHS
Liaison between Friendship Volunteer Center and Venice High School
Approx. 700 VHS students registered
Represents 53,000 hours
Student Class Meetings
Senior Class
Classroom visits/talks
T.R.I.B.E. - Teacher/Student Advisory Group participant
Parent Informational Meetings,
Senior Class - September and January
Junior Class - February
College Planning Workshop for freshmen and sophomore families
8th Grade/9th Grade Articulation Meeting
Financial Aid Night
South Sarasota County College Night
6th Annual College Night held March 3, 2008
607 in attendance
53 schools represented
Senior Awards Night 2007
Coordinate with National Honor Society (5th yr.)
101 students recognized
293 scholarships; 7 awards; 21% of class received scholarships
$1,102,666 private/institutional scholarships
$2,155,272 Bright Futures
$3,257,938 Total scholarships Class of 2007
Senior Awards Night 2008
Coordinate with National Honor Society (6th yr.)
136 students recognized
364 scholarships; 25 awards; 27% of class received scholarships
$2,146,419 private/institutional scholarships
$2,433,592 Bright Futures
$1,500,000 institutional scholarship offers not accepted (approx.)
$6,080,011 Total scholarships garnered by the Class of 2008
SUPPORT
Supported by-
20-member community board
School District and VHS Principal Candace Millington
Many community organizations
Wonderful volunteers!
Located in VHS portable 406, the RFP is an invaluable and unique resource to the Venice-area community and is open to students of all ages. Our hours are Tuesday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm, closed on Monday. All services are free of charge. For more information, call 480-3178 or contact us.
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 Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Late registration deadline for December 6, 2008 SAT & Subject Tests
Late registration fee - $23 additional
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