TAMPA BAY, Fla., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Paid for Grades (PFG), the ground-breaking, privately-funded academic scholarship, has announced that more than 500 high school students in Pinellas County have now enrolled in its 2020 – 2021 program.
The initiative, which launched in 2013, offers $500 to each Tampa Bay public high school student who improves their reading literacy, while maintaining stellar attendance. In addition to this, $500 is awarded to the school and a designated tutor, to support each participant with their learning and provide the resources they need, which is increasingly important due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This year, more than any other, it's so important we keep children encouraged and motivated in their studies," said Jaclyn Lannon, PFG program manager.
"At its core, this is a program that aims to see all children, irrespective of their background, graduate with the best grades possible and, more importantly, enjoy their school experience. Education is a true gift, and we believe that a lack of equipment or access to a computer, for instance, should not hold back a child's desire to learn."
"We're thrilled to see that Florida Virtual School's enrollment has jumped 64 percent, and we're committed to this number only growing and improving opportunities for children."
Paid for Grades is set to award $250,000 to students by the end of the school year, should each eligible student complete the program. Launched to promote positive academic habits from an early age, it has already welcomed 500 children onto the program and awarded more than $500,000 to Tampa Bay schools, teachers, and students.
One of the key criteria to successfully completing the course is that students must improve their overall GPA. As well as teaching the importance of academic studies, the initiative also teaches children life skills including stress management and being a good student, ultimately helping them to grow in confidence.
Lannon added: "We are continually learning from the children who take our program to find out how we can improve our modules and what they enjoyed the most."
"Interestingly, the feedback from last year's students was that the life skills lessons were their favorite part of the program. It's crucial that we find a balance between academia and teaching them how they can apply their skills in everyday life."
Last school year, students from Boca Ciega High School, Countryside High School, Dixie Hollins High School and Lakewood High School successfully completed the 2020 PFG program. Over the past two academic years, PFG's graduation numbers have increased by just shy of 300 percent.
Paid for Grades is supported by the Pinellas Education Foundation and receives zero taxpayer dollars. The program is privately funded by Monica Eaton-Cardone and her Tampa-based FinTech company, Chargebacks911 (https://chargebacks911.com/). Now in its eighth year, PFG also provides additional funding for public school teachers who tutor students during off-hours.
This year we will be opening the program up to allow people to support children's education. To find out how to get involved, visit the PFG website: https://paidforgrades.org/get-involved/
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Media Contact
Scott Pinsker, Chargebacks911, +1 (727) 871-3204, [email protected]
SOURCE Paid for Grades
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