Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/130753
Sarasota News Leader May 17, 2013 Page 48 HIGH FIVE EVENT CELEBRATES EDEXPLORESRQ On May 10, several hundred pioneers and supporters of EdExploreSRQ came together for High Five: Hands Up for Hands-On Learning at Riverview High School, an event that celebrated the successful launch of the next chapter of EdExploreSRQ. The initiative provides students with exposure to arts, science and culture through "explorations," in-classroom and off-campus experiences offered by 36 partner organizations, a news release points out. In this unique arrangement, the Sarasota County Schools, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation have made a commitment to sustain and expand EdExploreSRQ (resources for teachers, parents and potential funders may be found at www.EdExploreSRQ.com) for the benefit of all Sarasota County students, the release notes. During the celebration, new funding streams for student explorations were announced: The Community Foundation has committed $500,000 over five years for explorations. Additionally, the Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation are creating an EdExploreSRQ Endowment Fund to increase awareness and financial support, the release says. The Patterson Foundation will designate up to $3 million in matching funds for the Ex- Students from Mrs. Deming's gifted fourth-grade class, led by teaching artist Bob Fieberts (far left), perform on 'Amigos,' one-stringed guitars they built and learned to play through an exploration. Photo by Cliff Roles