$100,000 Grant from Manatee Community Foundation’s Success Through Literacy Fund Will Support Family Engagement in Learning

An investment of $100,000 from Manatee Community Foundation’s Success Through Literacy Fund will provide ongoing funding to the Soar in 4 program, a community initiative facilitated by the Manatee County School District that advances childhood success and school readiness.

Awarded to Manatee Education Foundation, the grant will support the School District in providing opportunities such as free family nights and summer programs for pre-K students that build essential connections through interactive, play-based learning.

Donors Steve and Carolyn Roskamp created the Success Through Literacy Fund and have invested in Soar in 4 since its genesis at Sea Breeze Elementary School. They have gently used their influence and example to encourage collaboration among nonprofits, philanthropic giving supporting public education, and results in grade-level reading efforts.

“When you care deeply about the success of every child and you have the ability to help, you do what you believe is right. You go all in,” said Steve Roskamp. “The opportunity to be part of creating and sustaining an initiative with educators—those who work closest to our children each day—is exciting to us. It is not a short-term commitment. We invite others to join us. Everyone can, whether they do so by making a charitable gift or by volunteering with kids and families.”

In 2018, Steve and Carolyn Roskamp were among the individuals working in the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading to be recognized by the national Campaign as “Champions” for doing remarkable work in their communities.

Nonprofit partners in Soar in 4 include United Way Suncoast, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Art Center Manatee, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Forty Carrots Family Center, WEDU, Manatee County Libraries, Meals on Wheels PLUS, METV and others. Each shares resources made possible through their own fundraising efforts or volunteers to support the joint effort.

To make a tax-deductible gift that will support Soar in 4, contact Manatee Community Foundation at (941) 747-7765. To learn more about Soar in 4, visit soarin4.org.