Golf Tournament Raises More Than $56,000

November 5, 2024 | Sarasota

The inaugural CORE Construction Grow Your Own Teacher Leader Academy Golf Tournament at the Founders Club in Sarasota on Sept. 30, raised over $56,000 in support for a USF College of Education program at the Sarasota-Manatee campus that prepares teachers in the School District of Manatee County to take leadership roles at their schools.

“I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish with the event, and overwhelmingly humbled by the support of our trade partners and friends within the community,” said Jason Mitchell, vice president of client services at CORE Construction. “Our industry knows how to rally and come together for a cause, and the teacher leader scholarships were another great example of what we can do.” 

The GYOTL Academy, a four-semester, 12-credit-hour graduate certificate program, provides unique opportunities for participating teachers to collaborate on class projects that address real challenges on their campuses. The program will equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to become impactful school and community leaders. Teachers who complete the program, which started this semester with 15 students who teach in one of five Manatee County elementary schools, earn a graduate certificate that can be applied toward a master’s degree from USF.

Proceeds from the golf tournament mean the program will be largely funded in its inaugural year by CORE Construction. The construction manager for USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Campus Student Center and Atala Residence Hall, CORE donated $42,000 to fund the first two semesters of the inaugural Manatee County GYOTL cohort and invited their construction industry partners to the tournament to further support the program. The event was a success, thanks to the support of 69 golfers, including school district and Manatee County government officials, and 29 sponsors.
 
“The Grow Your Own Teacher Leader Program will make a meaningful and direct impact on the lives of students who attend five Title 1 elementary schools in the School District of Manatee County,” said Cheryl Ellerbrock, Sarasota-Manatee campus dean for the College of Education “By connecting our talented College of Education faculty with 15 exemplary elementary teachers, together they investigate ways to support student learning through leadership, professional development, coaching, and teacher research.
 
“This is just one way we are partnering together with our community businesses, such as CORE Construction and their amazing industry partners, to uplift our community and retain our teachers,” Ellerbrock said. “Together, USF the College of Education, the School District of Manatee County and our very giving community partners strive to make a difference in the lives of teachers and students in our community.”