Education Foundation partners with Sarasota County Libraries to help students plan, prepare

Special to the Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Education Foundation Student Success Coaches are now available at two Sarasota County libraries: Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, in North Port and Betty J. Johnson Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., in Sarasota.
Education Foundation Student Success Coaches are now available at two Sarasota County libraries: Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, in North Port and Betty J. Johnson Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., in Sarasota.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County has partnered with Sarasota County Libraries to make personalized advising and coaching more accessible to students who need help planning and preparing for college, career, and life.

Education Foundation Student Success Coaches are now available from 3-5 p.m. every other Tuesday at two area libraries: Shannon Staub in North Port and Betty J. Johnson in Newtown, with plans to expand to other locations.

“Planning for the future can be overwhelming for students,” said Renée Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. “Often, young adults don’t know what they want to do or what opportunities are available. For them to be able to identify their strengths and determine what they want out of life will help them prepare to be independent.”

One on one and in small groups, students will work with a Student Success Coach to identify their strengths and passions and map those to education and career pathways. Coaches will help students execute their plans so they can graduate more equipped to thrive after high school.

In addition to one-on-one coaching, students can attend workshops on financial literacy, college essay writing, and related topics that will help them prepare.

“We are always looking for ways to make student support more accessible, and this exciting partnership does just that,” said Bianca Harris, chief program officer at the Education Foundation. “For underserved students, this free, individualized advising can have a tremendous impact on their long-term trajectory."

To learn more about student resources and to book a free appointment with a Student Success Coach, visit edfoundationsrq.org/students.

Sarasota Libraries is a system of 10 community branches, a history center, and a mobile library that provides opportunities for lifelong learning, vibrant culture, and enriching activities across all ages. With more than 2.5 million items borrowed every year, its collection extends beyond traditional public buildings, offering resources to nearly 200,000 cardholders through mobile services, phone app, and digital library.

Submitted by Tracy Spalsbury

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Student Success Coaches available at two Sarasota County libraries