Performing arts career fair
The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory will host its fifth annual Performing Arts College and Career Fair on Sept. 29 with workshops from 9 a.m. to noon and a meet-and-greet with college representatives from noon to 3 p.m.
The fair is designed for students interested in pursuing a college degree and/or career in dance, music or theater.
Workshops are accessible with a 2024 Performing Arts College & Career Fair Workshop Pass, available for $20 online (see link below). The pass will provide student admission to opportunities presented by visiting colleges and faculty. Parents may observe student workshops or attend parent-centric workshops with the purchase of an additional wristband.
All attendees, including guardians and guests, must register online at PatelConservatory.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=45238.
National scholars
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced 91 scholarships awarded through the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, one of the department’s efforts to develop the next generation of diverse food and agriculture professionals, according to a news release.
The national scholars program is a partnership between the USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 and is administered by the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), the release says.
The scholars took part in an orientation and a swearing-in ceremony at USDA headquarters in Washington D.C.
“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is an important pathway for careers in agriculture, nutrition, food, development – and at USDA,” said OPPE Director Lisa Ramirez in the release.
Through the program, the USDA partners with 1890 universities to provide scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Recipients must attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The 91 recipients will be placed at USDA agencies and offices.
The scholarship program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, as well as rising college sophomores and juniors.
For more information, visit www.USDA.gov.
Student achievements
- Joshua Carr, Dade City: Master of Business Administration, University of Texas at Tyler
- Owen James, Lutz: Dean’s List, Hartwick College, New York
- Abby Suarez, Lutz: Intern, Wacker Chemical Company, Charleston, Tennessee. Suarez is pursuing a degree in environmental science with minors in sustainability and Spanish at the University of Florida.
- Thea Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Classroom equipment donated
AdventHealth Heart of Florida presented 24 world globes, recess equipment and school supplies to the teachers at Bethune Academy in Haines City. Unity in the Community reached out about the need teachers had for classroom equipment, wall maps, globes, recess equipment and a variety of other items.
(Courtesy of AdventHealth)
“We were more than happy to help by purchasing some of the items on their list. We donated recess equipment and world globes. The hula hoops, jump ropes and other games align with AdventHealth’s whole-person care approach — and we love the fact that students will be able to go outside and exercise and participate in group events and just have fun. We also know that exercising and being outdoors can reduce stress and help with your mental health,” said Julie Hess, chief operating officer for AdventHealth Heart of Florida, in a news release.
Hess also explained the reason behind buying the globes: AdventHealth, a non-for-profit, faith-based hospital system, sponsors and participates in mission projects around the globe.
AdventHealth team members also donated school supplies including crayons, pencils, folders and notebook paper.
LPN program ranked
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) recently was ranked as the best Licensed Practical Nurse program in Florida, both online and on campus, by NursingProcess.org. Out of more than 160 programs approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, PHSC ranked first place, according to a news release.
Nursing Process uses a system that takes factors such as enrollment rate, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse pass rates, and affordability into account when ranking the programs.
The organization is comprised of a team of health care professionals who are dedicated to navigating information around nursing education and careers, focusing on decreasing the gap in easily accessible expert-driven information, the release says.
For more information, visit PHSC.edu/academics/porgrams/health/practical-nurse.
Subaru donates for education
Subaru of Wesley Chapel recently made a donation of $15,000 and 25 school supply kits to Pasco County Schools’ Thomas E. Weightman Middle School. The contribution, made in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org as part of the Subaru Loves Learning initiative, will benefit more than 1,240 students by providing essential supplies to help ensure a successful school year, according to a news release.
The funds allow teachers to buy much-needed supplies for their classrooms, easing the financial burden that many educators face, aligning with the school’s ongoing efforts to create a positive and effective learning environment for all students.
For more about the Subaru initiative, visit Subaru.com/learning, or follow #SubaruLovesLearning on social media.
Scholarship opportunity
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is offering a scholarship to high school seniors or college students who have a passion for the environment.
Those interested can apply for the scholarship by completing volunteer hours through cleanups, tree plantings or beautification projects.
Application deadline is Sept. 23. Visit Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful on Facebook and click the link in its bio for more information.
Golden Grants program
Applications are now open for the 2024 McDonald’s Golden Grants program.
McDonald’s owner/operators across South Carolina, Georgia and Florida will be selecting deserving educators, nonprofit organizations, and the like, who represent programs that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students, as recipients of a McDonald’s Golden Grant, according to a news release. The program is entering its fourth year and has awarded $300,000 in the first three years.
This year, grants will be awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 based on creativity and hands-on application of projects.
Qualifying activities include arts programs, education initiatives, mentorship and empowerment programs, after-school programs, community service, sports activities and technology.
Educators, programs and organizations serving kindergarten through 12th grade can apply.
Applications close Oct. 13. Recipients will be announced in November.
For more information and to apply, visit mcdgoldengrants.com/florida.
Two Good Soles drive underway
The ninth annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway, through Oct. 23, with Pasco County government and constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County Schools.
Types of shoes and socks to consider donating include:
- Children’s shoes sizes 9 and up
- Adult shoes in all sizes
- Socks in all sizes (neutral colors)
- Closed-toe shoes, no flip-flops
In 2023, more than 3,000 pairs of shoes and nearly 6,000 pairs of socks were collected.
Donations can be dropped in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County clerk & comptroller, property appraiser and tax collector offices.
All new shoes and socks will be donated to Pasco County Schools at the end of October.
Video game design contest
The U.S. National Science Foundation announced the NSF Game Maker Awards “Life in 2010” competition for kindergarten through 12th grade students, to commemorate the agency’s 75th anniversary milestone.
Students are invited to create video games that imagine life 75 years from now (in the year 2100) and compete to win up to $7,500 in various prize categories. Their games will be featured in NSF’s 75th anniversary activities. Additional prizes can go to mentors, teachers or parents/guardians who aid teams in application and game development, according to a news release.
The students are challenged to dive into game design and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to think critically and creatively about the future and contribute unique perspectives to the ongoing dialogue about our planet’s trajectory.
The competition encourages students to explore NSF-supported research areas, including sustainable ecosystems, futuristic cities and advanced medical technology.
Award winners will be invited to an in-person event to showcase their games.
Deadline for submission is 5 p.m., Jan. 31. Details and more information can be found at new.nsf.gov/75years/game-maker-awards.
