Globe Life, the top volume issuer of ordinary individual life insurance policies in the United States, announced Dec. 17 a $25,000 contribution to Step Up For Students Scholarship Program for the 2018-19 school year. [Read more…] about Globe Life makes $25,000 contribution to Step Up For Students Scholarship Program
Step Up For Students
Wright Flood donates $1 million to Step Up For Students Scholarship Program to help 153 Florida schoolchildren
Wright National Flood presented Step Up For Students with a $1 million check. The contribution will provide scholarships for lower-income Florida schoolchildren to be able to attend the K-12 participating school of their choice. Wright National Flood representatives (back row, from left to right) Lagaysheya Smith, Michael Giovanniello, Patty Templeton-Jones, Dawn Forrest and Eddie Curren are joined by (back row, far right) Step Up For Students President Doug Tuthill. A few Step Up scholarship recipients from Tampa Bay area schools participated in the presentation.
Wright Flood, the largest provider of federal flood insurance policies in the U.S., recently announced a $1 million contribution to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. The donation will fund 153 K-12 scholarships for the 2017-18 school year, so lower-income children can attend the school that best meets their learning needs.
Since first partnering with Step Up For Students in 2008, Wright Flood has contributed $3,850,000, providing 670 scholarships.
“We are proud of the impact we’ve had on students in our home state of Florida through our contributions to the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program,” said Patty Templeton-Jones, president of Wright Flood. “It’s a privilege to have formed this partnership to help Florida youth reach for their dreams.”
Step Up For Students helps administer the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows recipients to choose between a scholarship that helps with private school tuition and fees, or one that assists with transportation costs to out-of-county public schools. The program is funded by corporations through dollar-for-dollar tax credited donations.
“Thanks to Wright Flood, more schoolchildren will have the opportunity to attend the school that fits the way they learn, regardless of where they live or their parents’ income,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “On behalf of Step Up and the families we serve, we thank Wright Flood for their generosity and their commitment to support our mission.”
For the 2017-18 school year, Step Up For Students is serving more than 101,000 students throughout Florida with tuition scholarships valued at up to $6,343 per student for K through fifth grade, $6,631 for sixth through eighth grade and $6,920 for ninth through 12th grade. More than 1,800 private schools participate in the scholarship program statewide.
About Wright Flood
Wright Flood provides federal flood insurance, excess flood coverage, private flood coverage and leading industry expertise, earning an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best. As the largest provider of federal flood insurance in the U.S., Wright Flood takes pride in user-friendly technology, exceptional claims reputation and providing the service clients deserve. Agents and policyholders may visit us at wrightflood.com.
About Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that helps administer the income-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Students who qualify for the national free or reduced-price lunch, or those who are homeless or in foster or out-of-home care, may qualify. The scholarship program provides tuition assistance to the private school of their parents’ choice or financial assistance to offset the transportation cost to an out-of-district public school. Since 2001, Step Up has awarded more than 680,000 scholarships.
A first-of-its-kind study on the long-term effects of the scholarship program by The Urban Institute found that students who use the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship four or more years are up to 43 percent more likely to go to college and up to 29 percent more likely to earn an associate’s degree than their peers.
Step Up also helps administer the state-funded Gardiner Scholarship for Florida students with certain special needs. With the Gardiner Scholarship, recipients may use the funds for a variety of approved services including private tutoring, occupational therapy, instructional materials and other services.
For more information, visit StepUpForStudents.org.
Monin donates $70,000 to Step Up For Students Scholarship Program
Monin, Inc., producer of premium syrups, gourmet sauces, fruit purées and fruit smoothie mixes for coffees, iced teas, lemonades, cocktails and more, announced Wednesday a contribution of $70,000 to the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program, which serves lower-income children in Florida. The donation will fund 11 scholarships for the 2017-18 school year.
Bill Lombardo, CEO of Monin, announced the donation at a scholarship celebration event at Guardian Angels Catholic School in Clearwater, where 57 students use the tax-credit scholarship.
Following the scholarship donation announcement, the fifth-grade students at Guardian Angels participated in an activity making a school-themed lemonade and handcrafted soda with flavors provided by Monin.
This is the second consecutive year Monin has partnered with Step Up For Students, bringing the company’s total contribution to $130,000.
“Monin embraces the meaning of generosity and giving back to our community. Our partnership with Step Up For Students allows us to support and improve the lives of people in our Tampa Bay community through K-12 educational scholarships,” said Lombardo. “We are proud of our support of helping develop future leaders.”
Step Up helps administer the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program allowing recipients to choose between a scholarship to help with private school tuition and fees, or a transportation scholarship to attend an out-of-district public school.
“Providing access to educational options and finding the right learning environment for all students is vitally important today. We’re grateful that Monin joins us in our mission to provide these opportunities to families that otherwise would not be able to access them,” said Doug Tuthill, Step Up For Students president. “On behalf of Step Up and the families we serve, we thank Monin for your continued support.”
For the 2017-18 school year, Step Up For Students is serving about 100,000 students throughout Florida with tuition scholarships valued at up to $6,343 per student for kindergarten through fifth grade, $6,631 for sixth through eighth grade, and $6,920 for ninth through 12th grade. More than 1,700 private schools participate in the scholarship program statewide.
KAR Auction Services makes $1 million contribution to scholarship program
Funds will support 153 scholarships for disadvantaged Florida children
KAR Auction Services, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), a global vehicle remarketing and technology solutions provider, made a $1 million contribution to the Step Up For Students, a Florida-based nonprofit, which administers scholarships for lower-income schoolchildren.
KAR’s financial commitment will fund scholarships for 153 Florida children — giving them more educational options and opportunities.
“We believe in second chances for cars, people and communities — that includes partnering to provide students with quality educational options,” said Jim Hallett, chairman and CEO of KAR. “The state of Florida is home to more than 650 KAR employees as well as countless valued business partners and customers. And we are committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live.”
This is KAR’s first time partnering with Step Up For Students, which helps run the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program for financially disadvantaged Florida children. The corporate-funded program gives children assistance with private school tuition or transportation costs for out-of-county public schools. More than 1,700 private schools participate in the program serving nearly 102,000 students during the 2017-18 school year.
“We are excited KAR Auction Services has joined us in our mission to empower Florida families by helping them find the best learning environment for their children,” said Step Up For Students President Doug Tuthill. “Your contribution to the Step Up scholarship program will make a lasting difference in the communities you serve. On behalf of our Step Up families, we thank KAR.”
KAR owns and operates 15 whole-car and salvage auctions in Florida, and provides wholesale automotive services to auto dealers throughout the state. Learn more at KARauctionservices.com.
Step Up For Students scholars from several areas Catholic schools on Monday celebrated KAR Auction Services Inc.’s $1 million contribution to Step Up for the 2017-18 school year which will fund 153 lower-income students to attend schools of their choice. The students are joined by, from left to right, Ross Bubolz, principal of St. Petersburg Catholic High School, Desire Gideos, Dealer Sales Manager, Automotive Finance Corporation (Subsidiary of KAR), Step Up For Students President Doug Tuthill, Mike Mulvaney, assistant general manager, ADESA Tampa (subsidiary of KAR), Craig Morris, VP Tax, KAR Auction Services, Brad Yeager, regional sales director, TradeRev (subsidiary of KAR, Becky Doemland, director of community relations, KAR Auction Services, Chris Pastura, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and Keith Galley, Principal of St. Patrick Catholic School.
About KAR Auction Services
KAR Auction Services (NYSE: KAR) provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. KAR’s unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, salvage, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services, including the sale of more than 5.1 million units valued at over $40 billion through our auctions. Our integrated physical, online and mobile marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers in 110 countries. Headquartered in Carmel, Ind., KAR has approximately 17,600 employees across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. For more information, go to karauctionservices.com. For the latest KAR news, follow us on Twitter @KARSpeaks.
About Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that helps administer the income-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Students who qualify for the national free or reduced-price lunch, or those who are homeless or in foster or out-of-home care, may qualify. The scholarship program provides tuition assistance to the private school of their parents’ choice or financial assistance to offset the transportation cost to an out-of-district public school. Since 2001, Step Up has awarded more than 680,000 scholarships.
A first-of-its-kind study on the long-term effects of the scholarship program by The Urban Institute found that scholarship students are up to 43 percent more likely to go to college and up to 29 percent more likely to earn an associates degree than their peers.
Step Up also helps administer the state-funded Gardiner Scholarship for Florida students with certain special needs. With the Gardiner Scholarship, recipients may use the funds for a variety of approved services including private tutoring, occupational therapy, instructional materials and other services.
For more information, visit: StepUpForStudents.org.
UnitedHealthcare Celebrates Season of Giving With Record-Setting Contribution to Step Up For Students
More than 400 children in Collier County benefit from Florida Tax Credit Scholarships
In this season of giving, UnitedHealthcare announced today a record-breaking contribution of $15 million to Step Up For Students, the nonprofit that helps administer the needs-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
Step Up For Students celebrated the support and contributions of UnitedHealthcare during an event at Naples Adventist Christian School. Since 2009, UnitedHealthcare has contributed more than $88 million to Step Up For Students, providing scholarships for nearly 17,000 students across Florida to attend either an out-of-district public school or private school that best suits their academic needs.
“UnitedHealthcare is proud to partner with Step Up For Students and support this impressive organization which invests in the future of our children,” said Nicholas Zaffiris, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of South Florida. “Especially during the holiday season, it’s important to support programs in our communities that help others. Step Up provides hope for Florida’s children to access a quality education that best fits their needs, and we are glad to support such a worthy initiative.”
Step Up For Students, the nonprofit organization that helps administer the income-based FTC Scholarship Program, is providing opportunities for nearly 105,000 lower-income students across Florida this school year with 441 residing in Collier County
“None of this would be possible without the support of the community and contributions of organizations like UnitedHealthcare,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “I’m just so pleased to know that together with our partners we are making such an important difference in our state by giving students the educational opportunities they deserve.”
At the event, Audrey Wainwright, principal at Naples Adventist Christian School, shared her support for the Step Up organization and thanked UnitedHealthcare for its ongoing commitment to the program. She encouraged other companies to consider participation.
“I have seen first-hand the benefits of this scholarship program,” Wainwright said. “So many of our students have made tremendous improvements with the help of Step Up For Students, leading to a better future for themselves and our state.”
Scholarship parent Onetia Lansiquot, who spoke at the event, said the scholarship has allowed her to provide her daughter, Leilah, a second-grader at Naples Adventist, with strong academics in a comfortable, secure environment.
“Without Step Up For Students, Leilah would likely be going to a charter or public school,” Lansiquot said before thanking UnitedHealthcare. “I’m sure her progress would be OK, but being in a private school, she gets that extra attention, that extra little push, ensuring that her educational needs are met. You are truly changing lives by investing in the future of our children’s education, and my family is so grateful.”
To learn more about UnitedHealthcare, visit uhc.com. To learn more about the impact of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program and how to support Step Up For Students, visit stepupforstudents.
Step Up For Students Honors Insurance Industry, Tower Hill for Record-Setting Contributions
More than 3,200 Volusia County children
benefit from Florida Tax Credit Scholarships
Florida insurance companies have been protecting more than just Floridians’ homes this hurricane season, as they have made generous contributions to Step Up For Students, the nonprofit that helps administer the needs-based Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program.
Tower Hill Insurance, a significant contributor from the insurance industry, and Step Up For Students hosted an event at Calvary Christian Academy in Ormond Beach to celebrate the insurance company’s contributions and the work Step Up continues to do for Florida’s lower-income families. Since 2011, Tower Hill has contributed over $3 million to Step Up For Students, providing scholarships to more than 600 of Florida’s most underprivileged students who are given access to a private school or financial assistance for transportation to attend an out-of-district public school.
“By investing in the future of our students, we are investing in the future of Florida,” said Don Matz, president of Tower Hill. “One of our top priorities at Tower Hill is to give back to our community as much as we can, and we choose to start with these deserving students.”
Step Up For Students provides opportunities to nearly 105,000 lower-income students across Florida this school year with 3,213 scholars in Volusia County.
“We are so grateful for Tower Hill’s investment in our program and the children who depend on it,” said Joe Pfountz, CFO of Step Up For Students. “The company’s generosity is crucial to the work our team does and shows just how much they really care about Florida’s kids and its future.”
The typical scholarship student comes from a single-parent household where the average income is $25,353. A recent study found that students who receive these scholarships for at least four years are 40 percent more likely to attend college than their public school counterparts, and 29 percent more likely to earn an associate degree.
During the event, Step Up For Students fourth-grade scholar Mia Rauseo shared her experience.
“I am so happy to be given the chance to come here,” said Rauseo. “And I know it would not have been possible without the help of Step Up For Students and companies like Tower Hill Insurance. I am doing well in my classes and I truly enjoy coming to school.”
To learn more about Tower Hill Insurance, visit www.thig.com. To learn more about the impact of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program or how to support Step Up For Students, visit www.StepUpForStudents.org.
Tower Hill Honors Hispanic Heritage Month with Record-Setting Contribution to Step Up For Students
More than 4,800 lower-income children in Hillsborough County on scholarship
Step Up For Students and Tower Hill Insurance Group joined together Tuesday at Florida College Academy to celebrate the insurance company’s record-setting contribution to the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program during National Hispanic Heritage month.
Since 2011, Tower Hill has contributed more than $3 million to Step Up For Students, providing scholarships to more than 600 of Florida’s underprivileged students who are given access to a private school or financial assistance to attend an out-of-district public school.
“During a time when we recognize the prominent role the Hispanic community has played in building this great nation, I am proud that Tower Hill is working to fund hundreds of scholarships in order to help serve more students,” said Don Matz, CEO of Tower Hill. “It has been a pleasure meeting with so many brilliant, caring students this morning.”
Step Up For Students, the nonprofit organization that helps administer the income-based FTC scholarship program, provides opportunities to nearly 105,000 students across Florida this school year. Roughly 38 percent of students statewide are Hispanic, and the typical scholarship student comes from a single-parent household where the average income is $25,353.
In Hillsborough County, 40 percent of the 4,850 students benefiting from the program are Hispanic. Step Up For Students praised Tower Hill’s generosity, which has been crucial to fueling the growth of the program.
“The impressive level of support from Florida’s insurance industry is critical to advancing our mission of providing educational options to underprivileged children across the state,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “Tower Hill’s contribution is an investment in students and allows them to access the education that best meets their individual learning needs.”
Families and students that have benefited from the FTC scholarship program spoke out in support, urging other leading companies to consider participation. Florida College Academy, located in Temple Terrace, has 258 students in pre-K through eighth grade, approximately 50 percent of whom are Step Up scholars.
“As both a teacher at Florida College Academy and a parent of two scholarship students, I have witnessed first-hand the overwhelming transformation this program has made in the lives of its recipients,” said Stephanie Meier, mother to third- and fourth-grade scholarship students. “I hope that all interested families who qualify for this program are granted the same opportunity that my family has been privileged to experience.”
A recent study of the program found that FTC scholarship students are significantly more likely to attend college and receive a degree. The study compared FTC students to a comparable set of Florida public school students, assessing college enrollment, persistence, and attainment rates. The widely reported study found that students who are on the FTC scholarship program for four or more years are 40 percent more likely than their public school counterparts to attend college and 29 percent more likely to earn an associate degree.
To learn more about Tower Hill, visit https://www.thig.com. More information on the impact of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program and how to support Step Up for Students is available at https://www.stepupforstudents.org.
Insurance Industry Leaders Provide Record-Setting Contributions to Step Up For Students
More than 7,400 children in Duval County benefit from Florida Tax Credit Scholarships
Florida’s insurance industry has stepped up to support the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program at a record level, committing $61.2 million this year to fund scholarships for more than 9,380 students. Leading the pack is UnitedHealthcare, which has contributed more than $83 million to Step Up for Students over the past decade.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Greg Reidy today visited Arlington Community Academy whose students are among the beneficiaries of the scholarships, to promote the program’s impact and encourage other insurance companies to participate.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Greg Reidy speaks to students at Arlington Community Academy
“By helping struggling students get into an educational environment where they can succeed, we know we are helping to make our state stronger,” said Greg Reidy, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. “It’s gratifying to meet the students who are benefiting from these scholarships and see them on a track to reach their full potential.”
Step Up For Students, the nonprofit organization that helps administer the needs-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, praised the insurance company’s historic support for the program. Step Up For Students provides scholarships for income-limited students to attend the schools that best meet their individual needs. A recent study found that students who receive these scholarships are 40 percent more likely to attend college than their public school counterparts, and 29 percent more likely to earn an associate degree.
Since 2009, UnitedHealthcare’s contributions have enabled more than 18,000 Florida students to attend schools that offer them a chance at a brighter future. The company’s recent contribution will help serve the 7,483 students who receive the scholarships in Duval County alone.
“Support from Florida’s insurance industry is critical for the work our team does to support children across the state,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “This contribution is an investment in students, and it enables the positive impacts of this program to continue and expand to change more lives for the better.”
Arlington Community Academy students
Families and students who have benefitted from the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program added their voices in support of the insurance industry’s efforts, urging other companies to consider participation.
“This program directly helps children in our local area, and I am grateful that my own child can now attend the school that’s right for her,” said Jacksonville parent Tamara Herring. “I am so grateful for the many donors who support this program, individuals and companies that are helping children like mine have a better future. Every child deserves that chance.”
To learn more about UnitedHealthcare, CLICK HERE. To learn more about the impact of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program or how to support Step Up for Students, visit www.stepupforstudents.
Insurance Industry Provides Record-Setting Support for Children Through Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Step Up For Students applauds significant contributions to improve student lives
Florida insurance companies are providing a record level of support for the Florida Insurance Industry Scholarship Program, which makes it possible for low-income families across the state to send their children to schools best suited to meet their needs. To date in 2017, Florida insurance companies have committed $61.2 million to fund 9,380 scholarships – the highest level of support ever.
Step Up For Students, the nonprofit organization powering the Florida Insurance Industry Scholarship Program, which helps manage the needs-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, praised insurance companies’ significant support for the program. Step Up For Students provides genuine opportunity for struggling students across Florida, and recently enrolled the program’s 100,000th student and expects to serve 102,000 students this year.
“We are grateful for the invaluable support of the Florida insurance industry, especially major contributors like Tower Hill Insurance Group and UnitedHealthcare,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “These generous organizations are true leaders for supporting innovative education initiatives in Florida, and we hope other companies and industries follow in their footsteps by providing students with a better opportunity to succeed.”
Since 2009, Tower Hill and UnitedHealthcare have contributed more than $86 million to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, funding more than 19,000 scholarships, and this year alone their contributions totaled a combined $12.3 million.
Peter Corrigan, president of Florida Family Insurance Company and chairman of the Florida Insurance Industry Scholarship Program, which launched in February to coordinate and promote the insurance industry participation in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, said Florida’s insurance industry is on track to double its contributions to the program this year.
“We’re extremely proud of Florida’s insurance industry for providing such an unprecedented level of support for this tremendously worthwhile program,” said Corrigan. “We are on track to double our level of support this year, and I strongly urge insurance companies that aren’t currently participating to join us as a way to give back to our great state.”
Representatives from Tower Hill Insurance Group and UnitedHealthcare participated in a media conference call to explain their support for the program.
“Our company understands the importance of giving customers options so they can make the best choices to meet their needs,” said Don Matz, president of Tower Hill Insurance Group. “In the same way, these scholarships provide students with a choice so they can find an approach to learning that works best for them. We’re proud to support this program and Florida’s families.”
Added Nicholas Zaffiris, CEO of UnitedHealthcare: “Our commitment is to quality care for our members. At Step Up For Students, that same level of commitment produces quality care for kids. That’s why we’re so proud to support this wonderful program, which helps children right now to give them a better chance in the future.”
Step Up For Students, Insurers to Hold Media Conference Call to Announce Record-Setting Contributions for Scholarships
MEDIA ADVISORY
Speakers from Step Up For Students, Tower Hill Insurance Group, and UnitedHealthcare will host a media conference call this Tuesday, August 29, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the insurance industry’s record-setting contributions to the Tax-Credit Scholarship that are supporting students across the state. Following a discussion of each speaker’s involvement with Step Up For Students, the speakers will respond to questions from members of the media.
What: Media Conference Call
Who: Step Up For Students – President Doug Tuthill
Florida Insurance Industry Scholarship Program – Chairman Peter Corrigan
Tower Hill Insurance – President Don Matz
UnitedHealthcare – CEO Nicholas Zaffiris
Step Up For Students – Graduate Maricela Flores
When: Tuesday, August 29, 2017
9:30 am (ET)
Where: Conference Line Number: (888) 392-4560
Access Code: 4590009
