MY MOM LEFT A LEGACY OF

LITERACY
& ACHIEVEMENT

We’re Restoring That Legacy Because Their Success IS Our Future

MY MOM LEFT A LEGACY OF

LITERACY
& ACHIEVEMENT

We’re Restoring That Legacy Because Their Success IS Our Future

Donate To The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation

Play Video

At the core of the legacy was nurturing curiosity through reading and telling stories together.

Let’s pass it on …

Programs

Our M.A.S.T.R. Kids Programs – Math, Art, Science, Technology & Reading – nurture curiosity and a love of learning with Literacy and STEAM curriculum that develops both sides of the brain!

After-School
Program

Research shows that out-of-school time programs like M.A.S.T.R. Kids have a positive effect on reading and math achievement!

Summer
Program

During the summer months, students typically lose 8 to 12 weeks of learning, unless they are provided with academic enrichment.

Apply
Today

We want to work with students on an ongoing basis and we give preference to students enrolled in one program and seeking to participate in the other.

About Us

Hi, I’m Bridgette. My father and I created the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation (SPPF) alongside family members and close friends of my mom (especially Angela Collins and Gladys McNeil). We acted because my mom implored us to “DO SOMETHING” to help improve education outcomes for children in our community.

Impact

of students avoid
summer learning loss
%
of students advanced a full grade
level in eight weeks!
%
of students demonstrated learning gains
in reading this summer
6 %

"The Joy of Learning to Read"

Wherever the scholar might be when they arrive at SPPF, our goal is to meet him/her/them in that space and move forward to new heights together. This is a BEAUTIFUL example of the process.

Ways You Can Help

Donate

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Volunteer

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Become a Partner

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Latest News

New York Life Foundation grants $1.8 million to out-of-school-time programs focused on helping middle school students transition successfully to 9th grade.

New York Life | July 23, 2024 The New York Life Foundation and the Afterschool Alliance today announced $1.8 million in new grants to 40 afterschool, summer, and expanded learning programs serving disadvantaged middle school youth. The funds will go to organizations across the United States. These latest grants bring the total of New York

Read More »

Our Sponsors

SPPF is extremely blessed by many donors who contribute regularly to enable the important work of the M.A.S.T.R. Kids programs.
Scroll to Top

Pam Williams

Chief Operating Officer

As COO, Pam ensures the organization’s financial, data, fundraising, and HR infrastructure is strong today and ready for scale that multiplies impact in the years ahead. Pam’s 30+ years of nonprofit experience started with the turnaround of an organization in financial crisis, leading to the launch of a consultancy providing training, transition, and turnaround services to nonprofits and associations in the US and East Africa. In 2016, Pam became COO/CFO for the first women’s college in Rwanda, leading an international team across 3 continents and overseeing administration, finance and operations as the business grew from 50 students to over 400. Pam’s work consistently reflects a commitment to equity.

Darren Hammond

Site Operations Leader

Darren Hammond is currently serving as the Site Operations Leader for the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. He also holds a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction, National Louis University, and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed. S) in Administration & Supervision, Nova Southeastern University. Darren spent 37 years with Pinellas County Schools transforming students to reach their ultimate learning potential using proven classroom strategies developed during his tenure in education. While working with Pinellas County Schools, he served as Teacher, Guidance counselor, Assistant Principal and as a Principal. Darren is a passionate educator who openly shares his love of learning with teachers, parents, and other educators! He was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Keisha Snead

Academic Leader

B.S. in Elementary Education,Cum Laude, FAMU 1996

I have served 24 years within the Elementary school setting in various instructional roles.  I have also served as the Mentor Coordinator for new and returning teachers. 


I have led professional development for faculty at several schools within Pinellas County.  I have coached colleagues in the understanding and delivery of the standards of reading and writing.  My love for learning is what drives my passion for teaching.  When I look into the eyes of a scholar who needs me, that is where I find my passion!