Our Impact: Education that Delivers

“…Watching the discipline and preparation of the program administrators to ensure tangible, measurable academic improvement was incredible. It’s not often that you can draw a straight line back to measurable results, but this foundation has it down to a science.” – SPPF Donor

In 2022-2023, only 27% of black students in Pinellas County were reading at grade level vs. 59% of white students (view source here).

SPPF Scholars Defy These Statistics

When compared to data for peers at both the district and the national levels, ten-month scholars are very close to parity while twelve-month scholars have completely closed the achievement gap for the second consecutive year.

Other 2023-2024 Outcomes

70% of Scholars

100% of Middle Schoolers

63% of After School Scholars

Student Success Stories

A joined the M.A.S.T.R. Kids ® program in first grade, initially far below grade level. He worked diligently each year to become an outstanding student and achieved grade level results in 2021. In the 5th grade, this remarkable young man received the prestigious Vyrle Davis Student Achievement Award, named after an inspiring community educator who mentored students and teachers and encouraged them to reach for excellence. We couldn’t be prouder of A for his incredible progress! A is now in our High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan program, maintains a B average and consistently meets the goals he sets for himself.

Z, a bright, outspoken 7th grader, entered our program apprehensive about her ability to learn based on what she had heard from her teachers, initially testing at a 4th grade level. With encouragement to slow down and apply herself, she began to access different learning opportunities and set goals. After being introduced to Florida Virtual School, Z completed 8th and 9th grade courses, passing the semester exams. Her reward? This young woman, who once tested significantly below grade level, started 9th grade a half-year early! Z’s mom directly attributed her drive to the M.A.S.T.R. Kids® program.

We first met J, a rambunctious little boy with a broad smile, in 2016 when his great grandmother Rose shared that she was deeply concerned about his schooling. He assessed two levels below grade, missing many foundational skills. While he struggled through academic, family, and social challenges, SPPF advocated for him and provided constant refuge and support. His love of learning, self-confidence, and poise improved significantly! Today, J is celebrated for academics and athletics. He received a 2023 USF MLK award for contributions to community with a peer-mentorship program he launched at SPPF.

Who We Serve

The community targeted by SPPF lies within the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area and aligns with the 5 original Transformation Zone Schools (Campbell Park, Melrose, Maximo, Fairmount Park, and Lakewood) that draw from zip codes 33705, 33711, and 33712. Demographic data from our most recently completed session:

Race

98% black or mixed race, 2% white

black or mixed race

Zip Code

Gender

47% male, 53% female

Male

47%

Female

53%

Income

47% of families reported income at or below the federal poverty level, 42% reported income within the A.L.I.C.E. threshold, meaning they are working but unable to afford the basics in our geographic area, and 11% reported income above the A.L.I.C.E. threshold

Age

92% are between 5 and 12 years old, and 8% are between 13 and 15

between 5 & 12

0 %

between 13 & 15

0 %

How We Measure Student Results

SPPF’s intervention model shows robust evidence of achievement gap progress and closure. Pre- and post- i-Ready® (Curriculum Associates) assessment results are our primary success metrics given high ratings for reliability, validity, and strong correlation to Florida state testing and standards. Importantly, independent studies validate i-Ready® effectiveness with striving and diverse scholars. i-Ready® increases effectiveness by enabling teachers to develop personalized student learning experiences for each child using diagnostic metrics at the “key skill” level.