BUILDING STRONGER STARTS THROUGH LOCAL SCHOOL SUPPORT
ORCF Community Grants in Action
As students head back to school across the Upper Keys, Homestead, and Florida City, the Ocean Reef Community Foundation’s 2025 Community Grants are already making a real difference, providing support that helps students not only start strong, but stay on track all year long.
In Jacob’s Shoes volunteers helping kids get ready for the first day of school in Homestead
Before backpacks were packed, many families had already benefited from grant-funded programs. The University of Miami’s pediatric mobile clinic, Keys AHEC’s dental van, Caring 4 Miami’s Project Smile, and In Jacob’s Shoes helped students arrive at school healthy, confident, and ready to learn, with new shoes on their feet and access to basic care that many of us might take for granted.
Inside the busy classrooms where many Ocean Reef staff send their children, the support continues. At Key Largo School, funding for AVID college readiness, teacher training, and class field trips is helping kids think beyond their current grade and start planning for what comes next. A grant also provided new equipment for the weight training room, giving students a space to build healthy habits and self-confidence.
Ocean Studies Charter School used its grant to launch “Healthy Minds, Strong Lives,” a mental health program aimed at early intervention and long-term wellness. Meanwhile, at Homestead Middle School, City Year is putting grant funds to work through mentoring and coaching focused on both academics and social-emotional growth, an approach that supports the whole student, not just their report card.
Somerset Prep teachers and staff pose with mascot Peppy the Python
At Coral Shores High School, hardship assistance helps ensure that teens can participate in athletics regardless of financial challenges. Teachers are also receiving professional development through AVID training, and students are using new tools to support positive behavior and classroom focus.
A new school joins the list this year, Somerset Prep in Homestead, a K-12 public charter school, where ORCF grant funds are helping enhance both a school-wide STEM curriculum and the athletic program, creating more opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents.
Grants are also improving the learning environment in meaningful ways. EnFamilia updated its library space to make reading more accessible and enjoyable. Redlands Christian Migrant Association replaced their Florida City playground for safer play and early childhood development. Renovations at the ARC of South Florida’s Palm Drive school, made possible by a significant Impact Fund grant, are creating a more welcoming and functional space to learn.
STEM education remains a strong focus. The Cox Science Center’s Science Passport program and new technology tools for Centro Campesino’s youth programs are helping students engage with science and technology in hands-on, exciting ways.
Take Stock in Children 2025 Ocean Reef Community Foundation Scholars: Left to right: Ivy Hong, Iyali Ornelas-Sandoval, Kelmer Gomez, Madyson Pons
Creativity and expression are thriving too. Grants are supporting in-school and after-school arts and music programming, made possible through partners like ArtSouth, the Adrienne Arsht Center, Greater Miami Youth Symphony, and Young Musicians Unite. From field trips to live performances, students are being introduced to new ideas, cultures, and ways to express themselves.
After-school programs continue to provide vital structure and support when the school day ends. Trusted partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Branches, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the YMCA offer safe spaces, mentorship, and enrichment, helping students grow into confident, capable young adults.
Support also spans the full education journey. Programs like Success by Six and Healthy Start give children a strong foundation before kindergarten. In high school, peer-led health education through the Health Information Project (HIP) equips students with important knowledge to use and share. College scholarships from Take Stock in Children, the Mexican American Council, and the College of the Florida Keys are helping local graduates take the next step toward independence and career success.
This broad and lasting impact is made possible thanks to the generosity of Ocean Reef Club Members and the continued success of All Charities Weekend. See the full list of 2025 Community Grant recipients at www.oceanreefcommunityfoundation.org/grant-recipients/.
What’s In A Name?
Building Stronger Starts Through Local School Support
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