Media contact:

Eric Clark

Foundation for Leon County Schools

Clarke4@leonschools.net

 

Foundation for Leon County Schools receives $10,000 grant from Truist Foundation

 Tallahassee, FL, July 13, 2021 – The Foundation for Leon County Schools today announced it received a $10,000 grant from Truist Foundation to support the Early Leon Literacy Project. The purpose of the project is to promote early literacy and language skills with children ages 4-5 to assist with a successful kindergarten transition. Through the literacy project, rising kindergarten children receive books and related activities that promote early literacy skills. In addition to the activities for the students, parents receive a guide, Beyond the Book. It assists with pre-reading, reading and post-reading activities/questions that the parent can ask to increase language, vocabulary and comprehension. Beyond the Book is a way to support parents in expanding their child’s early literacy skills.

“The support that Truist Foundation has given to the Foundation for Leon County Schools is tremendous. We are very fortunate that they realize the tremendous efforts of our teachers and see the importance of early childhood learning opportunities,” stated FLCS Chair Marie Von Hertsenberg.

Kindergarten transition is a huge milestone for both the student and their family. Leon County Schools strives to partner with private childcare and preschool providers and incoming families to create a successful start to kindergarten. Not only do we want our students to possess the skills to be kindergarten-ready academically, but we also want to support their emotional intelligence. Having conversations and making preparations early to get ready for kindergarten reduces stress and anxiety, creating a smoother transition to kindergarten. The literacy project is a gateway to get information to parents of rising kindergartners that will help them prepare their child for the school year ahead.

“Promoting early childhood literacy speaks to Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Scott Keith, North Florida regional president for Truist on behalf of the Truist Foundation. “I’m proud of this partnership and the work that will be done to set our youth on a path to current and future success.”

About Foundation for Leon County Schools

The Foundation for Leon County Schools (FLCS) was established in 1987 when forward-thinking business, community, and education leaders came together with a common goal of enhancing educational opportunities and experiences for Leon County students in order to deliver a superior education. Its mission is to bring enriching programs and resources to Leon County Schools through business, individual, and community engagement; increased public awareness; and dedicated fundraising.

About Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Learn more at Truist.com/Purpose/Truist-Foundation.