Inspiring the Next Cybersecurity Professionals
Florida SouthWestern State College and the Lee County School District hosted the third summer CyberPatriot Camp for middle and high school students. With support from local businesses and organizations, 71 campers from 28 local schools participated in the weeklong day camp in Rist Family Foundation’s Cyber Institute lab and classrooms and Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute on FSW’s Lee Campus.
Campers tackled hands-on challenges in firewall management, command-line interfaces, data security and privacy and network diagnostics, while developing practical skills for this high-demand field.
Preparing Specialists for the Aging Population
With its recent $35,000 donation to FSW’s nursing and EMS programs, Moorings Park Foundation helps to build a strong, compassionate and highly skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of older adults. Moorings Park is a Naples-based active senior living community.
The organization’s gift supports student scholarships and simulation equipment on FSW’s Collier County campus. In 21 years of philanthropy, Moorings Park Foundation has contributed $367,500 to support hundreds pursuing degrees and certifications in nursing, teaching and allied health.
Removing Barriers, Creating Pathways to Success
Philanthropists Jeanne Livingston and John Svirsky have committed $500,000 to critical workforce programs and emergent student needs at FSW. Their Livingston Svirsky Empowerment Fund focuses on philanthropic opportunities that create a ripple effect and bridge the distance between opportunity and accomplishment.
Their gift accelerates nursing students’ entry into the workforce by funding licensing-exam preparation and fees. It also expands training and financial assistance for emergency medical services and firefighter students and removes financial barriers that could prevent students from completing a degree or certificate.
Helping Students With Basic Needs: Care Pantry Support
Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation and Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation have granted $20,000 to FSW Care Pantry. Their gifts strengthen FSW’s Care Services, a program that connects students with resources and support to address basic needs, personal and emotional barriers. Specifically, the grants address food and essential-need insecurity.
FSW Care Pantry provides free food, personal care products and other essentials at four college locations, allowing students to focus on learning and achieving their goals. The pantry served more than 7,000 students during the last academic year.