A weekly alert that contains in-depth news, information, insight and analysis on the most critical education related issues and topics facing Florida.

New grants could bring aid to Florida students — but only in certain fields

Do you want to become a firefighter in Florida? Or a police officer? Or a nursing assistant? Low-income students can soon receive federal money for short-term job training under a program called Workforce Pell. Workforce Pell, which went into effect in July, is an expansion of the Pell Grant program, which provides need-based financial aid for students. In other states, hundreds of jobs are eligible for Workforce Pell money. Florida’s list of options is relatively narrow. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Florida school districts band together on insurance to lower health costs

As many Florida school districts look to close schools to cope with declining enrollment, leading to budget cuts, some are banding together to reduce another key factor to their bottom lines: health insurance premiums. Rising health insurance costs have pushed about a third of Florida’s 67 school districts to join the Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT), a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. [Source: News Service of Florida]

New Florida Education Commissioner reveals goals ahead of school year

Florida’s new Education Commissioner, Dr. Henry Mack, revealed his goals ahead of the upcoming school year in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Mack discussed the goals for his agency, saying he is committed to continuing a “student-centered approach” that the state has historically accomplished through its school choice program. [Source: WCTV]

As school supply costs increase, community leaders are trying to fill the need

Spending on back to school shopping has seen an uptick in recent years, with new research showing that parents nationwide are planning to increase their spending by nearly 12% since last school year, according to real estate firm JLL. That translates to an estimated $489 per child on school supplies, clothing, footwear and other needs. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Florida Lottery reminds students of upcoming Bright Futures application deadline

As students head back to school, the Florida Lottery is reminding them to apply for Bright Futures by the end of August to be considered for the scholarship. The state agency said students have until August 31 to apply to receive academic financial assistance. Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon said the scholarship is important to students and families in Florida. [Source: WCTV]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini commits $2 million to Saint Leo University cybersecurity program [Florida Trend]
As cyber threats continue to target businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure nationwide, Saint Leo University is expanding its efforts to prepare executive-level cybersecurity leaders through a $2 million commitment from technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Arnie Bellini and his wife, Lauren. The gift will support the development, launch, and long-term growth of the university’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Executive Track.

› Florida Tech’s biggest-ever dorm eases housing crunch, fuels campus growth [Florida Today]
Standing alongside a gray couch in a freshly furnished living room, Lee Myers surveyed the surrounding four-bedroom suite inside the Florida Institute of Technology’s six-story Crimson Crossing student housing complex. “We have granite countertops, full-size fridge, range stove, and dishwasher,” said Myers, the university’s associate vice president of facilities, pointing out the adjacent kitchen. On Wednesday, Florida Tech hosted a Crimson Crossing ribbon-cutting ceremony in the east courtyard of the newly constructed Melbourne landmark overlooking the intersection of Babcock Street and University Boulevard.

› Early decision is now an option for these Florida state schools applicants [NBC Miami]
It’s not just for the Ivy League, Duke or Vanderbilt anymore. Early decision has come to Florida’s two flagship universities, so now there’s a new strategy for getting into the University of Florida and Florida State University. “We got a big shock this year when FSU first decided to add early decision, which was like, what? Early decision is common at private colleges, not very common at public colleges,” said Mandee Adler, owner of a company called International College Counselors. UF quickly followed FSU’s lead and decided to offer early decision admission as well.

› Pinellas might close more schools. Here’s what parents, staff are saying. [Tampa Bay Times]
In preparation for a second round of school closing and merger recommendations, Pinellas County district officials asked community members what they want to see. More than 2,500 people responded. Nearly half were parents, with another third being district employees. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick plans to discuss the public comments with the school board during a workshop today. The session is a precursor to the next proposal, which Hendrick is set to present in early September.