Florida College Access Network’s annual College Ready Florida Innovator Award recognizes community leaders who made impactful contributions and utilized innovative strategies this school year to increase the effectiveness of FCAN’s College Ready Florida initiatives.
We are excited and incredibly proud to announce that the 2023 College Ready Florida Innovator winners are Godby High School Head of Guidance, Susan Barrineau, and Principal, Desmond Cole!
As Head of Guidance at Godby High School, Susan played an integral role in establishing the school’s BEACON pilot program. Principal, Desmond Cole made sure news about the program was heard schoolwide, by hosting weekly name drawings to reward and recognize the seniors who completed the FAFSA.
Through Godby’s partnership with ASPIRE Capital Region, local business leaders were trained and spent afternoons at Godby, working with seniors to complete their applications. Through the efforts of our volunteers, with the support of Susan and Desmond, the percentage of seniors that completed the FAFSA increased from 18% in March 2021 to 41% in March 2022.
Susan and Desmond will both be honored at the 2023 Talent Strong Florida Summit Awards Luncheon next month.
Learn more about the ASPIRE Capital Region program at www.ASPIRECapitalRegion.com.
