Since its inception in 1988, the Kids’ College has been a local institution for children from Lake and Sumter counties to receive professional education over the summer. After area trusts contributed $5,000, the LSSC-sponsored event will allow around 20 foster children in the 5th Circuit Court’s Guardian ad Litem initiative to obtain such an education this summer.
The Mount Dora Community Trust and the W.T. Bland Jr. Charitable Trust each contributed $2,500.
According to a news release, the award is considered a sign of growing camaraderie between Guardian ad Litem, the W.T. Bland Jr. Charitable Trust, the Mount Dora Community Trust and the LSSC Foundation.
The Mount Dora Community Trust’s Executive Director, Rob English, spoke about the importance of improving the lives of local children.
“Without some type of scholarship these students would not be able to attend,” English said.
English and the other members of the trust board saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime possible chance to invest in the futures of youngsters who needed it the most.
“We are both honored and excited to have those students be able to attend,” English said.
Kevin Yurasek, director of strategic communications at Lake-Sumter State College, spoke about the relationship and summer programs.
“It’s an opportunity that bridges learning with fun,” Yurasek said. According to Yurasek, 100 students enrolled in July sessions, compared to 125 in June, both of which are lower than pre-pandemic levels.
This, according to Yurasek, could be due to the pandemic’s financial and time restraints on families.
Despite this, Yurasek claimed that the opportunity for 20 children “who have suffered a ton of abuse and neglect” to obtain some fun and education this summer will put them in a positive learning environment where they can have fun.
At the Leesburg and Clermont campuses, staff and professors from Sumter and Lake counties teach students a variety of topics, ranging from archery and neon paint to journalism and how to play the piano or guitar.
Sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m.
For full-day students enrolled in either 8- or 7-day sessions, registration costs range from $208 to $236.
Students who attend half-day classes pay $118 regardless of the session they attend.
Registration is still open, but individuals who sign up after the deadline will be charged a $25 late fee, and admission for courses will close one week before the start date.
For the camp, students were given two T-shirts, which they were required to wear at all times while on campus.
Call 352-323-3610 for more information on the Kids’ College, or go to the Lake-Sumter State College website at lssc.edu.
The Guardian ad Litem program, which supports neglected and abused children in the foster care system while undergoing court processes in parts of Lake, Sumter, Hernando, Citrus and Marion counties that make up the 5th Circuit Court, has enrolled hundreds of Lake County children.
For more information on training and volunteer opportunities, go to guardianadlitem.org.
