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(Bradenton, Fla., May 6, 2025) – ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, Manatee-Sarasota held its College Reach-Out Program (CROP) awards ceremony on May 5 recognizing outstanding middle school and high school student participants who have achieved academic success. CROP provides recruitment, motivation, and supplemental instruction support to help educationally disadvantaged middle and high school students strengthen their learning skills and pursue postsecondary education after high school graduation.

The event featured a video presentation by Jessica Torsell, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø CROP coordinator; opening remarks by Patrica Rand, Ph.D., ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø interim provost; an address by CROP alumni speaker, Anayah Walker, Ed.D.; CROP school presentations and Student of the Year recognition by the CROP schools’ staff; and senior recognition and Summer Bridge Program awards and closing remarks by Raul Lorenzo, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø director of college readiness and early college programs.

CROP schools include Electa Arcotte Lee Middle School, McIntosh Middle School, North Port High School, Sarasota High School, Bayshore High School, Southeast High School, Booker Middle School, Booker High School, Palmetto High School and Riverview High School. During the program year, students completed a three-day entrepreneurship workshop, where they presented their work to a panel. Three middle schoolers participated in another interview workshop, where they spoke about their work and learning.

Learn more about ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s student support programs at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.edu.