With our partners, we build strong foundations through programs that empower children and families to lead successful lives.
2026 Summer Teen Empowerment Program
The Laurel Civic Summer Teen Empowerment Program (STEP) is a proactive prevention program designed to reach and engage our teens. We are dedicated to programs that help teens become lifelong learners, leaders, community role models, productive workers, and self-sufficient citizens. Teen empowerment helps support personal growth through character development.
REGISTRATION OPEN ENROLL NOW!
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REGISTRATION OPEN ENROLL NOW! 〰️
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS MISSION
To help every student become an above-average academic achiever, break the cycle of generational poverty, and give each child the freedom to choose their own future.
RESULTS TODAY. SUCCESS TOMORROW!
Students in grades K–8 welcome. Scholarships available.
THE DAILY EXPERIENCE
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
Each program day is built around teacher-led instruction aligned with school expectations. Our 1:4 adult-to-student ratio means every group of four students is supported by an active Sarasota County teacher, staff member, or trained volunteer.
Students with IEPs receive one-on-one support, starting with a certified teacher and transitioning to qualified staff and trained volunteers as the student demonstrates readiness.
KIDS CAFE — DAILY HOT MEALS
Every program day includes a hot, nutritious meal through Kids Cafe. A child cannot learn at full capacity on an empty stomach; reliable nutrition fuels academic success.
TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED
School-bus pickup and drop-off provided by the Sarasota County School Transportation at:
• Laurel Nokomis Elementary School
• Laurel Nokomis Middle School
• Venice Middle School
Transportation is included for every enrolled student at the schools listed above, regardless of tier.
WELCOME
A STRUCTURED ACADEMIC PROGRAM, NOT AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
The Center for Academic Success serves students who need additional support to meet and surpass grade-level expectations. Instruction is led by certified teachers from the Sarasota County School District and reinforced by trained staff and volunteers.
Student progress is monitored using school report cards and FAST scores (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking).
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
@ LAUREL CIVIC
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
Students attend regularly Monday – Friday
Hours: 2:45 – 5:30 PM
Daily Schedule
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Students arriving from Venice Middle School receive a hot, nutritious meal.
3:00 PM
Venice Middle School students begin academic instruction, homework assistance, and one-on-one tutoring.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Students arriving from Laurel Nokomis Elementary & Middle School and other participating schools receive a hot, nutritious meal upon arrival.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Students participate in supervised academic instruction, homework completion, reading practice, educational enrichment activities, and individualized support from certified teachers, staff, and trained volunteers.
INVESTMENT & VALUE
A SLIDING-SCALE TUITION MODEL
Tuition is set on a five-tier sliding scale based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Approximately 85% of students qualify for a full scholarship through the Sarasota County School District's free and reduced-price meal program.
| Tier | Income (% FPL) | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full Scholarship (tuition-free) | ≤ 185% | $100.00 Registration Fee Only |
| Tier 1 | 186–250% | $1,350 * |
| Tier 2 | 251–350% | $2,600 * |
| Tier 3 | 351–500% | $3,850 * |
| Full Pay | > 500% | $5,000 * |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• Teacher-led academic instruction
• Daily hot meal through Kids Cafe
• One-on-one IEP support as needed
• Transportation from designated schools
• Participation in all Laurel Civic youth programming
One full sponsorship covers one student. No hidden costs. No add-ons.
HOW TO ENROLL
1. Complete the online registration below.
2. Full scholarship available for qualifying families
GIVE • ENROLL • VOLUNTEER
Volunteers Needed — We need volunteers for our After-School Academic Program and Kids’ Café. If you are interested in making a difference, contact us at empower@laurelcivic.net or 941-483-3338.
Make a Difference!
As a volunteer, you will help students and families thrive. It is the most rewarding type of work when you benefit others by sharing your time, knowledge, and talents with those who need it most. Hours are flexible, but our schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:30-5:30 pm.
Help students with homework and reading skills
Coach life skills to teens and adults
Provide office support, participate in special events, and more
Questions? Contact Alicia Williams at 941-483-3338 Ext. 101 at awilliams@laurelcivic.net.
Don’t have time? Consider making a gift!
Make an Impact
Flanzer Philanthropic Trust Matching Program
Contributions can be made via PayPal, credit cards or check. Donation amounts are limited to $500 per month per agency, per household, with a maximum of $3,000 per year per agency. Be sure to Select Laurel Civic Association!
Youth Empowerment
We believe that children can overcome challenges at home, in school, and in life if we show them the way.
The John Jefferson Youth Empowerment Programs
Academic Empowerment
We believe that children need to succeed academically to become independent and self-sufficient adults.
Teen Empowerment
We believe that providing teens with life skills allows them to set themselves on a course for future success.
Our Alumni
We are very proud of the accomplishments of our students who partake in our Youth Empowerment Programs. Learn from them the difference that you can make. Visit our Alumni Page to learn more.
Growing Strong STEMs
Adult Programs
Hand Up!
We believe that understanding fiscal management, interviewing and employment placement skills leads to financial independence and hope for the future.
Life Skills
We believe that helping people learn to effectively function better as a family, community member, and in the workforce reduces stress and provides pathways to success.
Access to Independence
We believe that people who have access to programs that help alleviate issues of hunger, housing, and medical care can focus on building a more stable, self-sufficient future.
Community Empowerment
We believe that adults living on the margins of society can achieve self-sufficiency when armed with the skills and training to overcome life challenges. This allows them to be productive in their community, and gives them hope for a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Food and Emergency Financial Assistance
One of the biggest challenges facing many families is hunger. Our Client Choice Food Distributions in partnership with All Faiths Food Bank & Midwest Food Bank are held on the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month from 9:30 am-11:30 am and 4-6 pm. Anyone in need of food is welcome. We also have an Emergency Financial Assistance program available for families in crisis.