OUR Why
Sarasota County School has over 40,000 students enrolled within the public school district. According to the 2023 HHS poverty guidelines, almost half of those students live in poverty. Poverty in any community impacts educational outcomes for students. According to the National Institute of Health, there is a strong correlation between poverty and underperforming in school, meaning children living in poverty tend to have lower academic achievement compared to their more economically advantaged peers. Underperforming may be due to various factors which include limited access to educational resources, increased family stress, poor nutritional options or food insecurity, low quality of schools, and less parental support for schoolwork which leads to lower test scores and educational attainment for children living in poverty.
The Henson Fund strives to lead with an equity-focused mindset as we address disparities in underserved schools and communities. We are committed to ensuring every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to tailored support, resources, and opportunities to meet their unique needs. When this happens, underserved students have a chance to thrive academically, socially, and personally. We are committed to acknowledging the problem, recognizing the barriers to access high-quality schools, technology, enrichment programs, and health and social services, and taking proactive steps to address disparities. By prioritizing equity, we can create a more inclusive, fair, and just system where all students, especially those from marginalized communities, can reach their full potential.
We are committed to leveling the playing field as much as possible for every child in poverty through partnering with school districts, schools, and various community organizations to infuse programs, initiatives, and projects to help underserved students thrive in all areas of life.
Our mission
To educate, enrich, and thereby empower underserved children to reach their full academic potential and future success.
Our Vision