In our latest client spotlight, Gulf Management Systems is featuring the Academy Prep of St. Petersburg! Learn more about the Academy Prep & how Gulf Management Systems’ 20-year partnership with Academy Prep provided over $180,000 in donations and made a remarkable impact!
About Academy Prep Center
Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg is a private, nonprofit middle school serving low-income students and their families. They teach, strengthen, and then reinforce the pivotal connection between academics, social skills, careers, and life paths.
Academy prep has been serving St. Pete since 1997. Due to the school’s positive results, they opened a second location in Tampa over 20 years ago!
The three pillars of an Academy Prep education are achieved through proven strategies and the incredible commitment of Academy Prep’s scholars, families, and teachers. The students attend school up to 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, 11 months a year, and are taught in classes separated by gender. They deliver a unique combination of enrichment activities and field trips. Activities include golf, karate, chess, athletics, gardening, choir, piano, visual arts, and community service. Students are provided breakfast, lunch, and a healthy snack every day on campus.
After graduation, Academy Prep provides intensive guidance and follows alumni throughout their academic careers. They do all this at an hourly per student cost that is actually less than that of Pinellas County’s public school system.
Mission Statement for Academy Prep
“To inspire and empower students qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support.”
Academy Prep leaders and staff aspire to not only help and provide for their students during their time at the school, but far beyond that as well. Even after they graduate middle school, high school, and college, Academy Prep’s mission is to keep that relationship and watch their alumni flourish in their careers!
Academy Prep provides Results that matter!
- 98% of Academy Prep alumni have graduated from high school on time since 2005.
- 94% of graduates have gone on to or are currently enrolled in post-secondary education or have served in the United States Armed Forces.
- 91% have enrolled in non-traditional high school programs, with the majority earning scholarships to private or boarding prep schools.
See how Gulf Management Systems helped to raise $180,000 to support the Academy Prep!
So how has Gulf Management Systems had an impact on Academy Prep?
Gulf Management Systems recognized what an impressive organization Academy Prep was. That is why we knew we had to get involved!
Gulf Management Systems has supported Academy Prep for nearly 20 years as a funder and community partner. Gulf Management Systems has donated over $180,000 to support Academy Prep and the Scholars they serve! Additionally, GMS has actively participated in student and family events on Academy Prep’s campus and throughout the community. In addition, many GMS employees have served as Academy Prep volunteers and mentors.
Our DonorBoost program helped Academy Prep build a charitable referral network by partnering with local businesses and organizations. We helped them form a network of merchants and reap the rewards and donations! Through the DonorBoost program, GMS was able to put money back into the Academy Prep Foundation.
What is DonorBOO$T®?
DonorBoost is a dynamic charitable giving network that harnesses the true power of the community (local businesses, consumers, charitable organizations) to help boost donations for your cause. Whether you are a small charity or a large foundation, our program can help support your mission and grow your donor network with our powerful fundraising tools!
DonorBoost is a no-cost service designed to help nonprofit companies build a network of merchants. Imagine being able to give back to those local businesses you rely on over and over. Refer them into your DonorBoost network and everyone wins: your donors, your merchants, and your organization!
In other words, our DonorBoost network is considered a referral program. Our goal is for you to build long-lasting, deep relationships. Your merchants and donors will enjoy knowing the network supports your cause. DonorBoost returns up to 40% of revenue into the community, such as annual gifts, grants, and monthly recurring donations. Plus, your referred merchants will win by receiving discounted processing rates with Gulf Management Systems!
Every time your donors shop at your VIP merchants, they support your cause. Build a charitable referral network by partnering with local businesses and organizations and receive a monthly contribution for every transaction that occurs within your network. This is what we mean when we say our mission is to build stronger communities one transaction at a time!
How can the Community get involved to help support?
Volunteer Opportunities
Academy Prep prides itself on the volunteer efforts of the community. They truly could not sustain their programs without volunteers. Annually, over 5,000 hours are volunteered by parents, corporations, nonprofits, Trustees, community members, high school students, and graduates. If you would like to make a difference, here are some opportunities to explore:
- Tutoring
- Extracurricular Activities
- Mentoring
- Special Events Support
To learn more please contact:
Mendy Kirsch | Community Relations Coordinator
mkirsch@academyprep.org | 727-322-0800 x2117
Donations
- Visit https://stpete.academyprep.org/waystogive
- Or contact Jennifer Silva, Advancement Manager, jsilva@academyprep.org
Upcoming Fundraising Events
One of Academy Prep’s biggest annual events is the Breakfast for Scholars, which is on October 23rd, 2024!
- Ticket and Sponsorships available. Contact Jennifer Silva at jsilva@academyprep.org
Donate to Academy Prep Today!
There are many ways you can make a donation to Academy Prep! Whether you want to donate cash, bequests, matching gifts, scholarships, or endowments, all are greatly appreciated!
Boost donations for your cause! With our DonorBoost program, your nonprofit gets exclusive savings, powerful fundraising tools, a charitable referral network, and monthly contributions!
About Gulf Management Systems
With over 30 years of experience working with small businesses and nonprofits, our mission has been clear: to build stronger communities one transaction at a time. Through providing nonprofit organizations with donor software, educational resources, and outstanding customer service, we have helped nonprofit organizations succeed!
We are proud to say that we have partnered with thousands of charitable organizations to help lower their donation processing fees, increase monthly revenue, and raise almost $150 million for our charitable giving programs!
