Welcome to the DOORWAYS program. I'm Elizabeth Stadelman, a 5th grade teacher and the coordinator for the DOORWAYS program for the students at St.Petersburg Challenge. DOORWAYS is a commitment by the school, the donor, the student, the family, and the mentor to the mutual goal of successfully graduating the student from high school with the academic and social skills necessary to pursue continuing education and training at a post-secondary level.

How does a school become a DOORWAYS school?

Through the coordination of the Pinellas Conty School Education Foundation and the DOORWAYS program, donors are solicited and brought together with the compatible schools. Most selected schools will be those with a large "at risk" population. The selections of scholars is done through a site-based selection committee which can be composed of teachers, counselors, social workers, supporting personnel, etc. Upon selection, the Principal or the Principal's designee contacts the students and the families to inform them of the selection and to arrange for the agreement and media release signing, as well as any public ceremonies. I also assist in reviewing and signing the agreement. During the months and years that follow, the students and their families are supported by the school, the mentors, and outside resources that become available whether they be health services, family counseling, or cultural and recreational activities.

What happens when the DOORWAYS student changes school?

If the student remains in Pinellas County, the scholarship follows the student. If the student moves to a DOORWAYS school, the student is incorporated into the scholarship group already in place at that school. If the studentŐs change in residence means the student will be attending a school without a DOORWAYS program, then provisions will be made to assure the student the continued benefits of the program. When the student moves to another school zone or advances from elementary to middle school or from middle to high school, the incoming school will work closely with the feeder school to plan for continuing services for the DOORWAYS student.

What are the other facets of the DOORWAYS program?

The office of Community Involvement and the Education Foundation in Pinellas County also contribute to the success of the DOORWAYS program by offering supportive services.

For more information about our DOORWAYS program here at St.Petersburg Challenge email to: tclpin158@mail.firn.edu -

Liz Stadelman