Bishop-Parker Foundation Awards $250,000 Grant to Expand Soar Lab in North Manatee County
A major investment in early childhood education is set to expand learning opportunities for families in North Manatee County.
The Bishop-Parker Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Manatee Education Foundation as part of its spring grant cycle to establish a second Soar Lab north of the Manatee River. The new facility will support the growth of the Soar in 4 program, which focuses on preparing young children for success in kindergarten and beyond through family-centered learning experiences.
The Soar Lab is designed as a hands-on, research-based environment where children and their caregivers can participate in interactive educational activities that promote school readiness, literacy development, and early learning skills. The expansion will bring these resources closer to families in North Manatee County, increasing access to high-quality educational opportunities during a critical stage of child development.
The Soar in 4 initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening kindergarten readiness and supporting families as their children transition into the school system. By providing engaging learning experiences and encouraging family involvement, the program seeks to improve academic outcomes and build a strong foundation for future success.
According to the Manatee Education Foundation, the additional Soar Lab will help generate measurable academic and family-engagement outcomes that support school readiness and early elementary achievement throughout the county.
The grant reflects the Bishop-Parker Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving educational opportunities and investing in programs that create long-term benefits for children and families. Community leaders say the expansion will help ensure more families have access to the tools and support needed to prepare young learners for a successful start in school.
Construction and implementation plans for the new Soar Lab are expected to move forward in the coming months, bringing expanded early learning opportunities to neighborhoods across North Manatee County.
