A fundraising challenge could generate up to $30,000 to support Manatee County students participating in Truly Valued’s I AM Academy.
The Bishop-Parker Foundation is offering a $15,000 matching gift challenge for the program, matching community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000. If the full amount is raised from donors, the foundation’s contribution would bring the campaign total to $30,000.
I AM Academy provides mentoring and enrichment opportunities designed to help students strengthen character, confidence, self-esteem, academic achievement and life skills.
The program has seen significant growth within the School District of Manatee County. According to Truly Valued’s year-over-year impact report, I AM Academy served 184 students during the 2025-26 school year, compared with 89 during 2024-25. The increase of 95 students represents 107% growth in participation.
Academic results also showed improvement.
The percentage of participating students reaching FAST Math Level 3 or higher increased from 32.8% to 46.1%, a gain of 13.3 percentage points. In English language arts, the percentage reaching FAST ELA Level 3 or higher increased from 20% to 23.5%, a 3.5-percentage-point improvement.
Among eligible students, 59.4% demonstrated learning gains in math and 44.9% demonstrated learning gains in ELA.
The impact report also identified attendance as an area for continued attention. Overall attendance among participants was 87.4%, with Truly Valued listing stronger attendance, accelerated ELA growth and increased engagement among high school participants as future focus areas.
Through the matching campaign, a $25 donation generates $50 in combined support, while a $100 contribution becomes $200 and a $500 donation results in $1,000. A $1,000 community contribution would generate $2,000 with the foundation match.
Truly Valued must raise the full $15,000 in community contributions to take advantage of the entire Bishop-Parker Foundation match. The resulting $30,000 would support the organization’s continued work with Manatee County students through I AM Academy.
