VENICE, FL (July 2010): The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice is investing $2.5 million in a 5-year initiative at eight middle and high schools in Sarasota and Charlotte counties to improve teaching and and learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). According to their press release, the strategy is to train teachers, provide educational materials and also provide internships through employers in the community. “While our economy demands a larger and more proficient STEM workforce, enrollment and success in those courses is rapidly declining,” said Foundation president and CEO Teri A. Hansen. “As a community, state, and nation, we are falling behind. Florida’s students trail national averages in math and science, and lag far behind a long list of quickly developing countries. The time for action is now, and the Foundation is creating a community-based coalition to tackle this issue.”