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Southeastern University (SEU) has received a $20,000 grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation to support the Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center, set to open in the spring of 2027. The grant will help launch the center’s classical education program through the purchase of curriculum materials, educational resources, and classroom furnishings. By equipping classrooms with high-quality educational materials, these funds will create engaging learning environments that support children’s academic, social, and developmental growth. “We are deeply grateful to the GiveWell Community Foundation for this generous grant. These funds will directly support the development of our classical education program by providing essential curriculum resources and classroom materials that enrich the learning experience for our students,” said Sarah Rodgers, director of the center. “This investment helps us create a strong educational foundation for young children and expands opportunities for meaningful engagement and discovery in the classroom.” The Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center will serve children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old by providing a creative, nurturing, and Christ-centered learning environment. Designed to serve families throughout Central Florida, the center will offer high-quality early childhood education grounded in faith, academic excellence, and whole-child development during children’s most formative years. The center comes at a critical time for the region, serving a community of more than 40,000 children under the age of five. Through purpose-built classrooms, engaging outdoor learning spaces, and a classical, play-based educational model, children will be encouraged to explore; discover; and grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The center’s research-backed approach balances structure and curiosity, creating meaningful learning experiences that foster both confidence and character. It will also serve as a model center connected to SEU’s College of Education, providing education students with valuable hands-on teaching experience. The waitlist for the center’s inaugural year is now open. Learn more at https://seu.edu/admission/ecc-waitlist/. This release can also be found on the SEU Blog. About GiveWell Community Foundation GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) partners with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build stronger communities throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties and beyond through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, GWCF has awarded more than $525 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. Today, the Community Foundation is home to more than 400 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower grant cycles. To learn more about GWCF, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131. About SEU Southeastern University (SEU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. Founded in 1935 and located in the Central Florida community of Lakeland, SEU offers more than 120 degree programs including associate, bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SEU’s reach expands beyond the Lakeland campus, with a comprehensive online learning program and more than 250 partner site programs worldwide. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at SEU.edu. Skylar Worthington Communications Coordinator O 863.667.5360 E seworthington@seu.edu Southeastern University 1000 Longfellow Blvd. Lakeland, Florida 33801-6034
Southeastern University (SEU) has received a $20,000 grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation to support the Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center, set to open in the spring of 2027.
The grant will help launch the center’s classical education program through the purchase of curriculum materials, educational resources, and classroom furnishings. By equipping classrooms with high-quality educational materials, these funds will create engaging learning environments that support children’s academic, social, and developmental growth.
“We are deeply grateful to the GiveWell Community Foundation for this generous grant. These funds will directly support the development of our classical education program by providing essential curriculum resources and classroom materials that enrich the learning experience for our students,” said Sarah Rodgers, director of the center. “This investment helps us create a strong educational foundation for young children and expands opportunities for meaningful engagement and discovery in the classroom.”
The Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center will serve children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old by providing a creative, nurturing, and Christ-centered learning environment. Designed to serve families throughout Central Florida, the center will offer high-quality early childhood education grounded in faith, academic excellence, and whole-child development during children’s most formative years.
The center comes at a critical time for the region, serving a community of more than 40,000 children under the age of five. Through purpose-built classrooms, engaging outdoor learning spaces, and a classical, play-based educational model, children will be encouraged to explore; discover; and grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The center’s research-backed approach balances structure and curiosity, creating meaningful learning experiences that foster both confidence and character.
It will also serve as a model center connected to SEU’s College of Education, providing education students with valuable hands-on teaching experience.
The waitlist for the center’s inaugural year is now open. Learn more at https://seu.edu/admission/ecc-waitlist/.
This release can also be found on the SEU Blog.
About GiveWell Community Foundation
GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) partners with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build stronger communities throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties and beyond through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, GWCF has awarded more than $525 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. Today, the Community Foundation is home to more than 400 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower grant cycles. To learn more about GWCF, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131.
About SEU
Southeastern University (SEU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. Founded in 1935 and located in the Central Florida community of Lakeland, SEU offers more than 120 degree programs including associate, bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SEU’s reach expands beyond the Lakeland campus, with a comprehensive online learning program and more than 250 partner site programs worldwide. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more at SEU.edu.
Skylar Worthington Communications Coordinator O 863.667.5360 E seworthington@seu.edu Southeastern University 1000 Longfellow Blvd. Lakeland, Florida 33801-6034