Our nomination for Best Entrepreneur- Non-Profit Organization is Lisa Collum for her continued dedication to improving and expanding her 501c3 nonprofit, Coastal Middle and High School, a unique school dedicated to changing the lives of struggling students. Lisa is dedicated to helping all children learn, and through her non-profit organization, she has provided second chances for many students and their families.
Combining her entrepreneurial spirit and years of experience as a teacher in a Title I school, Lisa has created a safe haven where students in grades 6-12 have found the success that previously eluded them in a traditional school setting. Since January 2022, Coastal has continued its 100% graduation rate, and every student who has enrolled at Coastal has raised their GPA. Additional achievements Lisa has made since January 2022 include increased enrollment, expansion from three classrooms to six classrooms, the addition of a cafeteria, and a special project close to Lisa’s heart, an on-site daycare for her teachers.
As a teacher herself, Lisa strives to make her school the best place possible for teachers to work, and she devotes herself to making them feel appreciated. Since January 2022, Lisa has implemented a 4-day work week, giving her teachers the benefit of having every Friday off to take care of appointments, spend time with their families, and pursue activities outside of work. She treats her teachers to yearly staff getaways including a cruise and trips to Las Vegas and the Hard Rock hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. The staff also enjoys frequent outside activities and fun team bonding events. Lisa is especially proud of the new on-site day care she started for her teachers, which allows staff to be in close proximity to their small children. As a mother of four, Lisa believes family comes first, and her policies and working conditions make that ideal a reality for her staff.
Lisa’s implementation of a four-day school week is also designed to benefit Coastal’s student population. By concentrating their studies into four days, students are able to take advantage of on-the-job training to build skills for their futures. Many of Coastal’s students have jobs, and the four-day school week allows them the time they need for both work and study. Lisa’s addition of a cafeteria, snack store, and outdoor recreational area has helped to further foster the family atmosphere she has created for students. Coastal’s students are supported and their success is fostered in every area of their lives.
Lisa not only runs Coastal as the owner, but she also donates her time, financial resources, and material support to the school. Lisa has dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of children and to ensuring that all students find success. As a firm believer that any student can learn using the right strategies, she proves her theory true every day. Her dedication to making Coastal a place where students enjoy coming to school, and a place where teachers are supported and enjoy coming to work, is evident by her results.
Nomination Title: Lisa Collum