MIA Rays Squadron!
We are excited to announce a brand new 501 (c) (3), the MIA Rays Squadron!
The mission of the MIA Rays Squadron is to provide a secure financial foundation for Marco Island Academy, a public charter high school to sustain it for generations to come. The MIA Rays Squadron will raise funds to meet the operating and capital needs for today and the future, offering four different opportunities for people to contribute, which are described below.
Over the long-term, MIA Rays Squadron will raise $20-$30 million in endowment funds to ensure that MIA is sustainable for years to come. To jump start the endowment, we recently launched the Forever Now Campaign.
The Forever Now Campaign encourages you to give your legacy gift now. The major advantage to this program is that it helps MIA reach its goal of becoming financially independent as quickly as possible.
MIA Rays Squadron’s Island Society recognizes individuals who have chosen to include MIA Rays Squadron in their estate planning strategies by leaving a legacy gift in their will or trust. Gifts can benefit the endowment or specific areas of interest based on the donor’s request.
MIA Rays Squadron’s Student Success Fund fulfills the immediate needs of MIA until the endowment becomes the main source of funding for MIA. There are annual partnership opportunities available for those interested in sponsoring annual MIA events. In addition, any gift supporting the current needs of the school can be contributed to this fund.
Our most recent addition to the growth and development of the MIA Rays Squadron is the Innovation Fund. This fund is dedicated to inspiring projects and programs for MIA. We hope to spark innovation in the classroom and encourage students and educators to explore new areas of interest, including new ways to teach, learn, or simply pursue a subject area that was not previously offered at MIA.
We hope you will join the MIA Rays Squadron! We are excited about the possibilities that the MIA Rays Squadron will bring to MIA! Help us continue to make a difference in students’ lives at Marco Island Academy. Thank you so much for your generous support throughout the years!
With gratitude,
Mark Melvin – Board President
The MISSION of Marco Island Academy
is to provide a student-centered, well rounded, interdisciplinary education. Students engage in critical thinking while focusing on math, science, technology, environmental, global studies.
The Academy upholds the highest standards of academic excellence, integrity, respect, and social responsibility, while guiding students to achieve post-secondary success.
Our “Forever Now” Campaign
is giving a legacy gift today showing unconditional support for our students, families, and community.
This bold, innovative effort to raise $20-$30 million embraces living in a community that is built around educational excellence. Together, we can create a sustainable source of funding for generations of Marco Island Academy students to come. The generosity of our MIA family of donors has prepared us to take this lead. By building a stronger foundation, MIA can be a force for positive change and our students will continue to flourish and welcome the amazing opportunities that have defined MIA’s unique culture.
Kurt and Lori Lacks
"My wife and I got involved with the MIA Rays Squadron endowment campaign to support and perpetuate the future of MIA. Ultimately this foundation will manage investments for the future of MIA to become self-sustaining for generations to come. We are proud to be part of the MIA family to support our community in educational excellence."
Our “Island Society”
is a planned giving program that benefits the Marco Island Academy.
We welcome anyone who has a shared passion for the mission of MIA and has chosen to name MIA Rays Squadron in their will or trust. Planned giving is an essential component that will help uphold MIA’s highest standard of academic excellence for the future of our students.
A legacy commitment of generosity with the responsibility in looking toward the future will guarantee the success, development, and growth of Marco Island Academy.
Scott and Brenda Rhinehart
“Our support of educational endeavors began in Pennsylvania where we gave our financial support to a small Christian inner-city school. Interestingly enough, the school was founded by two women who saw the need for educational options in York City. Nothing is more important to us than providing children with the best educational experiences possible. Through the generosity of many people in our Marco Island community, we have been able to build a fabulous campus. Now, our task is to provide additional support, so that Marco Island Academy can continue its job of offering our students a quality education and a rewarding high school experience. We have proudly provided for MIA Rays Squadron in our will — and encourage others to join us.”
Partnering with Marco Island Academy
is vital in providing the best educational experiences possible for every student enrolled.
Student Success Fund gifts directly support our students, programs, and core values that make MIA so special. These gifts provide a student-centered, high-quality education, small class size ratios to provide individualized attention, resources for essential needs, mental health wellness counseling services, and opportunities for our at-risk economically disadvantaged students.
Your support directly impacts our students’ lives and improves their high school experience every day.
Bella Burgos
(Class of 2022)
“MIA provided me the opportunities and strength to blossom into the student, performer, and person that I am today. With so much support from this school, I have been able to find myself through the arts and connect with so many that continue to shape my future.“
Phoenix Gutierrez
(Class of 2022)
“If I hadn't attended MIA, I don’t believe I would have received the quality education and encouraging environment that really helped me grow as a person and become incredibly prepared for college next year. The mentorship and experiences I’ve had here were truly life changing.”
MIA Rays Squadron’s Innovation Fund
was created to encourage our students and instructional staff to blaze new trails of their own, and inspire everyone at MIA to think, explore, and learn without limits. Investing in the Innovation Fund enriches the educational experiences of our students.
TO GIVE
Giving Online Now
- Directly mail a one-time gift to MIA Rays Squadron via check.
- Give online (PayPal, Credit Card)
- Set-up a recurring gift for monthly or quarterly processing.
- Matching gifts are a great way to leverage the impact of your support. Contact your employer’s Human Resources office for eligibility details.
- Pledge an annual gift over multiple years, or share a gift in monthly installments. To download pledge form, please click here.
- Make a gift of stock or give through your IRA by electronic transfer between your broker and MIA Rays Squadron.
- Arrange a legacy gift for the MIA Rays Squadron endowment fund, or any area you designate. You can do so now, or with a gift in your will or estate plan.
Get In Touch
Contact Us
We would love to talk with you, or share more information on how to support the longevity and success of Marco Island Academy.
Hilary Noyes
Donor Relations
2255 San Marco Rd.
Marco Island, FL 34145
(239) 393-5133
hnoyes@marcoislandacademy.org