Staff Resources / Grow Our Own program

 (GO² )

Tuition Reimbursement for employees who want to earn a degree

Click here to see a full size GO2Flyer 

Grow Our Own or GO² is a local effort by the Monroe County School District to give employees the opportunity to earn college degrees in their area of specialty.  Whether it is earning an education, finance, or human resources degree, or vocational or technical certification, we want to invest in you and help build a stable workforce of local talent.  To that end, the Monroe County School District and the College of the Florida Keys have formed a partnership to help our employees who want to earn a degree. 

Superintendent Theresa Axford: “What could be better for our district and our students than to encourage and assist our own employees in their goals of attaining a degree. Investing in our own, and giving our students a chance to see the educational process work, would be a winning situation for us all and would be a dream come true for me.”

Requirements:

• A regular full-time MCSD employee who has one or more years of continuous service
• Degree or course must be business or job related
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree, or Technical/Vocational Programs
• Passing grade of “C” or better
• Up to $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and supplies

STEP 1: Apply for the tuition reimbursement program

If you work in the Monroe County School District, meet the above requirements, and are interested in obtaining a college degree please complete this application.  Make your immediate supervisor aware of your intentions to be part of GO² .  Contact the MCSD Human Resources Department to notify them of your intent to apply by sending an email to Harry.Russell@KeySSchools.com.   Please note that MCSD Tuition Reimbursement is not guaranteed to all participants. 

STEP 2:  Apply to attend College of the Florida Keys (CFK) or the college or university of your choice

Through our partnership with the College of the Florida Keys, they have provided support to those that enroll.  You have the option to enroll in the college of your choice. 
If choosing CFK:  Applying for college can be a daunting process, however, CFK is here to support you.  First, an application must be submitted, residency must be established and previous educational transcripts must be submitted. If you are applying for financial aid, an applicant needs to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which includes IRS tax information regarding income.

Types of Financial Supports Available

• • Financial Aid
  • MCSD Reimbursement
  • T.E.A.C.H Scholarship (Early Childhood)
  • Para to ESE Teacher (State)
  • Federal Determination up to $5000; Pays 4 Years Tuition and Books; $700 per class

If you have any questions about this process, see the list of contacts below and helpful links for CFK:

College of the Florida Keys (CFK) Website

Request information or apply to attend CFK:

Marissa Owens, Director of Recruitment
305-809-3207
Email:  recruiter@cfk.edu
Admissions Web Page: https://www.cfk.edu/admissions/apply-now/

Financial Aid Information:

Phone:  305-8093523
Email:  financialaid@cfk.edu
Financial Aid Overview: https://www.cfk.edu/paying-for-college/financial-aid/
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Academic Advising:

Phone:  305-809-3196
Email:  advising.services@cfk.edu
Information on the CFK Associate of Arts degree: https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/general-studies-universtiy-transfer/
How to register for classes at CFK: https://www.cfk.edu/admissions/plan-register/