Venture Concept No. 2

(1)

Opportunity
My opportunity is a food truck that goes around campus at night, after the on campus food places are closed, and gives students the food that those places throw out at the end of the night. With doing this, we allow students a little extra food at the end of the day, whether it be something from Panda Express, Chick-Fil-A, or Starbucks.

1. Students have the need. Most students dont hold a job, or are on a strict budget. With little costs, this food truck will give to students, without them needing to pay a lot more money for it.

2. The nature of this need is simple. We all love food. So why dont we take the excess waste that we throw out in places like Starbucks, and give to the students who want food?

• The forces or changes in the environment that is created  this opportunity is my realization on how much Starbucks throws out at the end of the night. Restaurants generate so much waste, and what is the point in throwing it away? Reducing waste is very important in this day and age, especially with global warming becoming a prominent issue in todays society. 
• The market is defined geographically by our campus, and demographically by the students who go to our school.
• Customers are satisfying their needs by buying meal plans, or getting jobs, or finding other ways to have an income. Either way, we all enjoy an extra snack late at night, or after going out to Mid Town, or just in general. 
• This opportunity can be expanded upon in many ways. Panera for example will give their food to food shelters at the end of the day. More food places should adopt this policy.
• This window of opportunity can be open for as long as humans are alive, unless we find a insanely cheap way to produce food for those in need. 

Innovation

My food truck is simple, and alike any other typical food truck. The catch would be, we wouldn't be necessarily cooking food on the truck.  Essentially like Meals-on-Wheels, we would be obtaining food from stores closed at the end of the night, like Starbucks, and sending it to students on campus who would like a little extra snack for the next day. The prices would be quite low, much under 10$, and would vary on what foods we will be giving to students.

Venture Concept
My innovation will help solve the opportunity I see because I believe it will give students to not worry about spending too much money on food on a daily basis. I know how much I can spend in a day, or even a week, and I know students struggle with paying rent or paying tuition. It is hard learning how to balance your life, your needs, and the finances we must pay for, like rent.

• I think most students would find it intriguing there is another opportunity to get food from places. Starbucks is a popular place, and our pastries, sandwiches, and drinks can be quite pricey. That is why I would believe selling waste at the end of the night, with little cost, would be a reason for students to want to use the food truck for extra snacks or meals.
• Competitors would be other places on campus doing similar things, or even the hesitation on receiving food that is marked "waste" for on campus food places. Relatively, waste for Starbucks is pastries and sandwiches that have a set expiration date for Starbucks standards. However, that does not mean the food goes bad within that night. The food i can take home from Starbucks can last me a week, depending on the food item. Of course, there would need to be regulations to sort out in this ordeal, but other than that, the food is safe to consume after Starbucks set standard of when it should be thrown out.
• A lot of Starbucks waste comes packaged, and with distribution, the food truck would be delivering to students. Students will have to sign up for a desired product, or a food from a desired food place, and we will distribute it to the dorms on campus. The fee would be a sort of subscription, so students can get a certain amount of food per week.
• I would hire employees to help run the food truck, and create an app so students can log on and register for a subscription of food.

Three Minor Elements

1) My most important resource is my job experience. I have a decent background in being an employee in a large company. As being an employee, and a Supervisor at Starbucks, I know the ins and outs in running the store. There would be nights at Starbucks where we would throw out hundreds of dollars in food. It would be heartbreaking, because that food could be put to good use. I would make it hard for companies to copy my success by allowing students to receive this food at low prices, without having my company go bankrupt. Not too sure how I can accomplish this. Perhaps based off a volunteering type of food truck.

2) The next step for me is seeing if this idea can be expanded. If companies are willing to pair with the food truck to help bring food to those in need. The next step for this venture would be seeing if it is truly possible to portray this idea to students, and seeing the feedback, and executing the idea.

3) If possible, I would pursue this idea and turn it into something important. If anyone would like to accompany me in this idea, I would be more than willing to help this idea flourish.  However, I know there are companies that would be against us using their food for students need, because it is their food, and their production. 

In all, I believe this idea can be important in the lives of many students in need, and I would hope it could some how become possible in the future. 

(2) & (3)
My feedback was positive, and I believe I can put together more information because of it. I think If i were to continue my project, I would expand it to more than a food truck, and make it it a food and pantry option for students, like the one we have on campus. I think the project can be combined into an organization, or adopted by a company (like star
bucks) to bring a bigger impact on things.

Final Reflection

1) This class was a bit of a doozy, in many ways, but I enjoyed it. It taught me a lot about how to be an entrepreneur, and how to step out of my comfort zone.

2) Creating this project (my "food" truck) will be something I will remember. I hope another student with a shared interest in my own can actually continue the idea, or build on it in the future. I think implementing ways students can receive food for low costs is very important.

3) I could see myself as an entrepreneur, but i know i still got a long way to go. I hope to keep learning and achieving.

4) I think students entering this class should keep an open mind, and try to find the fun in this class. If you take the little extra time to complete your blog, you will be satisfied with your work.

Your Exit Strategy

1) I intend to sell the Food Truck to students who are willing to continue the legacy, and want to continue giving food to students for little prices.

2) I have selected this, because i could not follow and keep up with my food truck after college. The food truck does not fit in my criteria of careers I want to follow for the next 5,10,20 years.

3) I think my exit strategy is basic, because to me its like a school project. It will last for however long I am in college, and then other students can take up the opportunity. Since starting at the university of Florida, I always believed students need more opportunities to get food for little or no prices. This is a solution that all students can see, even after i graduate.

Reading Reflection No. 3

For the third reading reflection, I read Grinding it Out, The Making of Mcdonald's by Ray Kroc


1. What surprised me the most about Richard McDonald was his tenacity. I admired his drive to create a way people can enjoy fast food. I least admired how McDonalds has become an empire of a company. The entrepreneur encountered some failures, that is why Ray Kroc came in to modernize the McDonald's business.

2. Some competencies i noticed the McDonalds' exhibited was creativity, and the drive to make other people's lives better.

3) I was confused on how the family came up with the idea.

4)
-What would you have done differently?
-Are you content with the outcome?

5) I believe the McDonald's definition of hard work is trial and error.

Celebrating Failure

The most "memorable" time i failed something was my freshman year, when i failed Programming 1. The reason I failed the class because i underestimated the class' intensity, and I thought I would enjoy the class. However, I quickly learned that coding is not my forte, and the class pushed me into a sort of existential crisis of what I wanted to do with my life.

From failing programming 1, I learned I did not have a passion for sitting hours on end trying to figure out code for a project. I enjoy talking to people more, and interacting with humans.

I always take risks, and since entering college, I have taken many risks. I hope to keep learning and growing from failure, so I can shape who i am. Of course, i hope i can keep meeting my goals, and excel in the future as well.

What’s Next?

Existing Market

The future for my venture will consist of finding new ways to donate food to those in need. I would expand my venture outward, to Alachua county, and to shelters who are in need of extra food. I will ask bigger food companies, and grocery stores, of how I can use food waste to execute this idea.

New Market

In the new market, it would be difficult finding buyers to buy food waste, when they dont necessarily want "wasted" food. Perhaps i will try offering them to donate food, or have them help out on the food truck, rather than them being the buyers in the situation.

Venture Concept No. 1

Opportunity
My opportunity is a food truck that goes around campus at night, after the on campus food places are closed, and gives students the food that those places throw out at the end of the night. With doing this, we allow students a little extra food at the end of the day, whether it be something from Panda Express, Chick-Fil-A, or Starbucks.

1. Students have the need. Most students dont hold a job, or are on a strict budget. With little costs, this food truck will give to students, without them needing to pay a lot more money for it.

2. The nature of this need is simple. We all love food. So why dont we take the excess waste that we throw out in places like Starbucks, and give to the students who want food?

• The forces or changes in the environment that is created  this opportunity is my realization on how much Starbucks throws out at the end of the night. Restaurants generate so much waste, and what is the point in throwing it away? Reducing waste is very important in this day and age, especially with global warming becoming a prominent issue in todays society. 
• The market is defined geographically by our campus, and demographically by the students who go to our school.
• Customers are satisfying their needs by buying meal plans, or getting jobs, or finding other ways to have an income. Either way, we all enjoy an extra snack late at night, or after going out to Mid Town, or just in general. 
• This opportunity can be expanded upon in many ways. Panera for example will give their food to food shelters at the end of the day. More food places should adopt this policy.
• This window of opportunity can be open for as long as humans are alive, unless we find a insanely cheap way to produce food for those in need. 

Innovation

My food truck is simple, and alike any other typical food truck. The catch would be, we wouldn't be necessarily cooking food on the truck.  Essentially like Meals-on-Wheels, we would be obtaining food from stores closed at the end of the night, like Starbucks, and sending it to students on campus who would like a little extra snack for the next day. The prices would be quite low, much under 10$, and would vary on what foods we will be giving to students.

Venture Concept
My innovation will help solve the opportunity I see because I believe it will give students to not worry about spending too much money on food on a daily basis. I know how much I can spend in a day, or even a week, and I know students struggle with paying rent or paying tuition. It is hard learning how to balance your life, your needs, and the finances we must pay for, like rent.

• I think most students would find it intriguing there is another opportunity to get food from places. Starbucks is a popular place, and our pastries, sandwiches, and drinks can be quite pricey. That is why I would believe selling waste at the end of the night, with little cost, would be a reason for students to want to use the food truck for extra snacks or meals.
• Competitors would be other places on campus doing similar things, or even the hesitation on receiving food that is marked "waste" for on campus food places. Relatively, waste for Starbucks is pastries and sandwiches that have a set expiration date for Starbucks standards. However, that does not mean the food goes bad within that night. The food i can take home from Starbucks can last me a week, depending on the food item. Of course, there would need to be regulations to sort out in this ordeal, but other than that, the food is safe to consume after Starbucks set standard of when it should be thrown out.
• A lot of Starbucks waste comes packaged, and with distribution, the food truck would be delivering to students. Students will have to sign up for a desired product, or a food from a desired food place, and we will distribute it to the dorms on campus. The fee would be a sort of subscription, so students can get a certain amount of food per week.
• I would hire employees to help run the food truck, and create an app so students can log on and register for a subscription of food.

Three Minor Elements

1) My most important resource is my job experience. I have a decent background in being an employee in a large company. As being an employee, and a Supervisor at Starbucks, I know the ins and outs in running the store. There would be nights at Starbucks where we would throw out hundreds of dollars in food. It would be heartbreaking, because that food could be put to good use. I would make it hard for companies to copy my success by allowing students to receive this food at low prices, without having my company go bankrupt. Not too sure how I can accomplish this. Perhaps based off a volunteering type of food truck.

2) The next step for me is seeing if this idea can be expanded. If companies are willing to pair with the food truck to help bring food to those in need. The next step for this venture would be seeing if it is truly possible to portray this idea to students, and seeing the feedback, and executing the idea.

3) If possible, I would pursue this idea and turn it into something important. If anyone would like to accompany me in this idea, I would be more than willing to help this idea flourish.  However, I know there are companies that would be against us using their food for students need, because it is their food, and their production. 

In all, I believe this idea can be important in the lives of many students in need, and I would hope it could some how become possible in the future. 

Your Venture’s Unfair Advantage

10 Resources and their VRIN analysis

1. My human capital

• Non-substitutable 

2. My tenacity

• Imitable 

3. My entrepreneurial skills

• Valuable

4. My sense of responsibility

• Imitable 

5. My social capital

• Imitable 

6. My curiosity

• Valuable

7. My knowledge

• Rare 

8. My financial capital

• Imitable 

9. My personality

• Valuable

10. My job experience

• Valuable

My top resource is my job experience. I believe this is true because I worked at Starbucks for over a year, so I gained knowledge in what being a business means, and what it means to be involved with one.

Elevator Pitch No. 3

pitch 3 here!

Reading Reflection No. 2

1) Daniel Kahneman's book Thinking Fast and Slow is about how we converse in the business setting, and outside if it. He wants the readers to broaden their horizons, and vocabulary, and hope to inspire them through the power of words.
2) The book enhanced what i am learning in this class because it put into perspective the power of speech, and words. Entrepreneurs need to use strong languages to help build their business.
3) A reading exercise. Perhaps something old fashioned, like a book report. Reading allows us to think more about the things around us.
4) Words have a lot of meaning behind them. We use them every day, and we can put power in our words with thoughts. Reading can help strengthen our minds, and Kahneman encourages readers to do so.

Growing Your Social Capital

Saul Correa

1. Saul worked at Starbucks with me, and he helps donate food to those in need.

2. Saul fits in the domain expert slot.

3. I worked with Saul, so he is an acquaintance of mine

4. Saul helped me realize there is a lot more to a business than what meets the eye. There is paperwork, and you need a lot of connections to get your company moving.

5. Saul will enhance my ability to exploit an opportunity because he taught me how to be passionate about my job.

Traci H.

1. Traci is a real estate agent, so she deals with buying and selling properties on the daily.

2. Traci fits in the market expert slot.

3. Traci is my mom.

4. Traci helped me realize the market is a tricky place, and it takes a lot of patience.

5. Traci will enhance my ability to exploit an opportunity because she taught me how to look at a market with a different perspective.

Aramark Employee Todd

1. Todd helps distribute the Starbucks goods to each Starbucks on campus.

2. Todd fits in the supplier expert slot.

3. Todd would bring the pastries and sandwiches to my store, so as a supervisor I said hello and thanked him for bringing our supplies.

4. Todd helped me realize

5. Todd will enhance my ability to exploit an oppurtunity because he helped me learn the supply and demand of a store, and what goes on "behind the scenes" of a food industry, like Starbucks. 

Reflection

This experience will help me for future networking possibilities because I will look for specific people who I can gain knowledge from. I will try to pinpoint key ideas from people I meet, and get feedback from those points to help my company or business.

Idea Napkin No. 2

1) I am good with socializing with people, i believe my strengths are being kind and understanding with those I meet. I aspire to be strong and confident, and be able to lead a group of people.
2) Im offering food "waste" to students from on campus restaurants for low costs.
3) I am offering it to college students.
4) Because we all love food. I want to give to people.
5) My core competencies are: my willingness to share.

I think these core elements can fit into a company or business because a CEO needs to be strong willed, with a knack for creativity and giving. The feedback i received was to look more into this idea, and how to expand it. I want to expand this idea by making it a college wide thing, where all kinds of colleges can be a part of this movement.

Elevator Pitch No. 2

Here is my pitch:

link

I will work on trying to create a more customer-centered idea so that it will appeal to more people. I will be more confident in my pitch, as if I need to present to some important CEO.

Create a Customer Avatar

Here is my avatar:

My customer is a college student who is involved in clubs on campus. She doesn't have a car, but takes the bus to campus. She secretly likes young adult novels, and watches a lot of Supernatural. She doesn't have a job, but is interested in a few jobs on campus, but hasn't gotten around to applying to jobs.

I know a lot of college students have a lot more in common than we realize. We are struggling with all aspects of life, because we are growing as a humans. My customer would have a lot in common with me because I am always looking for saving money, or getting food for free. I want my customers to know my company is willing to help students, because I am a student myself.

What’s Your Secret Sauce?

1. I think I have human capital because:

• I am kind -- I believe i am kind because i try to be nice to everyone. What is the point of being rude? I like giving to people, no matter what.
• I am open-minded -- Being open-minded is very important in this day and age. I consider myself an open--minded person. 
• I am stubborn -- Im stubborn, but i believe in the best ways. Im stubborn and wont stop helping people. Im stubborn in the fact I want to do good, no matter what. 
• I am shy -- I used to be shy, but Starbucks has lead me to become an extroverted person. But, I still get nervous when talking to new people. 
• I am talented  -- I believe i am talented because Starbucks taught me how to be a decent barista. I hope to be a better one one day.

2. The people I interviewed:

My mom, Traci
My mom is my rock, and she is proud of me no matter what I do. It makes me want to do the best I can in anything.

My brother, Gavin
My younger brother Gavin gets on my nerves a lot, but I could not ask for a better brother. He supports me and my sister in every way, and at the end of the day family is family. I hope he knows I want to be a good example for him, and he can learn from my own mistakes.

My friend, Michele
Michele is one of my best friends, and we have gone through a lot together. She has helped me turn into the person i am today, and i could never imagine her not in my life. She is the best person i know, and we influence each other every day.

My friend, Amanda
Amanda helped me through Programming 1, and we have been friends since. She helps me see the best in the world, and is always there for support and wisdom. She works hard, and it makes me want to do my best in school too.

My friend, Brandon
Brandon and I worked in a group during the summer for one of my IA classes. He is a very well-rounded person, and having him as a friend is very important to me. He helps me see every side of an argument, and knows how to mediate a group of people.


3) My friends and family see a lot in me that i dont see in myself. They help me stay level headed. I think the differences come from own self values, and how my friends treat me. I am incredibly luckily to have the friends that i do, and the family that i have. I wouldn't make any corrections, because i like who i am.

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

Summary of the Interviews


From my interviews, I gathered information based on the questions from the assignment. The way interviewees bought things varied on a few principles and values. For example, Amanda, a college student I interviewed, buys things based on necessity. My old coworker, Saul buys things based on his hobbies, but rarely anything for pleasure or want. A lot of the students I interviewed agreed price and quality matter the most. A lot of students buy online, as it is easy and efficient. Students dont need to waste gas money, and shipping is usually free at certain price points. A lot of students have credit cards, and most of the people I interviewed hold jobs, so their deposits go to their banking accounts. I interviewed my friend Tina, who rewards herself with purchases whenever she gets a good grade, or achieves something. I think a mindset like that is healthy. Other people I interviewed are much more frugal, and save buying things for later dates, after rent is paid.

I think these interviews were important, because it sets the mindset in how people would participate in our entrepreneurial endeavors in this class. So, not everyone would need a food truck to bring them food, because we all have our own ways to buy food, or spend our money.

Halfway Reflection

1) To keep up with this class, you have to set certain hours in your week to focus on this class. It is almost all busy work, so, be prepared to set aside  three or four hours a week for this class.
2) I dont believe I have developed a tenacious attitude in this class alone, because the Innovation Academy has put many students through classes like this previously.  Be prepared to need to take a breath from doing work in this class.
3) Stay on top of things. Work hard, and efficiently. Find ideas you would love to pursue. 

Reading Reflection No. 1

I chose Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance.

1. Elon Musk's childhood surprised me. You dont always know how your childhood life can change your future. I admire Musk's tenacity, and power. I least admire the amount of wealth he has. Surely it can be put somewhere else. Musk has witnessed a lot of failure and adversity. In his childhood, in his careers. Its natural.
2. Elon Musk is quite extroverted, so it allowed him to become very successful quite quickly.
3. What I found confusing was how Elon Musk kept finding ways to do more, and to be better. Perhaps thats just a true entrepreneur at heart, because he keeps finding ways to make more money.
4. What's your secret? What's your advice to generations in 100 years? Elon Musk is one of the most powerful entrepreneurs out there. He will impact our economy and our world for a very long time.
5. Elon Musk worked hard. He got a PhD, and worked hard studying sciences and physics. He was in the right mindset for his whole life, and it got him somewhere.

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

 The segment I believe that matches my "venture market" would be students who live on campus.

My old roommates have the need of needing more food on the occasional night. The need isn't dire, but it is a need that they understand and have. For example, my old RA, who was my roommate, would be very grateful of me bringing home extra paninis from Starbucks at night. If I wasn't there, she would go to the POD and buy 2$ Ramen for dinner, or have some chips instead. My other friend might as her parents for money for dinner, and my other coworker might take extra hours at work so she will have enough money for the next week.

I think college students always love free things, so even small acts of kindness like giving waste to my roommates or floor-mates meant a lot to them. Food is food after all.

Idea Napkin No. 1

1) I am a student who worked for Starbucks on campus, under Aramark. I know how much food we threw out at the end of the night. I know how this food can be put to good use, like giving it to students who need it. Whenever i took home to my roommates, they loved the extra pastry or panini.

2) Im offering food that goes out at the end of the night from stores like Starbucks or Panda to students at little to no cost.

3) To students who need a little extra dinner, or a snack to keep them going.

4) I believe students will not say no to extra food. And with paying at little costs, it shouldn't be an issue for students who are on a budget.

5)  What sets me apart from everyone else is that i am a student in need of food occasionally, so i can relate to the need for people.


I think this idea is flawed, but it could unfurl into something in the future. There are a lot of reasons why this idea cannot be plausible: liabilities, food safety hazards, and Aramark's ever so strict policies. I think i have a lot more to learn and research about this whole idea, so i am unsure how possible this idea can become.

Elevator Pitch No. 1

Here is my pitch. Rough draft at its finest. Give me feedback!

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

Who: I talked to some people who work in the food industry, and college students, who fall outside of the boundary. The food places on campus arent all healthy, so some students agreed on not wanting waste from their stores, because its a lot of fast food and a lot of calorie dense meals. I talked to a student who watches his weight and is a wrestler. Waste from food places on campus wont benefit him because he needs to eat certain meals to keep his weight in check. My old roommate is vegan, so there aren't a lot of options for her if she wanted to get food that is thrown away at the end of the day. So in all, this idea is flawed, but could have potential. Students can agree on not ever having enough food, so why not have a backup?

What: This need differs than another need because it is real, and evident amongst students. Food is an important aspect in a lot of our lives. College students cant just live off ramen and pasta their whole college career. Food industries on campus can provide for students.

Why: The underlying cause of the outsiders need different than the people inside the boundary is because everyones lives are different. We have different ways of attaining food. I got my job at Starbucks because it was always a dream of mine to work there. It was a bonus to close at night, because I could take home food for me and my roommates for the next few days. 

Inside the Boundary	Outside the Boundary
Who is In -Homeless Shelters -College Students -Low Income Families	Who is Not -Students with jobs -People with allergies -People with enough income to sustain food for their self and their family
What the Need Is -Giving away food to people who are hungry	What the Need is Not -Some stuff we throw away at Starbucks is not nutritious enough to keep people satiated.
Why the Need Exists -Because there will always be waste. So why not lessen the amount of waste we have?	Alternative Explanations -There are many ways we can receive food. Working 6 hours at an Aramark food service place on campus allows you to get a free meal during your break. There are food stamps. We have a food and supplies "kitchen" on campus.

Solving The Problem

I think the way to solve the problem of food waste is setting a system up to document and send food to those who need it through some sort of delivery system. It can be a sort of food truck, or an organization of students who take food to shelters or students on campus who are in need of food.

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1)
 I believe Food Service companies (Like Aramark owned Starbucks' on campus) can log waste and can donate excess food to those in need.
 2)
Who: The homeless, College Students, other food industries.
What: They are in need of food, and food waste at the end of a day can help that.
Why: A company like aramark goes through a lot of waste on camps today. Why should it be discarded for good?
3)
Testing the who: Maybe shelters and students have already found ways to get food. But why not give people more options?
Testing the what: Safety hazards in food waste. There can be issues in serving food that is "expired" due to food company standards.
Testing the why: I know there is a million reasons why we cant leave waste to donate. Food safety hazards. Aramark pays for the goods that are in chains like Starbucks or Wendys. Food that isn't healthy or sufficient for mass quantities. But why hasn't the University of Florida's food pantry tried asking Aramark for the waste we throw out every night (unless they have).
4 & 5)
I interviewed people from Starbucks, and from people on campus. I think there can be a way to implement a system to donate food without endangering students or those in need. Students and employees of aramark alike agree this can work out in some fashion. Perhaps i will need to talk to some higher ups in Aramark to find out more on how if this possibility can become true.

Identifying Local Opportunities

Alachua County Approves Ordinance Making it Illegal to Sell Tobacco to Anyone Under 21 (link)

The usage of tobacco products (including Juuls) has run rampant amongst the younger generations, including those 21 and under, Alachua county took a big initiative to ban the selling of tobacco products to those UNDER 21, and that includes all nicotine based vapes and e-cigs. The problem is that younger people, including high schoolers, have abused products like Juuls and vapes, which may have a bigger negative impact on their lives that is unforeseen. Nicotine addiction is a prominent and insatiable addiction, so the county is cracking down on younger generations obtaining products that contain nicotine. This will make 21 and under's have a harder time finding tobacco products, which is most likely for the best. 

Hope Squad Comes To Alachua County High Schools For Suicide Prevention Training (link)

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Hope Squad is an up and coming peer counseling program in high schools to help decrease the rate       of suicide  in high schools. Suicide is one of the largest causes of death for those ages 10 to 34. Suicide is a very large issue, and places like high school and college can lead to these deaths because of stress, school and family pressure, and many other factors. The problem is that students dont talk to adults, but we talk to kids our age. I believe this is an amazing idea in hopes to deceasing the rate of suicide amongst kids.

Addicts Helping Addicts: Opioid Recovery Care Pilot Program To Expand After Dramatic Drop In Overdoses (link)

Project Save Lives is a program that helps those suffering from opioid addiction, and gets them into recovery care ASAP. The program allows people who recovered from opioid addiction to help those who are trying to fight their addictions and stay out of the dark path that comes with heroin or oxycodone. The problem presented in this story is that people are suffering from addictions, and opioid addiction is a leading cause of death in Florida. With the help of others, this program can flourish, and the drop in overdoses can increase even more. Addicts have the problem, and Project Save Lives is here to help.

Alachua County Public Schools Seek Grant To Balance Achievement Gaps (link)

Alachua County Public Schools are asking $1.2 million in grants to help raise the county's school district grade, which is lowering faster than the counties around Alachua. Income differences in the counties compared to Alachua play into how public schools have lowering year grades. This income level is only one hurdle that the County will overcome to balance the achievement gap between Alachua and St. Johns county. The county is looking for teachers who are willing to help make relationships with students, and help them achieve more during school. The problem presented in this story is that students are not doing as well in high school in Alachua compared to the counties around us. Whether this has to do with low family incomes, or the school system here in Alachua, the county is attempting to try to fix that issue and help bring the school district here up out of the ground. The county has the problem, and they are trying to fix mistakes that were overlooked for a while. 

Marion County Oakcrest Elementary Strives To Improve State’s Failing Grade (link)

Oakcrest Elementary has received five consecutive D's on the schools annual assessments, and without a C on the next assessment, the school will face major consequences. Teachers at Oakcrest are trying to fix this solution by coming up with plans that will help students learn, and having teachers be aware of their students lives at home. The problem in this story is that a school in Ocala is struggling to  achieve good annual assessments, and the consequences would be to shut down the school or bring in an intervention. The teachers and staff at Oakcrest have the problem, and they are searching for ways to help. With the help of their own teachers, they aim to make the school a better learning environment.