Mrs. Jacquelyn Paulk
Founder
From its inception, the SOAR program was made possible by
Mrs. Jacquelyn Paulk, who envisioned, launched and oversees the program.
Mrs. Paulk has dedicated her entire career to lifting children out of failure and hopelessness— and into reaching their unlimited potential. For 38 years, she taught in the Sarasota school district in several local schools. She both organized and imple-mented after-school programs in the Boys and Girls club, The Sarasota Housing Authority, and Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church. After retirement, she began working on after-school education programs for community youth.
The SOAR program embodies her approach to individualized learning. It focuses on evaluating each child's individual needs, and only then customizing a course of learning for them— utilizing both small teacher-led groups and individual learning.
Several years ago, in an interview, Mrs. Paulk shared her thoughts, simple and touching:
“Now that I have a little time, I can reach back and help. Maybe they can get a little better education and move on.”
