The Learning for Life discretionary, non-competitive grant is authorized by Specific Appropriation Line Item  # 95 House Bill 5001. The funding passes through the district to the Gulf Stream Council of Boy Scouts of America, Inc.

The sub-grantee, Gulf Stream Council of Boy Scouts of America, Inc., will implement and oversee the Learning for Life Character Education program in 17 elementary schools.  The selection of schools is based on several factors: previous year participation, Title I status, FCAT scores, and the willingness of the Guidance Counselor and Principal to commit to the use of the program in the classrooms. The Council will: train mentors, presenters, and instructors; provide curriculum materials and on-going orientations and training for school personnel; provide teacher, student, and principal recognition; maintain records; and complete program assessment and evaluation. Last year the following schools were served: C.O .Taylor/Kirklane, Coral Sunset, Crystal Lakes, Cypress Trails, Diamond View, Equestrian Trails, Forest Hill, H.L. Johnson, Hagen Road, Hammock Point, New Horizons, Orchard View, Palm Springs, Sunrise Park, Westward, and Whispering Pines Elementary Schools.

The goals of the program are to: increase knowledge of character traits, reduce the number of disciplinary referrals at the targeted schools, reduce absenteeism, and improve the academic achievement of participating students. Learning for Life (LFL) offers curriculum-based programs for pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade that blend character development, career education, life skills and academic proficiency. The programs reinforce social skills, critical and creative thinking, ethical decision-making, conflict resolution and self-esteem

The curriculum for each grade level consists of 60 lesson plans designed to reinforce social, ethical, and academic skills in areas such as critical and creative thinking, ethical decision making, interpersonal relationships, practical living skills, writing and other language arts, and citizenship.

The Gulf Stream Council reports their evaluation results in school year 2010 indicates that students who participated in Learning for Life increased their knowledge of character traits. 

Although the grant is effective July 1, 2010, this does not prejudice the School Board. The Request for Application was received from the Florida Department of Education August 20, 2010 and the grant application was received for review in late September.