Doorways is a program envisioned by Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Howard Hinesley to provide prepaid, full-tuition scholarships to low income students. Doorways is more than a scholarship program. It is a commitment by the school, the donor, the student, the family and the volunteer to the goal of successfully graduating from high school with the academic and social skills necessary to pursue continuing education and training at a post-secondary level. The Pinellas County Education Foundation financially supports the Doorways program by finding donors and spreading the word regarding the Doorways program. Along with scholarships, the Education Foundation makes available a wide variety of culturally enhancing opportunities and recreational possibilities for Doorways students and their families.
Doorways is a program for the future.
It incorporates Blueprint 2000 and endeavors to support and strengthen not only students, but families through a collaboration of school, community and business interests. Northeast High School graduated Pinellas County's first group of Doorways scholars in 1995. In Pinellas County there are 586 students currently enrolled in Doorways. This year there are 30 Doorways students at Northeast. Eight students graduated last year with Doorways Scholarships, and 5 more are slated for this year.