Education Commissioner Presents St. Johns River State College With a Scholarship Check for First-Generation & Health Sciences Students
August 19, 2015
DOE Press Office
850-245-0413
Education Commissioner Presents St. Johns River State College With a Scholarship Check for First-Generation & Health Sciences Students
~ In total, Florida’s 28 colleges will receive nearly $1 million in scholarships ~
St. Augustine, Fla., August 19, 2015 – Today, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart presented St. Johns River State College (SJR State) President Joe Pickens with a check for nearly $22,000 to benefit first-generation students and students pursuing careers in the critical field of health care.
"Our colleges are the nation’s best at providing a high quality, affordable education that prepares students to succeed in a global economy. For thousands of students each year, these scholarships open doors that otherwise may not have even existed,” said Commissioner Stewart. “I appreciate the Florida College System Foundation and the generous partners for helping Floridians achieve their academic and career goals."
Each year, earnings from the endowed gifts from Helios Education Foundation, Florida Blue and Bank of America contribute to the Florida College System Foundation to fund scholarships that benefit students at the Florida College System’s 28 colleges.
Mike Hightower, chairman of the board of the Florida College System Foundation, said, ““It is fantastic to see these students and to hear their stories about a brighter future. When Florida’s businesses partner with our great colleges, it is clear why Florida is the nation’s number one destination to find a rewarding career and build a wonderful future.”
More than $625,000 in scholarships will be allocated to first-generation students this year, including more than $11,000 to students at SJR State. First-generation students can face unique challenges, and scholarships help alleviate financial struggles for many of these students. Funds for first-generation student scholarships were provided by endowments made by the Helios Education Foundation and Bank of America.
Michael Meeks, a 2014 Dream Makers recipient pursuing a degree in Applied Science in Organizational Management, said, “This scholarship has helped me focus my attention on earning a diploma that will allow me to pursue my dreams and career. Thank you to the Florida College System Foundation, Bank of America and the Helios Education Foundation for their support.”
Paige Watts, a 2014 Helios Education Foundation Scholarship recipient pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, said, “Returning to college was made easier by the support of so many including the Helios Education Foundation. My passion is helping children succeed and this scholarship has helped me make this dream come true.”
Braulio Colón, Vice President and Program Director for Postsecondary Completion at Helios Education Foundation, said “Helios Education Foundation believes that education changes lives, particularly the lives of first-generation college students. We are proud to partner with the Florida College System to support Florida students toward postsecondary completion.”
Mike Palmer, Senior Vice President, Business Banking Client Manager, at Bank of America said, “The Bank of America Dream Makers scholarship is part of our focus to connect individuals with the education and skills needed to succeed. This investment will provide stability and future opportunities for families and our state in the future.”
The FCS Foundation is awarding more than $361,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in the nursing and allied health programs with endowed funds from Florida Blue, including more than $10,000 to students at SJR State. Scholarships will help add more nurses and allied health professionals that reflect Florida's diverse population while meeting critical workforce needs.
Velma Monteiro-Tribble, Director of Grants and Programs for the Florida Blue Foundation, said, “Florida Blue and Florida Blue Foundation believe that nursing plays a vital role in the safety and quality of patient care. We are pleased to partner with the colleges and universities across Florida to provide nursing scholarships to ensure that there are qualified nurses ready to meet the current and future nursing workforce needs in Florida."
Joe Pickens, president of St. Johns River State College, said, “We serve nearly 11,000 students at our three campuses, welcoming every student from every background seeking a better future and career. The Florida College System Foundation plays a key role in helping our community be the best place in Florida to live, to learn and to work”.
“The open access policy at our 28 state colleges allows all Floridians the opportunity to pursue their dreams and earn great careers and jobs,” said Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega. “There are countless inspirational stories behind these scholarships and I am honored to help celebrate these successes.”
Students may apply for scholarships through their local college foundation and/or financial aid office. Criteria for scholarships are based on local college requirements.
For more information, visit the Florida College System Foundation.
Pictured L-R: Kristi Aiello, Market Development and Community Engagement, Florida Blue Foundation; Michael Meeks, 2014 Dream Makers scholarship recipient; Pam Stewart, Commissioner of Education; Dr. Joe Pickens, President, SJR State; Paige Watts, 2014 Helios Education Foundation scholarship recipient; Madeline Pumariega, Florida College System Chancellor; Mike Palmer, Senior Vice President, Bank of America.
Read More News...