Education Commissioner Presents Santa Fe College with a Scholarship Check for First-Generation & Health Sciences Students
August 26, 2015
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Education Commissioner Presents Santa Fe College with a Scholarship Check for First-Generation & Health Sciences Students
~ In total, Florida’s 28 colleges will receive nearly $1 million in scholarships ~
Gainesville, Fla., August 26, 2015 – Today, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart presented Santa Fe College President Jackson Sasser with a check for more than $31,000 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.”
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 $12,000 to students at Santa Fe. 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."
Chelsey Barnes, a student pursuing work in the pediatric oncology field, said, “This scholarship has helped me pursue my dream of helping children. Thank you to the Florida College System Foundation and Florida Blue for their support.”
Joshua Hudson, a student in the RN nursing program with an emphasis on physiology and anatomy, “My goal of working in a surgical unit or ER is challenging. The scholarship allows me to pursue my passion and focus on the great learning opportunities at Santa Fe.”
More than $625,000 in scholarships will be allocated to first-generation students this year, including nearly $19,000 to students at Santa Fe. 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.
Brooke Pybas, a student from Gainesville pursuing a degree in elementary education, said, “I’ve learned so much at Santa Fe and the scholarship has helped me keep an eye on my dreams while reducing my worries about the financial costs. Thank you to the Florida College System Foundation for their help.”
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.”
Lisa Hanlon, market specialist for Enterprise Business and Community Engagement 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.”
Jackson Sasser, president of Santa Fe College said, “The Florida College System Foundation’s work and generous contributions are providing opportunity that change the lives of Santa Fe College students. We are grateful to the Foundation Chairman Hightower, Commissioner Pam Stewart, Chancellor Madeline Pumariega and Foundation Director Judy Green for their support of Santa Fe College students.”
“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.
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