The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning, in collaboration with the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, is excited to announce a significant opportunity for aspiring college and technical school students. Five deserving high school seniors in Collier County will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to help finance their higher education in Florida. This one-time scholarship is designed to alleviate the financial burden of tuition and fees for full-time enrollment at eligible Florida educational institutions during the 2025-2026 academic year.
These scholarship funds are not limited to just tuition. They can also be utilized for essential course-related expenses. This includes necessary fees, textbooks, supplies, and equipment that are mandatory for all students within their chosen course of study. It is important to note that the scholarship is specifically for academic costs and cannot cover expenses such as transportation, housing, or dormitory fees.
To be considered for this valuable Suncoast Credit Union scholarship, applicants must meet several clearly defined eligibility criteria. Firstly, students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens. To ensure impartiality, applicants cannot be directors, employees, or immediate family members of personnel associated with Suncoast Credit Union and its affiliated organizations. Furthermore, students must be committed to pursuing their education within Florida, enrolling in an accredited institution within the state. This can include a 4-year college or university, a 2-year college, or a technical school, offering diverse pathways for further learning.
This scholarship is specifically for students currently attending public high schools, charter schools, or those who are homeschooled within Collier County, reinforcing its commitment to local education. Academically, applicants need to maintain a minimum overall unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, demonstrating a solid foundation for higher learning. Crucially, applicants must be high school seniors in their 12th grade, actively planning to attend college or technical school immediately following graduation, showcasing their ambition and forward-thinking approach to education.
In line with the commitment to supporting students with financial need, applicants must also meet at least one of the outlined financial criteria. This can include participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch program, documented USDA eligibility based on 2023 tax information, HUD documentation indicating family benefits alongside 2023 tax details, Medicaid receipt from DCF or SSI, or SNAP or TANF recipient documentation. These inclusive criteria ensure that the scholarship reaches students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, truly championing learning for all.
The application period opens on December 6, 2024, with a deadline of March 21, 2025. Prospective applicants seeking assistance or clarification regarding the application process are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at 239.643.4755. This scholarship represents a vital investment in the future of Collier County, empowering the next generation of learners to achieve their academic aspirations.
