Manatee Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholars Program Scholarship Awards

August 2, 2024 | Sarasota

Manatee Community Foundation is delighted to announce the 2024 Scholars Program scholarship awards. According to Simone Peterson, MCF’s community investment officer, 93 scholarships were granted this year, for a total of $223,063.40 awarded. Among the recipients, 74 are Manatee County students, and 15 are Sarasota County students.

Peterson explains that the program was launched in 1998 and provides graduating high school students from Manatee and Sarasota counties—and those already in college or an accredited trade school—with scholarships to attend accredited

post-secondary education institutions. She says it’s funded by “generous donors who believe education lifts our community” and that a dedicated scholarship committee, comprised of MCF board members and community representatives, meticulously review all applications and select recipients. “This collaborative effort ensures that deserving students receive the financial support they need to pursue their academic goals,” says Peterson.

Natalia Urbanski is one of the proud recipients this year and a graduate of State College of Florida Collegiate School, SCF’s dual enrollment high school-to-college program. She is majoring in marketing at Florida Gulf Coast University and graduating this May. Urbanski says that receiving the MCF scholarship has allowed her to “avoid student debt and truly enjoy the college experience. The funds provided to me have taken the pressure off working excessive hours to cover my academic costs.” And she adds, “I am so grateful for the generosity of the donors who have made me feel noticed in this world of millions of students.”

Alejandro Peralta Jacome graduated from Sarasota High School and is attending Johns Hopkins University, with a major in neuroscience/pre-med. He notes that MCF’s scholarships have been instrumental in his academic journey by alleviating the financial burden of tuition and related expenses. “This support has allowed me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities without the constant stress of financial constraints,” he says. “Additionally, the scholarships have provided me with opportunities to engage in research and community service projects, further enriching my educational experience and preparing me for my future career.”

Tremaine Rumph received his GED from the state of Florida and is attending State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota to obtain an associate in science degree. He thanks “everyone at Manatee Community Foundation who makes it possible for students like me to continue their education. His advice to high school seniors? “When life comes at you with challenges, never give up and keep pushing, because there are better things on the other side once you complete your goals.”

Veronica Thames, MCF’s executive director, says that these scholarships “are more than just financial aid; they are investments in the future leaders of our community. We’re proud to support these outstanding students as they pursue their educational and career goals. With a wide range of scholarships for different fields of study and academic achievements, MCF is dedicated to making higher education accessible for local high school students and adults who want to grow and build a brighter future.”

The 2024 MCF Scholars Program opened on January 1, 2024, and closed on March 1, 2024. The next call for applications will be for those who are majoring in a vocational field, and will open on October 1, 2024, and close on November 1, 2024. The next call for applications for MCF’s general application cycle will open on January 1, 2025, and close on March 1, 2025.

For more information about Manatee Community Foundation, visit www.ManateeCF.org.

Photo captions:

· Alejandro Peralta Jacome graduated from Sarasota High School and is attending Johns Hopkins University, with a major in neuroscience/pre-med.

· Natalia Urbanski graduated from State College of Florida Collegiate School and is attending Florida Gulf Coast University with a major in marketing.

· Tremaine Rumph received his GED from the state of Florida and is attending State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota to obtain an associate in science degree.