More than 500 Student Leaders Awarded $1.95 Million in Scholarships

More than 500 student leaders were recently awarded $1.95 million in scholarships from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

The outstanding achievements of 535 local students in Sarasota, Bradenton, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties were recognized with generous scholarships to support future academic and professional success.  Through the generous support from community foundation donors, these students will receive opportunities to pursue higher education at university, trade or technical schools.

“Education is the gateway to a lifetime of opportunity,” said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “These scholarships are truly thanks to our donors who believe investing in the future is by investing in these deserving students as they pursue their academic goals. The key to success is completing their degrees – whether it be a certificate program or four-year university – and graduate to that next level in their professional life. By investing in these talented students, the future looks bright for our community, and we are so privileged to be their partner along their journey.”

Recipients were selected based on merit, need, or a combination of both, and the scholarships are designed to satisfy and fulfill a diverse array of academic goals. For the 2019 award cycle, students received an average amount of $3,360. 

A significant number of students plan on attending in-state institutions, with over 75% selecting the University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University, State College of Florida, University of Central Florida, or Florida Gulf Coast University. Students indicated engineering, nursing, biology, business, and pre-med and pre-law tracks as popular fields of study.

The 535 recipients were selected from more than 700 student applications. Those applications were submitted to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and a dedicated group of 85 volunteer community members meticulously reviewed submissions and conducted thorough interviews as part of the awards process.

Additional scholarships for adult learners will continue to be awarded throughout the summer.

For nearly 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been investing in the next generation of community leaders through traditional and adult learner scholarships. In 2018, over $34.3 million was awarded in scholarships to students and grants to nonprofit organizations