Category: Category

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 | YOURSUN.COM | SECTION B By NANCY J. SEMON STAFF WRITER PUNTA GORDA —

The Charlotte Community Foundation is offering some 70 scholarships — the highest number ever offered through the foundation to date — for students from Charlotte, Sarasota and Lee counties.

The application process is simple, said Justin Brand, director of community engagement.

“By completing a single application, students have an opportunity to be selected for scholarships of up to $5,000 annually in financial support,” Brand said.

He said the scholarships range from $500 to $5,000. Students have until Wednesday, Jan. 26 to complete the online scholarship application available at www. charlottecf.org/scholarships.

They must be pursuing or planning to pursue further education at an accredited university, community college, technical school, or certification program.

There are targeted fields of study in addition to general scholarships for graduating seniors who would attend a two-year or four-year college or university.

There are also scholarships for upper level education and “for adult students who want to change careers,” Brand said.

Scholarship eligibility varies per individual scholarship. such as the applicant must also be a current resident; a graduating high school senior; graduate of a high school located within Charlotte, Lee or Sarasota counties and/or works in Charlotte County.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, old and new, there will be increased opportunities for students pursuing general education, skilled trade, culinary, hospitality management, and so much more,” Brand said.

He said the foundation’s scholarship program has evolved and expanded in recent years.

“We will be awarding scholarships on behalf of the Babcock Ranch Foundation and the Isles Yacht Club,” he said. “Being able to work with these two incredible organizations, and all of our donors, is truly impactful to our community.”

In 2021, CCF awarded $137,200 to 42 local individuals enrolling higher education programs this year, with 2021 being another record-breaking year. All of the Charlotte Community Scholarships are funded through individual donors or organizations.

Brand said anyone interested in setting up a scholarship fund can do so with a gift of $25,000 which will be administered through the Charlotte Community Foundation.

The money is invested and the interest provides for scholarships into the future.

For more information, visit the Charlotte Community Foundation at www.charlottecf. org or call 941-637-0077.

2022-2023 scholarships

Babcock Ranch Foundation Scholarship: for high school seniors who have resided in Charlotte or Lee County for a minimum of one year.

Cherian Family Scholarship: Two scholarships for female Charlotte County high school graduates attending a postsecondary educational institution or technical program; one scholarship for a female Charlotte County high school student attending a two-year or fouryear post-secondary education institution in the medical field.

David Gerdel Memorial Scholarship: for Charlotte County public high school graduates entering the field of engineering or physical science.

Dennis Munholand Memorial Scholarship: for Charlotte County High School graduates who are attending an accredited post-secondary institution or technical program in the field of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assistance, or other related field.

Doug Thatcher Memorial Scholarship: for Charlotte County High School seniors participating on the boys or girls basketball team and pursuing a career in health care.

Health Professions Scholarship: for anyone entering or attending a two-year or fouryear EMT/paramedic or nursing program at Florida Southwestern College, Charlotte County campus, or Charlotte Technical College.

Isles Yacht Club Scholarship: for Charlotte County High School seniors pursuing a degree in club management, hospitality or culinary arts.

Jennifer A. Young Family Scholarship: for any high school student interested in pursuing a career in education.

Karen Wynn Memorial Scholarship: for any Charlotte County resident wishing to pursue a career in real estate.

Leo Wotitzky Scholarship: for Charlotte County high school graduates attending postsecondary education institutions or technical programs.

Michael Gulvezan Memorial Scholarship: for graduates of Charlotte County High School accepted and in good standing to a Florida accredited postsecondary school.

Nora Penton Beatty Nursing Scholarship: for students participating in a nursing program or applying to participate in a nursing program.

Nursing Scholarship: for students participating in a nursing program or applying to participate in a nursing program.

Virginia B. Andes Healthcare Scholarship: for Charlotte County public high school graduates, residents or employees entering their third or fourth year in a healthcare related field