FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2014) – The Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s scholarship application process for the 2014-2015 school year will end on Saturday, March 1 at midnight. Approximately $400,000 in scholarship money is available from 37 scholarships for local high-school seniors and 22 scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students from Lee, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry and Collier counties through the SWFLCF scholarship funds.
Students interested in applying for a scholarship can access the E-Apply online scholarship application tool through the SWFLCF’s website at www.floridacommunity.com on the Scholarships page. Students can also find a tutorial about how to create and submit the online application.
Students may apply for multiple scholarships and are given the option to upload transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation and financial documentation (if required). For need-based scholarships, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
“Thanks to supportive donors who value the importance of post-secondary education, we offer a variety of scholarships including those for vocational or specialized training schools, as well as for attendance at colleges and universities,” said Anne Douglas, regional initiatives director for the SWFLCF. “In the past, we have had some scholarships that were not awarded because students did not apply for them, so we are trying to do our best to educate local students on the various types of funding available.”
According to Douglas, examples of some of the more unique scholarships include support for students with disabilities, student athletes, adult students going back to school, students from particular schools or communities and students pursuing a graduate or professional degree.
The SWFLCF launched the online application process Dec. 20, 2013, after receiving numerous calls from students who wanted to be able to work on scholarship application submissions during winter break.
In 2013, the SWFLCF awarded nearly $450,000 in scholarships.
Founded in 1976, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation supports the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry counties and also acts as the regional convener and leader with firsthand knowledge of community needs. With assets of more than $72 million, the SWFLCF has provided more than $57 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves. During its 2013 fiscal year, the SWFLCF granted more than $4 million to more than 100 different organizations supporting education, animal welfare, arts, healthcare and human services.
For more information about the SWFLCF, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.floridacommunity.com.
