Â鶹ֱ²¥ Awarded $35,000 Grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund to Provide Student Scholarships
The Â鶹ֱ²¥ Foundation has been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to provide need-based scholarships for students pursuing postsecondary degrees and workforce credentials during the 2026–2027 school year.
The funding will help remove financial barriers for students seeking associate, bachelor's, and industry-recognized certificate programs, including workforce training programs such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), plumbing, and other technical fields.
"We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund for investing in our students and helping make higher education and workforce training more accessible," said Â鶹ֱ²¥ Foundation Executive Director Julie Fuqua. "These scholarships will provide meaningful support to students who are working to improve their lives and create brighter futures for themselves and their families."
Scholarship preference will be given to students who are parents of minor children, whether married or single, and to part-time students who may not qualify for other forms of financial aid.
Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses, as well as essential living expenses such as housing, childcare, and transportation. Individual students may receive up to $3,000 during the grant period, based on demonstrated need.
Students enrolled in Pell-eligible programs are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships are available for both degree-seeking students and those pursuing workforce and technical certifications.
The scholarship program supports Â鶹ֱ²¥'s mission of providing access to quality learning opportunities and helping students achieve their educational and career goals.
Applications and additional scholarship information are available through the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Foundation. For more information, visit or call (850) 718-2404.
About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County: Founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity that helps caring individuals make a charitable impact on their community. With assets of $605 million across more than 1,600 charitable funds, the Foundation awarded $44.7 million in grants and scholarships last year across education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare, and the environment. Since its founding, it has granted $542 million to nonprofits. For more information, visit or call 941-955-3000.