The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently selected 227 students in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties to receive a total of $853,000 in scholarships, boosting their educational opportunities and helping set them up for future career success. The amount of money awarded by the foundation represents an 8 percent increase from the previous year, while the number of recipients rose by 10.2 percent year over year.

“Postsecondary education leads to greater career opportunities and a higher quality of life for the learner. This is important in the long run because educational attainment is a key indicator of intergenerational family success,” said Michelle Croft, a director of community impact at the foundation. “These recent scholarships are intended to expand opportunities for students who may be overlooked by other financial aid programs, and they provide incentives for them to stay in school until they earn their diploma.”

The scholarships were awarded through the foundation’s traditional scholarship program, which serves students under the age of 24. Through the Community Foundation, students were able to apply for nearly 80 scholarships whose benefactors entrust scholarship administration to the foundation, and applications were reviewed by a group of 88 volunteers from across the region. The number of recipients this year, 227, was a significant increase from the 206 students supported in 2024. The average scholarship this year totaled $3,510, up 34.2 percent from two years prior.

Young people in our region lag behind their peers in the rest of Florida and in the nation in educational attainment, according to data compiled by the Florida College Access Network. Just under 40 percent of people between the ages of 25 and 34 in Sarasota County have a two-year degree or higher, while 33.8 percent in Manatee County, 22.5 percent in Charlotte County and 18.5 percent in DeSoto County do. The statewide rate is 46.6 percent, while the national figure is 48.9 percent.

“Scholarships broaden opportunities for students by lessening their need for burdensome loans and act as incentives for them to remain enrolled until graduation,” Croft said.

Scholarships for adults 24 and older who are pursuing a certification, credential, or degree program are offered on a different schedule. Deadlines and criteria are available at cfsarasota.org.