FORE! Student Scholarships!

by Tonya Cherry · July 28, 2021

Did you ever wonder how scholarships are funded? Maybe, maybe not, but either way, one thing is clear: the funds to award over $800,000 a year in scholarships don’t just magically appear!

Raising money for scholarships is one of the major functions of the EFSC Foundation. We do this through the generosity of private donors, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Our donors truly believe in our vision to build futures and transform lives. If you’ve ever received a scholarship from the EFSC Foundation (we like to say “if you were chosen for greatness”), it was because of the individuals and corporations that believe in Eastern Florida State College’s educational mission.

Often, the Foundation uses the funds we raise to meet matching requirements, which results in a larger pool of scholarship money for EFSC students overall. How does that work? The Florida College System Foundation gives the EFSC Foundation money to provide scholarships to first-generation college students, nursing students, and others, but that donation comes with a stipulation: EFSC must raise the funds to match it dollar-for-dollar. One of the ways we do that is by hosting special events throughout the year.

One of our largest scholarship events is the Annual EFSC Scholarship Golf Classic, which is held each year in the fall. Beginning each summer, the Foundation staff, Board of Directors, and Event Committee work tirelessly to secure sponsors for the event. Those sponsorships range from $250 to $25,000. Both corporations and private donors make contributions to play in the tournament. It’s a fun-filled day of golf, games, food, and drink — all for the good cause of supporting student scholarships! Other regular events include the Backyard BBQ, which we typically hold each year in February, and small social events with Board Members and the community.

In addition to donors, we’re always looking for volunteers to help make these events a success, so if you’re interested, email us at efscfoundation@easternflorida.edu or call us at 321-433-7055 to ask how you can help — and if you’re a student, don’t forget to also apply for scholarships each Fall and Spring Term. You could very well be the next person chosen for greatness!

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Tonya Cherry

Tonya is the Executive Director of Operations at the EFSC Foundation. She is a dedicated team member working to build futures and transform lives. She is married with two sons, who are now in college. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, and other outdoor activities.