Florida College System Foundation presents $48,038 in new scholarships to FSW Brings total support to $850,000
Sep 26, 2025
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 — Fort Myers, FL — In a continued effort to support the future of Florida’s workforce and uplift first-generation college students, the Florida College System Foundation (FCSF) presented Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) with a $48,038 scholarship donation. This latest gift brings the Foundation’s total contributions to the college to $850,000 over the past 20 years. The donation comprises collective contributions from the Helios Education Foundation, Florida Blue, and Bank of America, three longstanding philanthropic partners dedicated to improving educational access and workforce development across Florida. “These scholarships are more than financial awards,” said Karen Moore, FCSF board member. “They are a lifeline and an investment in our state’s future. Through the generosity of our partners, the FCS Foundation can support students who will become tomorrow’s educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.” The scholarships, awarded annually, include: • Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Focused on addressing Florida’s critical healthcare workforce needs, this scholarship supports students in programs such as nursing, emergency medical services, respiratory care, and dental hygiene. • Helios Education Foundation First Generation Scholars Program Aimed at first-generation college students, with a preference for those pursuing education degrees, the program encourages recipients to apply for transfer opportunities at Florida public universities. • Bank of America Dream Makers Scholars Program Also serving first-generation students, this scholarship supports a wide range of college-related expenses and promotes student success through academic partnership programs. The impact of these scholarships is deeply felt by FSW students: “This scholarship has been a great help to both my education and also my future in becoming a nurse,” said Nataly Acuna, FSW ASN in Nursing student. “What you are doing is improving the lives of so many future nurses and helping them accomplish their dreams.” “Education has always been something that I wanted but never was affordable or within reach,” said Rebecca Garcia, FSW BSN in Elementary Education student. “As a single mom of two children under four, school is a number one priority. This scholarship makes it possible to complete my education and give back to my community, and lead by example for my children.” Thanks to generous donors such as Bank of America, Florida Blue and Helios, Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation has disbursed $35.5 million for student scholarships and college programs in the past 10 years. The Florida College System Foundation, through its three generous partners, continues to fuel student dreams and career readiness through strategic philanthropy. FSW remains one of the leading recipients of this support, making higher education attainable for hundreds of students across Southwest Florida. ##### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving more than 19,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
Last Updated: October 3, 2025
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