Each year the North Florida Community College (NFCC) Foundation helps hundreds of students pay for college. This past term, NFCC awarded 90 scholarships to deserving students and is currently finalizing summer scholarship awards. At the end of its summer term, NFCC will have awarded well over $200,000 in scholarship dollars for the 2016-2017 academic year to support area students.
According to NFCC Executive Director of Development and External Affairs Dr. Cheryl S. James, the generous spirit of our community is a true testament to our district’s dedication to education.
“The community has been extremely supportive in raising funds for scholarships,” said James. “We are extremely grateful for all the contributions from corporations, businesses, alumni and friends of the college. Their gifts and donations are what allow the NFCC Foundation to help so many students and in return strengthen our community through education.”
Scholarships and enhanced educational programs help students earn their degrees or advance their careers. In return, the lives of their families, their children’s children and ultimately their communities benefit from this education. A “2013 Economic Contribution of the Florida College System” study conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International shows that “North Florida Community College plays a significant role in the local economy.” On average, NFCC operations and the contribution of NFCC graduates benefit the NFCC service area by $52 million each year. NFCC operations and activities add $7.1 million in income to Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties annually and another $44.9 million is attributable to the accumulation of NFCC skills in the local workforce.
“Education has an effect on the whole community,” said James. “That is why we strive to help any student who qualifies with a scholarship.”
Scholarships are awarded at the start of NFCC’s fall, spring and summer terms. Deadlines are Aug. 1, Dec. 1 and April 28. The NFCC Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications for fall term 2017; deadline to apply is Aug. 1. Classes begin Aug. 14.