In response to a shortage of local health care workers, the State College of Florida Foundation will showcase health care programs at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) during its annual scholarship luncheon to be held 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota.
Manatee, Sarasota and surrounding counties are facing a critical shortage of health care workers, including nurses, physical therapist assistants, radiography technologists, occupational therapy assistants and dental hygienists. The Foundation provides scholarships for SCF students in those disciplines, as well as biotechnology, business, criminal justice, early childhood education and associate in arts transfer programs.
The annual scholarship luncheon allows donors to meet the students they help, showcases SCF’s academic programs and creates an opportunity to raise more money for all scholarship needs. While the spotlight this year is on the critical need for health care workers, the Foundation continues to fund scholarships which have a huge impact on students’ ability to attend college across SCF’s programs.
About 2,400 students applied for scholarships for this school year. The Foundation awarded scholarships averaging about $1,400 each to 1,151 students. Buying tickets to the scholarship luncheon helps the Foundation serve even more students. The fundraising goal for the event is $60,000. Those who want to help, but can’t attend, can participate by sponsoring a health care student or any other scholar for a year or a semester.
For the 17th year, Suncoast Credit Union is the title sponsor for this important event. Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are still available. Reservations for a table of eight are $750. Individual tickets are $100 each.
For more information on scholarships, contact Allison Nash at NashA@SCF.edu or 941-752-5653. To purchase tickets, visit SCF-Foundation.org or call 941-752-5336.