The Florida Prepaid College Foundation has awarded more than 21,000 Stanley Tate Project STARS (Scholarship Tuition For At-Risk Students) scholarships for low income and at-risk students to attend Florida’s public universities and colleges over the past 19 years.
One such scholarship recipient is Amber Valentin of Tampa, Florida who graduated debt free from the University of Florida this spring with degrees in Finance and Non-Profit Leadership.
“My Florida Prepaid Plan scholarship helped to give me the flexibility to enjoy my college experience without many of the financial burdens felt by other students,” Amber shares.
Amber is unlike many graduates fresh out of college this spring. According to the College Board, an estimated 60% of bachelor’s degree recipients borrowed to fund their education, and average debt per borrower rose 18% since 2000, to $22,700.
“Because of my Prepaid Plan, I was lucky enough to be able to study abroad in Rome for an entire semester. My scholarship also allowed me to gain valued experience in part-time internships and degree-related summer jobs, freeing me from the need to work while attending school.”
The Project STARS Scholarship Program provides a matching scholarship wherein half of the funding comes from the Florida Legislature and half from private donations. Former Hillsborough County State Representative and Foundation Board Vice Chairman Sandra Murman is proud to have a hand in stories like Amber’s.
“Project STARS is a successful endeavor and the Foundation’s largest program, with 84 percent of the recipients meeting the program requirements and preparing for college. With the aid of the Florida Legislature and our many partner organizations, Project STARS provides students like Amber not only the opportunity to earn a degree but support on their journey to college, enabling them to go on to great things.”
In June, Amber is moving to New York City, where she will be working at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, a nonprofit organization that advises donors in their philanthropic endeavors throughout the world. Amber is passionate about this opportunity, “I’m getting a real chance to give back.”
Amber is also hugely appreciative of receiving the Project STARS scholarship and wants to give back because she was given so much, “My passion for philanthropy was very much fueled by being provided with this opportunity to make my college dreams come true.”
In 2008 alone, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation awarded more than 2,000 Project STARS scholarships to promising students like Amber. Recipients of the scholarships are Florida citizens that qualify as economically disadvantaged and at-risk of dropping out of school. Recipients are also assigned a mentor to guide them on their way to college.
About The Florida Prepaid College Foundation:
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation is the 501(c)(3) direct support organization
for the Florida Prepaid College Board. The Foundation was created in 1990 as a
public/private partnership. Businesses, organizations, community groups and
individuals may purchase contracts through the Foundation, allowing scholarship
recipients to benefit from the advantages and guarantee offered by the Florida
Prepaid College Plan. The Foundation provides prepaid college scholarships to
economically disadvantaged students and to other deserving students in need of
assistance.
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