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FAMU Announces Closures Ahead of Tropical Weather System

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For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Sept.  24,  2024
 
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is monitoring the potentially dangerous tropical weather system that could bring severe weather conditions to the Florida Panhandle later this week.
Tropical Cyclone #9 is now forecast to be a major hurricane at landfall along the Florida Big Bend. The potential for impacts is increasing across the region and impacts are possible as early as Wednesday night and could last into Friday.
Out of an abundance of caution, classes will be canceled beginning today at 12:15 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 27. All academic operations will be suspended to accommodate any potential disruptions caused by the storm. All academic deans and faculty members are asked to work closely with students and provide maximum flexibility during this time.
Campus operations will be fully functional through 5 p.m. today. The University will be closed Wednesday through Friday. Essential personnel should report to their supervisors. Weekend activities such as Fall Preview, the FAMU home football game and Parents and Family Weekend, will be rescheduled.
The FAMU Developmental Research School (K-12) will close on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will remain closed on Thursday and Friday for the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
The FAMU Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) will close for the week beginning at 5:30 p.m.
While it is too soon to pinpoint the exact location and magnitude the tropical weather system, the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast is increasing.
Students, faculty, and staff should be aware that there is a great deal of uncertainty in the current forecast and the system’s track and intensity. This system does not yet have a defined center.
The University administration will continue to monitor the storm closely and provide updates as necessary. Students, faculty, and staff are urged to stay informed and prioritize their safety during this period.
Please use this time to prepare for your storms and review your hurricane safety plans before the onset of severe weather. You can find preparedness resources:
For further updates, please check FAMU Alert, visit famu.edu, or follow the official FAMU social media channels.
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House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, Representatives Kelly Skidmore and Allison Tant Request FLDOE to Release Critical Data

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Earlier today, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D–Tampa), Representative Kelly Skidmore (D–Boca Raton), and Representative Allison Tant (D–Tallahassee) sent a letter to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. requesting the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) to publicly release critical data relating to its scholarship funding organizations (SFOs) and to detail how public schools will be impacted should school voucher costs surpass district budgets.

In the letter, Leader Driskell, Representative Skidmore and Representative Tant ask FLDOE to include in its response: how many new private schools applied to accept vouchers; student demographics and family income information for recipients; the type of voucher received by students; the future impact of these vouchers on the state budget; and the effect of the voucher program on public schools. The Representatives also call for the data to be released regularly and on a quarterly basis for public awareness to ensure taxpayer dollars are responsibly spent.

“Parents have the right to decide what’s best for their children’s education, but they should have all the necessary information as they do so,” said Leader Driskell. “Public transparency is integral to accountability. The state owes Floridians a responsibility to invest our hard-earned tax money wisely, and it’s impossible to know whether that’s happening with the limited information we have about spending within the voucher program.”

 The letter sent to Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. is attached. 

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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College Host Signing Day Event for Students

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St. Petersburg, Fla. – The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) joined together with Pinellas Technical College (PTC) and its partners to host a signing day event for students served through the Florida Youth College, DJJ’s workforce education and credentialing program formerly known as Project Anchor. Through the Florida Youth College, DJJ students at Britt Technical Youth Academy, a career and technical education-focused residential commitment program, can attend classes through Pinellas Technical College with the goal of earning a high-value workforce credential that places them on a direct pathway into a great career.

“DJJ is proud to partner with Pinellas Technical College in providing transformative opportunities for Britt Technical Youth Academy students to pursue a college education,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “This partnership underscores DJJ’s commitment to accelerating academic achievement for the students we serve and helping them create lasting and meaningful change in their lives.”

“The educational opportunities at Pinellas Technical College that will be made available to these youth who have completed their secondary education will cultivate a foundation for their successful futures,” said State Representative Berny Jacques. “I applaud the partnership between the Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College to find innovative ways to best serve the youth in the department’s care.”

“The partnership between Pinellas Technical College and DJJ will result in success not only for the students but for our community,” said Pinellas Technical College St. Petersburg Campus Director Sylester “Boe” Norwood. “Our partnership will help students gain a competitive edge and give them a second chance at a better life and to make their families proud.”

“This program will benefit me in the future by helping me to provide for myself and my family,” said a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. “It will help me make better decisions and become a positive role model.”

“My son was doing stuff he shouldn’t have been doing, but he’s witty and wise. When he came to the program, I could see that he was learning and changing,” said a parent of a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. “I know he’s in good hands. I’m thankful he’s getting another chance, and I hope he continues doing the same when he comes back home.”

DJJ launched Project Anchor in August 2022 as a partnership with Tallahassee State College to enhance workforce education and career readiness for youth in residential commitment programs and those returning to their home communities. Project Anchor was renamed Florida Youth College and to date, the program has admitted nearly 500 youth.

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Students, Faculty, and Staff Ride for Free on SunRail During College Week 2024

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SANFORD, Fla. – SunRail is excited to announce the return of College Week, running from Monday, September 16, through Friday, September 20, 2024. This year, SunRail invites students, faculty, and staff from SunRail station-friendly Central Florida colleges and universities to take advantage of free rides on all trains and at all stations throughout the week.

SunRail’s College Week offers students and employees of participating Central Florida colleges and universities the opportunity to ride SunRail for free. Whether commuting to campus, exploring Central Florida, or enjoying a leisure trip, this initiative is designed to build ridership by allowing participants to experience the convenience of SunRail.

Eligible participants include students and employees from the following Central Florida institutions:

 

  • University of Central Florida (UCF)
  • Rollins College
  • FAMU College of Law
  • Valencia College
  • Stetson University
  • Seminole State College
  • AdventHealth University
  • Florida State College of Medicine
  • Orange Technical College

Communication to students and employees of the participating institutions will take place from September 9 to September 20, 2024, through various channels including emails, flyer handouts, newsletters, social media, SunRail.com, and the SunRail app.

To participate, riders simply need to show a valid ID from a Central Florida college or university to the SunRail conductor in place of a SunCard or SunRail ticket. This will allow them to ride for free during College Week.

Questions? Please contact the FDOT Public Information Office at [email protected] or 386-943-5593.

Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe. For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule, and station locations, please visit www.SunRail.com, or download the SunRail Mobile app.

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Florida Poly expands engineering horizons with two new master’s degrees

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LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is expanding its educational offerings this fall with the addition of two new, industry-driven master’s degrees: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

“Introducing two master’s degrees in these critical fields shows Florida Poly’s commitment to providing students with the specialized STEM education they need to thrive in high-wage, high-demand careers,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University’s president. “These degrees offer a powerful new pathway to both personal fulfillment and economic success, positioning graduates at the forefront of innovation.”

This expansion of the graduate program is a key element of Florida Poly’s broader growth strategy, driven by the increasing demand for the institution’s offerings.

“We are excited to strategically expand our curriculum in alignment with the growth of our campus,” said Dr. Brad Thiessen, Florida Poly’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. “This change further fuels our University to become the state’s top source of talented engineers.”

The new graduate program options replace a master’s degree in engineering that offered specialization tracks in each of the disciplines.

Ryan Sullivan, associate director of graduate and transfer admissions, said the new mechanical and electrical engineering degrees support the state’s priority of developing Programs of Strategic Emphasis in alignment with economic and workforce needs.

“These degrees will be more in line with the marketplace and what the industry demands from students graduating from these fields,” said Ryan Sullivan, associate director of graduate and transfer admissions.

The first cohorts of students began their programs this fall semester. Those already pursuing the previous engineering degree have the option to transition to the updated curriculum.

Both new degrees will be available to students who would like to pursue either a coursework or thesis path. Additionally, they are available as part of the University’s popular 4+1 degree program, which enables students to earn graduate credit while completing their undergraduate education, thereby accelerating their path to a master’s degree.

The new graduate degrees are part of ongoing academic development at the University. They join bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and industrial engineering that were added in 2023, and master’s degrees in data science and engineering management in 2022. In all, Florida Poly now offers five master’s and 12 bachelor’s programs, as well as the 4+1 degree program.

“This new electrical engineering degree can make you more marketable and will add to the strong success our graduates experience,” said Dr. Muhammad Rashid, Florida Poly’s interim chair of electrical, computer and cybersecurity engineering. “All the students so far who graduated from the master’s program found a job right away, and now it will be even easier for those who have a master’s degree in these specific engineering fields.”

For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.

About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the number one public college in the Southeast Region for three years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.

FAMU Announces Lt. Audrey Alexander as Chief of Police

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For Immediate Release
Aug. 29, 2024
 
 
Florida A&M University (FAMU) Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Brown has announced the appointment of Lt. Audrey Alexander as chief of police, effective September 13, 2024.
“Lieutenant Alexander has the necessary qualifications and has demonstrated her commitment to serve FAMU in this important role. With her proven track record of leadership, we have complete confidence in her ability and her vision for ensuring the safety of our campus,” Brown said. “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Interim Chief John Cotton for answering the call to serve.  Over the past year, he, along with his dedicated team, has played a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and security of our campus. Their diligent efforts have been instrumental in ensuring a secure environment for everyone at the University.”
A FAMU alumna, Alexander has over 29 years of experience in law enforcement with the University in the Department of Campus Safety and Security. Her vast knowledge has afforded her the opportunity to fill various capacities during her tenure.
Prior to her appointment as chief of police, she served as assistant director/administrative lieutenant in the department from June 2022 until present. In that role, she was responsible for overseeing 25 sworn and non-sworn officers, development of departmental budgets, and implementation of community policing initiatives. Alexander has also served as interim chief of police, administrative sergeant, investigator and patrol officer. She is also certified as a 911 telecommunicator/dispatcher.
Alexander spent 24 years in the military before retiring as a major. She served in the U.S. Army Reserve and Florida National Guard. She held numerous positions of leadership that included executive officer, company commander, platoon leader, squad leader and investigative officer. Her service also included a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I am both excited and humbled to take on this new role and continue serving our campus community with dedication and commitment,” said Alexander. “Having served the FAMU community over the last quarter of a century, I am deeply invested in the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that our campus remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone.”
Alexander holds three degrees from FAMU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and master’s degrees in public administration and adult education.
Media Contact
Andrew J. Skerritt
850-544-2675

Florida Poly’s new VP to champion student growth and success 

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Florida Poly’s new VP to champion student growth and success 

 

LAKELAND, Fla – Bryan Brooks is stepping into his role as Florida Polytechnic University’s new vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications with the drive to rapidly build upon the University’s strong foundation and the experience to make it happen.

“Florida Polytechnic University stands at the threshold of possibility. This is an environment where collaboration fuels creativity, driving our progress to 3,000 students over the next several years while maintaining the highest quality of education. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?” said Brooks, who joined Florida Poly in July.

He previously was associate vice president for communications and community engagement at Northwest Florida State College.

The University expects to have an enrollment of over 1,600 students this fall.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for me to add value with slight tweaks here and there to our operations,” he said. “There is so much potential, especially in the space of public-private partnerships, which is incredibly innovative for universities and public institutions.”

Brooks, from Destin, Florida, said Florida Poly’s size and culture of responsiveness to industry needs make it well positioned to seize opportunities that may elude other universities.

“Being at the front-end of an institution’s growth allows us to have the flexibility and adaptability to change our plans and embrace technology quicker than many larger institutions,” he said.  “To me, it sounds adventurous – and that’s the environment I want to be in.”

Brooks’ frame of reference comes from a deep background in higher education that dates back to his first higher ed position as a landscaper at Nelson University, just south of Dallas, Texas.

“I’ve done just about everything in higher education that you can possibly think of,” he said.

After early higher ed positions managing a landscaping team, working in information technology, admissions and marketing, Brooks transitioned into more than 15 years of increasingly higher-level leadership. He has taught university-level economics courses and overseen departments of admissions, marketing, communications, and athletics.

At Northwest Florida State College, he spearheaded initiatives that improved significant enrollment growth, resulting in eight consecutive semesters of increased enrollment. He also supervised and managed the college’s celebrated Mattie Kelly Arts Center.

“I’m probably in my sweet spot when I’m working with my team on a strategy and a plan,” Brooks said. “I really enjoy that aspect of it.”

In his most recent position, Brooks worked closely with Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson, which allowed him to lean into one of his core strengths: writing. He assisted Stephenson in his communications efforts over the last three years, working to ensure scripts, public messages, and other pieces were polished and presentation-ready. While that won’t be a major part of his Florida Poly duties, he’ll miss it.

“I have this fascination with presidential speeches throughout history,” Brooks said. “I go back and read those biographies and identify how they wrote those speeches, and I have always been fascinated by that. Why they said what they did and when they said it.”

This experience and passion for effective communication positioned Brooks well to steer Florida Poly’s strategic direction as it navigates the rapidly changing landscape of higher education.

While he embarks on the adventure of leading three critical Florida Poly areas toward success – Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Strategic Communications – Brooks is also pursuing another.

He is working toward a doctorate in executive leadership in higher education at the University of Miami. With a focus on strategic enrollment management, Brooks hopes to leverage his education to strengthen his contributions to both Florida Poly and his ongoing career growth.

Although Brooks’ demanding position and pursuit of his doctoral degree require intensive time demands, his devotion remains to his wife, Susan, and their five children, Ellie, Evan, Ava, Aaron and Ian, who have not yet joined him from their home in Destin, Florida.

“I can’t wait for my family to join me here in Lakeland,” he said.

In the meantime, Brooks will continue to work to make Florida Poly a top choice for students pursuing STEM degrees.

“I look around and see things that haven’t been built yet and I’m excited to see what we can all do together,” he said.

 For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.

 About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the number one public college in the Southeast Region for three years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.

FAMU BOT Accepts Robinson’s Resignation, Appoints Alum Timothy Beard as Interim President

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For Immediate Release
July 23, 2024
Updated: Editor’s note: changes highlighted in yellow
 
FAMU BOT Accepts Robinson’s Resignation, Appoints Alum Timothy Beard as Interim President
 
Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to accept President Larry Robinson’s resignation and to appoint retired Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC)  President Timothy Beard, Ph.D., as FAMU’s interim president.
During the special meeting conducted on Zoom,  Trustees agreed Robinson’s last day will be August 4, allowing him to preside over the August 2 Summer Commencement Ceremony.
According to the vote, Beard, who was PHSC president for nine years, will serve as interim president for 12 months or until the BOT completes a search for FAMU’s 13th president. He will begin his tenure on Monday, August 5 in time to attend the BOT’s annual retreat August 7-8 in Orlando.
Board Chair Kristin Harper nominated Beard, who earned one of his undergraduate degrees at FAMU, and who worked in various roles for the University for 14 years. Beard earned a Ph.D. from FSU in 1998 in Rehabilitation Counseling with a focus on Higher Education Administration. He served as PHSC president from 2015 until his retirement earlier this year.  Harper said FAMU would benefit from Beard’s leadership.
“Dr. Beard has the academic pedigree, administrative experience, political capital and emotional intelligence to lead in this interim period. Dr. Beard embraces FAMU’s unique mission. Like nearly a third of our students, Dr. Beard was a first generation college student,” said Harper, who cited Beard’s other FAMU connections – two of his daughters and a son-in-law are FAMU alumni. “In my conversations with people who know and work with him for many years, I’m convinced that he’s a person of integrity, a collaborator of what FAMU needs in this interim chapter. Most importantly, he’s willing able and available to serve.”
Beard cannot apply or be considered to be the University president.
Before the vote, Robinson addressed the Trustees without notes. He recalled his start as an adjunct professor in 1995 to transitioning to fulltime in 1997 to head what was then the Environmental Science Institute; graduating his first Ph.D., students, his various roles as provost and interim president before being appointed president in November 2017. He also touched on his administration’s accomplishments, such as decreasing student debt and increasing the  six-year graduation rate  and increasing the quality of campus housing.
“The past six, seven or eight years haven’t been about me. They’ve been about the people sitting around  the table, who are doing all they can to ensure they take care of our students,” said Robinson, who spoke from Lee Hall’s fourth floor conference room where he had been meeting with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). When he leaves the presidency, Robinson will have a one-year sabbatical before he returns as a distinguished professor in the FAMU School of the Environment. He steps away from the presidency thankful for the support of Florida Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb and others and with a greater appreciation of what it means to lead FAMU.
“I understand the tremendous responsibility associated with this position, and I hope the record will show that Larry Robinson, the young man from Memphis, Tennessee, did something to improve the stature of Florida A&M University. I think we did. I want to thank all of you who made that possible.”
Harper and other trustees thanked Robinson for his 27 years of service, including the last seven years as president.
“What you’ve accomplished is irrefutable,” Harper said. “We definitely thank you for your willingness to support this seamless transition as we move into the next chapter of FAMU’s history and look forward to welcoming you back to the “Hill” as the distinguished professor in the School of the Environment after your 12-month sabbatical.”
Trustee Craig Reed echoed those sentiments.
“We appreciate all that President Robinson has done on behalf of the University. As we take a look at the record, it’s clear in terms of where we were, where we are and where we’re going,” Reed said. “That’s because of his leadership and his staff’s leadership. I really appreciate all that he has done.  Truly, he should be a recognized for that great work. So again, thank you very much Dr. Robinson for your service.”
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Media Contact
Andrew J. Skerritt
Associate Director/Media Relations
Office of Communications
850-544-2675

Florida Scholars Academy Celebrates the Launch of the New Unified Education System for Juvenile Justice Youth

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Florida Scholars Academy Celebrates the Launch of the New Unified Education System for Juvenile Justice Youth

This New School System Will Serve as a National Model to Improve Educational Opportunities and Career Pathways for Juvenile Justice-Involved Students in Florida

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – On Monday, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Florida Virtual School announced that the Florida Scholars Academy (FSA), the new unified education system for DJJ students, is operational across Florida. The partnership between DJJ and FLVS will now provide in-person instruction for students within all 44 DJJ residential commitment programs.

“This marks a significant milestone in our path to create brighter futures for Florida’s juvenile justice-involved youth,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “With the Florida Scholars Academy officially operational, our youth will soon benefit from a seamless, high-quality education to enhance their academic achievement and propel them on the path to success.”

“It is exciting to see the hard work behind the Florida Scholars Academy come to fruition,” said Representative Berny Jacques. “The educational opportunities made possible by this education system will have a major impact on the future achievements of these students in both higher education and the workforce.

“It was an honor to come together with our partners to celebrate the first day of operations for the Florida Scholars Academy and a new beginning for our students to thrive academically,” said Senator Jennifer Bradley. “The Florida Scholars Academy represents our unwavering commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in education, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to lead and succeed in the future.”

“The launch of the Florida Scholars Academy marks great progress towards strengthened communities in Florida,” said Senator Jonathan Martin. “Through the personalized education offered by the academy, youth will have better opportunities upon release leading to reduced recidivism and safer communities for all.”

FSA will provide individualized support to approximately 2,300 students in the care of the DJJ, helping them achieve a high school or high school equivalency diploma, industry-recognized credential of value to start their career, and or/enroll in a postsecondary program of study at a Florida college, university, or technical college.

“Since Florida Virtual School was named the operating education service provider for Florida Scholars Academy in October 2023, our team of passionate educators have been hard at work to create an environment that cultivates academic and resiliency skills,” said the Chief Academic Officer of Florida Virtual School, Robin Winder. “Our goal is to meet these students where they are by helping them establish a feeling of self-worth and belief in themselves as they progress through life.”

FSA classes will begin July 10. To learn more about the Florida Scholars Academy, visit https://floridascholarsacademy.com/.

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About the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is the most comprehensive juvenile justice system in the country and works to enhance public safety across Florida. Florida’s juvenile justice system covers the entire service continuum—from prevention services for youth who are at risk to working to rehabilitate serious juvenile offenders in our residential commitment programs. DJJ utilizes data-informed, evidenced-based decision-making across its continuum and provides high-quality effective services to youth and families delivered by world-class professionals dedicated to building a stronger, safer Florida. To learn more, visit our website.

About Florida Virtual School (FLVS)

At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), the student is at the center of every decision we make. For 26 years, our certified online teachers have worked one-on-one with students to understand their needs and ensure their success – with FLVS students completing 7.3 million semester courses since the school’s inception. As a fully accredited statewide public school district, Florida students in grades Kindergarten-12 can enroll tuition-free in full-time and part-time online education options. With more than 200 effective and comprehensive courses and 80 fun and exciting clubs, our FLVS team is here to provide families with a safe, reliable, and flexible education in a supportive environment. As a leading online education provider, FLVS also offers comprehensive digital learning solutions to school districts, from digital courses that result in high student performance outcomes, to easy-to-use online platforms, and staff training and support. To learn more, visit our website.

About Florida Scholars Academy (FSA)

Florida Scholars Academy (FSA) is a unified education system for students assigned to a Florida Department of Juvenile Justice residential commitment program. Through in-person instruction, Florida Scholars Academy provides an individualized educational pathway to help students achieve a high school or high school equivalency diploma, industry-recognized credential of value to start their career, and/or enroll in a postsecondary program of study at a Florida college, university, or technical college. To learn more, visit the FSA website.

Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Awards $242,500 in Scholarships

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Contact: Marla Martin, Senior Media Relations and Communications Manager or

Janet Valentine, Legal Assistant, Florida Realtors®, 407/438-1400, ext. 2326 or 2426

 

Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Awards $242,500 in Scholarships

ORLANDO, Fla., June 25, 2024 – As young people head off to college this fall, 179 of them from communities across Florida will receive financial help for their costs through scholarships from Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Inc.

A not-for-profit corporation established by the state Realtor association, the Florida Realtors Education Foundation Inc. provides real estate-related educational scholarships. The Foundation’s Board of Directors awarded $242,500 in scholarships to help pay for higher education expenses for 179 young people in the 2024-2025 school year. All recipients are Florida residents and will attend community colleges, four-year universities, graduate programs or law schools, both in state and out-of-state. Some students are considering careers in real estate.

“For 14 years now, the Florida Realtors Education Foundation Student Scholarship Program has helped 1,986 young people realize their dreams for the future by continuing their education,” said Brett Brown, chair of Florida Realtors Education Foundation Inc. “Florida Realtors has awarded a total of $2,745,000 in scholarships to help these students and their families with financial support for college. These scholarships are an investment in the future. Realtors across the state are honored to support these deserving young people and give back to our communities through this program.”

Scholarship recipients are enrolled at institutions of higher learning throughout the state, such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University and University of South Florida, as well as other colleges throughout the U.S., including Dartmouth College, University of Mississippi and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, to name a few. A variety of criteria was considered for successful applicants including academic achievements, financial need, relationship to the Realtor family and contributions to family, school and community.

Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 238,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Newsroom website is available at http:// floridarealtors.org/newsroom.

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