Gulf Coast Village Foundation to award scholarships to associates pursuing degrees
The Gulf Coast Village Foundation will award $15,500 in scholarships to employee associates during its annual scholarship awards ceremony in June, recognizing team members who are advancing their education while serving senior residents across the life plan community.
The foundation operates as a philanthropic arm of the Gulf Coast Village life plan community. Since 1989, GCVF has supported programs that meet the diverse needs of older adults. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, it provides financial aid, educational opportunities and innovative services for all who live and work at GCV.
This year’s award will support five associates pursuing educational goals, with three top recipients each receiving $3,500 and two additional recipients each receiving $2,500.
2026 Scholarship Recipients:
• Ashanza Paul, dietary assistant — Paul is graduating from high school in 2026 and plans to study psychology with a minor in journalism at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
• Victor Chavez, medication technician — Chavez graduated from the licensed practical nurse program at Cape Coral Technical College in May and plans to continue his education to become a registered nurse.
• Edwin Santiago Baron Crus, dietary assistant — Baron Crus graduated from high school in 2024 and has been working toward earning pilot flight hours at Orlando Flight School.
• Tanisha Joseph, dietary assistant — Joseph is graduating from Mariner High School in 2026 and plans to pursue nursing. She has applied to the University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Nova Southeastern University.
• Shernelle Gerson, medication technician — Gerson previously worked in hotel hospitality before joining GCV. She plans to continue her nursing education at Rasmussen University in Fort Myers.
Many GCV employees, particularly those in frontline caregiving roles – such as medication technicians, certified nursing assistants, dietary aides and other roles, aspire to further their education, often in health care related fields. However, the cost of higher education can present a significant barrier.
In Florida, the average annual tuition for a public four-year college is approximately $6,300, while private institutions average nearly $22,800 per year, excluding additional expenses, such as books, transportation and housing, according to College Board Research. For associates earning hourly wages while balancing work, school and family responsibilities, these costs can be challenging.
“The scholarship program is about more than financial support; it’s about belief in potential,” said Foundation and Outreach Coordinator Rachel Byrd. “It shows our employees that their goals matter and that this community stands behind them.”
A committee comprised of six GCV independent living residents led the selection process, reviewed applications and evaluated candidates through one-on-one interviews. The members offered not only evaluations, but mentorship and encouragement.
“These residents bring a lifetime of experience to the process,” said Byrd. “They are mentors, educators and advocates who understand firsthand the value of perseverance, education and opportunity. Each resident brings a unique professional and personal background, shaping the way they connect with applicants and evaluate their potential.”
Each year, the scholarship program reinforces the broader mission: investing in people and strengthening the future of care. For many recipients, financial assistance helps bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity.
A scholarship awards ceremony was planned for June 7 in the GCV auditorium. Recipients and their families along with GCV residents were invited to attend. The resident scholarship committee members introduced applicants and award winners with each winner reading their application essay aloud.
For more information about the Gulf Coast Village Foundation’s scholarship program or how to contribute, contact Rachel Byrd at (239) 999-3989, rbyrd@voa.org or visit GulfCoastVillage.org/Foundation.
About Gulf Coast Village
Founded in 1989, Gulf Coast Village is the only life plan community in Cape Coral. Residents enjoy active living surrounded by a lifestyle of comfort and convenience with a rich array of services and amenities that are focused on living well. The community also offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, specialized memory support, skilled nursing, home health and rehabilitation services. Gulf Coast Village is located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. For more information, call (239) 510-8712 or visit GulfCoastVillage.org.