Collaboratory’s scholarship application for the 2025-2026 school year will open Friday, Nov. 1.

Since 2014, FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory has been working toward a goal of transforming Southwest Florida’s workforce by increasing the percentage of working age (25-64 years old) adults who hold post-high school credentials to 55% by 2025.

Collaboratory’s scholarships support this goal by providing funding to a variety of students including traditional college-bound individuals as well as those that want to earn a credential after high school and adults looking to reconnect with education to start or advance a career. Scholarships are available for students seeking or continuing education at vocational and technical colleges and state colleges and universities.

In 2024, Collaboratory awarded more than $1.2 million and 174 scholarships to local high school students, adult learners, undergraduate and graduate students from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. One in six students who applied received a scholarship. Collaboratory had over a 55% increase in applicants compared to the previous year and awarded 31 of the scholarships as multi-year awards which will continue to help the students each year towards completion.

Students can apply at https://collaboratory.org. The scholarship application process will close Jan. 14 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships and can upload a transcript, letter of recommendation and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 25-26 Submission Summary, which is a summary of the data provided on the FAFSA form. All scholarships require the FAFSA form available at www.fafsa.gov which is set to open in December this year.

“FutureMakers Coalition partners throughout Southwest Florida have been vital in spreading the word about the scholarships offered and helping increase the number of awards,” said Crystal Maldonado, scholarship coordinator at Collaboratory. “We have scholarships available for students across many categories and encourage all to apply to expand their educational opportunities.”

For those interested in starting a Collaboratory scholarship fund, contributing to the general scholarship fund, or serving as a scholarship application reviewer, email scholarships@collaboratory.org or call 239-308-1214.

About Collaboratory

Collaboratory is a regional community foundation with an evolved mission committed to coordinating the solving of Southwest Florida’s major social problems by 2040. Collaboratory provides community leadership, raises and coordinates funding and disburses funds to organizations that are helping solve the problems donors and the community have identified as priorities. Since 1976, Collaboratory has made over $120 million in grants to individuals and organizations across the region to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. To learn more and get involved, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.collaboratory.org.