Education Notes 2-26-21
FSW receives First-gen Forward designation
Florida SouthWestern State College recently received the First-gen Forward designation from the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation.
The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the center’s research and resources.
First-generation college students are the first in their family to graduate with a 4-year college degree. Approximately 41% of all FSW students are considered first generation.
As a First-gen Forward Institution, FSW faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop and will participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory Leadership designation.
Florida SouthWestern State College annually serves nearly 22,000 students globally and offers a variety of career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
Haitian-American Community Association of SWFL accepting scholarships applications
The Haitian-American Community Coalition of Southwest Florida is pleased to offer four $1000 scholarship awards to graduating seniors of Haitian heritage who are enrolled at a Lee County School.
The HACC Academic Scholarship eligibility, requirements and procedures include:
1. Student must be of Haitian-American heritage.
2. Student must be a graduating senior at a Lee County high school, who is enrolled or will be enrolled in a degree or certification program at a technical college, state college, or university by Sept. 1, 2021.
3. Student must complete the attached application form. In addition include:
* Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, coach, administrator, or school counselor.
* School transcript that includes grades through the 2020-21 1st semester.
* A 400-600 word personal essay that includes a response to these questions: What are your short and long term educational and career goals? How have your goals for your future been shaped by your life experiences? All essays must be typed. Please double space essay using a standard print font.
4. Mail scholarship applications by April 16, 2021 to: Haitian-American Community Coalition of Southwest Florida, P.O. Box 62016, Fort Myers, FL 33906. 5. The scholarship recipients will be selected by the HACC Scholarship Committee.
6. The names of scholarship recipients will be announced on or before May 3, 2021.
7. Scholarship recipients should plan to attend the HACC Scholarship Gala in October.
8. Scholarship money will be disbursed to your school with proof of registration at an accredited institution of higher learning.
If you have any questions, please e-mail HACC Scholarship Chair Betsy Vaughn at esv460@gmail.com.