Daytona State receives scholarships for health, education and 1st generation students

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2013) - Daytona State College welcomed Florida College System (FCS) Chancellor Randy Hanna on Aug. 16 for a tour and presentation of scholarship funds for students in health care and education programs, and first-generation college students.

The chancellor presented checks from the FCS Foundation for more than $36,000 to Daytona State President Carol W. Eaton. The scholarships were provided by Florida Blue, Helios Education Foundation and the Bank of America.

Flanked by Student Government Association officers, Dr. Eaton thanked the chancellor, noting the funds would be matched by local agencies, expanding the benefits to students preparing for critical careers in teaching and health care.

“We’re happy to announce that Florida Hospital has already responded to our Daytona State Foundation’s request to match the Florida Blue grant with $14,537, which will provide twice as many students with scholarships,” said Dr. Eaton.

Noting the importance of the FCS Foundation scholarships, she explained, “These funds mean so much to our students, especially with the cost of labs and equipment, and the required testing in many of these programs.”

“Our mission is to make a high-quality education accessible to all who can benefit from it,” said Chancellor Hanna, adding, “It’s important that we continue to meet the needs of our communities.” FCS Foundation is presenting similar scholarships to each of the system’s 28 colleges.

About the scholarship areas:

Research shows that first-generation college students face unique challenges, including less academic preparation, limited access to information about the college experience and lack of support. Scholarships can help alleviate financial struggles for many of these students. Funds for first-generation student scholarships were provided by endowments made by Bank of America and the Helios Education Foundation.

The Helios Education Foundation’s first-generation scholarship will give preference to students pursuing a degree in education. Daytona State offers seven bachelor’s programs in education, ranging from elementary to chemistry teaching degrees. For this year alone, Volusia County schools hired some 400 teachers to replenish and expand their ranks of over 4,000 educators.

Florida Blue’s nursing and allied health scholarship for 2013-14, already generously matched by Florida Hospital, will assist a number of Daytona State students this year. Since 2008, over 100 DSC students have benefitted from the Florida Blue Scholarship.   Daytona State offers an associate degree in nursing along with more than a dozen allied health programs. Responding to alumni and community needs, the college expects to launch a bachelor of science in nursing this spring, adding to the successful RN program. Nationally and statewide, implementation of the Affordable Care Act is increasing the need for nurses with advanced education and to fill the pipeline for master’s level nurses to provide primary care. 

To apply for scholarships, students can go to daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

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