Dental Ed students

Dental Ed students

AVON PARK, Fla. — Jan. 24, 2025 — During the January meeting of South Florida State College’s (SFSC) District Board of Trustees, 22 students studying for careers in the health sciences at SFSC received approximately $28,100 in scholarships.

The Florida College System Foundation (FCSF) and Florida Blue awarded Nursing and Allied Health scholarships to SFSC students in Nursing, Dental Education, and Radiography programs. The students may use the scholarships for tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and childcare.

Students receiving the scholarships are studying within three health science disciplines:

  • Nursing: Dusti Conners, Savannah Ewing, Jamilet Gondinez, Nubia Hernandez, Ana Ibanez, Flor Leon, Jenise Lopez, Karen Monterrosa, Keyshauna Parhams, TaiYonna Phillips, Magnolia Santiago, Monike Thomas, Griselda Vasquez, Juanita Vilafana-Rocha, and Aiani Walker.
  • Dental Education: Abronikka Brown, Kerstin Jones, and Nora Ortiz
  • Radiography: Destiny Badillo, Juan Molina-Molina, Alyssa Perez, and Gemi Saunders
Nursing students

Nursing students

The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the FSCF and Florida Blue. The Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship was created to sustain a source of funding for student scholarships at Florida colleges to meet the growing need for skilled nurses and allied health professionals who serve the state’s diverse population. The SFSC Foundation, Inc. provided a 50% match of the original award from the FCSF and Florida Blue, as the funds must be matched dollar for dollar by private donors at the local level.

“The students who received the Florida Blue scholarships will soon begin careers in nursing, dental care, and radiography – all fields that are critical in keeping our community safe and healthy,” said Jamie Bateman, SFSC vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs. “Students participating in intensive healthcare programs are often unable to work outside of their studies. Because of its commitment to education and statewide healthcare needs, Florida Blue has provided scholarships to aid these students in completing their programs and alleviating financial stress. We extend our sincerest appreciation for Florida Blue’s continued support to SFSC’s students.”

Radiography students

Radiography students

The FCSF, based in Tallahassee, is a nonprofit organization that solicits gifts and donations from corporations and individuals for distribution to Florida’s 28 community and state colleges. SFSC has received scholarships for health sciences students since 2006. Florida Blue, previously known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, provides individual and group health insurance to millions of Floridians.