{"id":292197,"date":"2026-06-01T20:30:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T20:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/292197\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T20:30:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T20:30:11","slug":"collaboratory-awards-more-than-1-5-million-in-scholarships-this-year-wgcu-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/292197\/","title":{"rendered":"Collaboratory awards more than $1.5 million in scholarships this year | WGCU News"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year, Collaboratory awarded 217 scholarships to students and adult learners from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.<\/p>\n

More than $1.5 million will pay for them to advance their educational goals. The scholarships, which represent an increase of more than $300,000 over the previous year, will help recipients get college degrees, technical certificates, career training and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cEducation has the power to transform lives, families and entire communities,\u201d said Crystal Maldonado, scholarship coordinator. \u201cThese scholarships are more than financial support \u2014 they are investments in the future of Southwest Florida and in the potential of every student pursuing their goals.\u201d<\/p>\n

For many students the support is life-changing.<\/p>\n

Ziya Chambers, a Dunbar High School senior, has been awarded multiple scholarships including the Brighten the Corner Scholarship, the Hope Foundation of Southwest Florida Scholarship in Memory of Fredrick Morgan, and the Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship. She will study criminal justice this summer at Florida SouthWestern State College.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very excited and grateful and thankful,\u201d Chambers said. \u201cI feel very supported \u2013 like I have a village. I can focus more on schoolwork and not worry about my financial needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Collaboratory is committed to making its scholarship application accessible to all students regardless of circumstances and abilities. Scholarships are based on a range of qualifications including community service, academics, fields of study, athletics, or even attending a particular school.<\/p>\n

It also has a vast network of over 280 volunteers who serve as part of the selection process and review applications.<\/p>\n

This year Collaboratory awarded 42 of the scholarships as multi-year awards that support the students beyond their freshman year. Last year, Collaboratory awarded 31 of the scholarships as multi-year awards.<\/p>\n

Kylie Thomas, a senior at Florida State University, received the Richard S. Thompson & Marion L. Thompson Memorial Scholarship.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a job, but the scholarship allows me to work a little less and focus on my studies,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cIt gives me more opportunities to prepare for my future. It has given me more confidence and I am very thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Collaboratory has seen a steady increase in scholarship applicants each year, underscoring the growing need for financial support toward training and education beyond high school in the region. Application volume has remained strong, surpassing 1,000 submissions for the third consecutive year. This continued growth highlights the increasing need for expanded financial support to help our region\u2019s workforce pursue education and training opportunities beyond high school.<\/p>\n

Miguel Guerrero, a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), received the Chip Johnson Memorial Scholarship. The award will allow him to pursue his master\u2019s degree in accounting at FGCU.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means so much to me,\u201d Guerrero said. \u201cIt means that the community of Southwest Florida supports me and my hard work. In the future, I will be an accountant in Southwest Florida and serve the community who believed in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The need for scholarship funds to support students is rising. On average, 15 percent of applicants were awarded a scholarship in the last two years. Collaboratory is committed to increasing both the number and value of scholarships awarded in the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe growing number of scholarship applications reflects both the ambition of our community and the urgent need for greater investment in education and workforce development,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cWith additional donor support, we can help more students access the training and degrees that strengthen families, businesses and the future of Southwest Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you are interested opening a scholarship fund or donating to the Scholarships General Fund, please contact Collaboratory at scholarships@collaboratory.org, call 239-274-5900, or visit https:\/\/collaboratory.org\/donate.<\/a><\/p>\n

The complete list of scholarship winners includes:<\/p>\n

Abraham Reyes: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Addison Sprecher: Dr. Janet Marderness Scholarship<\/p>\n

Adis Sanchez Fernandez: Barbara’s Friends Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ainsley Myers: John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship and Mrs. Cathy Riedel Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alaster Steven: Barbara’s Friends Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alena Augustine: Southwest Florida Inc.- Ralph A. Richardson Chamber Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alexa Arroyo: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alexander Matei: James F. Chelius, Jr., Esq. Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alexandra Souto: Jane Berktold Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alexandria Davis: Faye Lynn Roberts Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alexia Turrubiartez: Immokalee Achievement Award Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alexis Gomez Martinez: Patricia Means Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alexis Morales: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alyna Alvarado-Lopez: Patricia Means Scholarship<\/p>\n

Alyssa Acosta: John and Ellen Sheppard Humane Student Scholarship<\/p>\n

Amanda Bent: Robert B. & Dorothy Pence Scholarship<\/p>\n

Anai Francisco: Dave’s Scholarship and Hope Foundation of Southwest Florida Scholarship in Memory of Fredrick Morgan<\/p>\n

Andrew Vasile: William L. Graddy Law School Scholarship<\/p>\n

Angelo Montiel: Paul B. & Aline Flynn Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ariana Cadavid Garcia: Southwest Florida Inc.- Ralph A. Richardson Chamber Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ava Bernhardt: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ayana Etim-Inyang: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship<\/p>\n

Bella Dacanay: James D. & Eleanor F. Newton Children’s Scholarship<\/p>\n

Bobbie Chapin: Dorothy Curtis Brown Scholarship in Memory of Ann Nutt<\/p>\n

Braelyn Alford: Dunbar Heritage Scholarship and Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Brandon Trinh: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship<\/p>\n

Briunna Bridley: Gerard C. Mehr Scholarship<\/p>\n

Briza Forteza: Doc Keen Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Brody Menna: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship and Steven F. Lux Scholarship for First Responders<\/p>\n

Brooklynn Falcone: Lewis B. Barber Scholarship<\/p>\n

Cameron Leonard: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Cameron Hurd: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Catelyn Holcomb: O. Fred and Bernadine Stuefer Scholarship<\/p>\n

Cay Lee Gallegos: Doris W. Frey Scholarship<\/p>\n

Chrisdarline Adolphe: Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Cindi Terraza-Deleon: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Clarence Hunter: Couse Gram Scholarship<\/p>\n

Connor Petite: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Cooper Kummer: Chet & Janett Perry Rotary Club of Fort Myers Scholarship<\/p>\n

Cypress Cohen: Anne Schuchman and Stephen Light Holocaust Museum Scholarship<\/p>\n

Dalton Clemens: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Da’Mizia Davis: Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Daneisha Maycock: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Daniel Rivas: Patricia Means Scholarship<\/p>\n

Daniela Sosa: USMC Cpl. Thomas J. Jardas Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Danielle Such: John & Ruth Childe Scholarship<\/p>\n

Danisha Kendrick: Lloyd and Shirley Matthai Scholarship<\/p>\n

Daryl Williams: Dunbar Heritage Scholarship and Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship<\/p>\n

Dayani Telles: Gail Markham Believing in Girls Scholarship<\/p>\n

Deanna Wells: Brighten the Corner Scholarship and Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship<\/p>\n

Dezire Perkins: Dunbar Heritage Scholarship<\/p>\n

Dillon Timm: LEAD Estero \/ Engage Estero Scholarship<\/p>\n

Dominick Doyle: James Bilder Scholarship<\/p>\n

Donis Barraza-Castillo: Matt Harmon Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Dylan Pfenninge: Frances Harris Gresham Scholarship<\/p>\n

Dylan Stanley: Howard P. & Magdalen K. Breitenbach Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ella Hillard: LEAD Estero \/ Engage Estero Scholarship<\/p>\n

Elliot Barroso: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Emily Cruz: Chip Johnson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Emily Feichthaler: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship and G. Napier and Ellen T. Wilson Scholarship<\/p>\n

Emma Borrego: Anne Schuchman and Stephen Light Holocaust Museum Scholarship<\/p>\n

Eric Avin: Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Esther Neysha Accena: Brighten the Corner Scholarship<\/p>\n

Eva Dolle: LEAD Estero \/ Engage Estero Scholarship<\/p>\n

Fahima Emran: John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Felix Santiago Colon: Barbara’s Friends Scholarship<\/p>\n

Francisco Galindo: Anne M. Fassett Scholarship<\/p>\n

Gabriela Aya: John I. and Madeleine R. Taeni Scholarship<\/p>\n

Gabriella Figueroa: Ellen Sheppard Scholarship<\/p>\n

Gabriella Guerrero: Immokalee Achievement Award Scholarship<\/p>\n

Gabriella Andrews: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Gianna Velez: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Gigi Lieze-Adams: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Grace Riley: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship and John and Ellen Sheppard Humane Student Scholarship<\/p>\n

Grecia Landaeta: Doris W. Frey Scholarship<\/p>\n

Guenia Pierre: Doctors Ira & Udaya Dash Nursing Scholarship and Doris W. Frey Scholarship<\/p>\n

Habeeba Shaik: Ruth Messmer Scholarship<\/p>\n

Haley Grimmel: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Hannah Nevins: Doris W. Frey Scholarship<\/p>\n

Heaven Johnson: Barbara’s Friends Scholarship<\/p>\n

Hernal Cadet: Steven F. Lux Scholarship Fund for First Responders<\/p>\n

Hunter Krawczuk: Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship<\/p>\n

Itzel Romero: Patricia Means Scholarship<\/p>\n

Izabel Beauvoir: Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jacey Heckler: Lewis B. Barber Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jacob Tremblay: Judge William J. Nelson Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jailynn Sparrow: Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ja’liyah Ward: Brighten the Corner Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jamie Taveras: James D. & Eleanor F. Newton Children’s Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jania Sparrow: Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jasmin Reyes: Brighten the Corner Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jasmine Heckerman: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jayden Torres: Jordan Ashley Gutheim Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jeamee Dominguez: LEAD Estero Del Negro Family Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jensen Diggs: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Joan Castillo: Love of Bonita Empowerment Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jocelyn Gomez-Melo: Brighten the Corner Scholarship<\/p>\n

Jorge Paniagua: D & A Scholarship<\/p>\n

Joshua Argudin: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Julia McHale: Jane Cavanna Bleakly Scholarship<\/p>\n

Justin Rode: Ricky Pigott Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kadence Holcomb: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kaitlyn Tischer: Anne Sturrock Nursing Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kassandra Salazar: Patricia Means Scholarship<\/p>\n

Katherine Calmo Tista: Frances H. Waldron Scholarship<\/p>\n

Katherine Kahle: G. Napier and Ellen T. Wilson Scholarship<\/p>\n

Katlyn Ruiz: Julie Willard Mikell Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kaylah Dominguez: Howard P. & Magdalen K. Breitenbach Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kaylin Norwood: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kellyn Rivas: LEAD Estero \/ Engage Estero Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kendyl Riviezzo: SWFL Deputy Sheriffs Association Scholarship<\/p>\n

Keyla Castillo Ibes: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship for Nursing and James Bilder Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kiersten Bosse: John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kimberly Vicente-Gomez: Doctors Ira & Udaya Dash Nursing Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kimora Jackson: Judge Isaac Anderson, Jr. Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kurukulasuriya Fernando: Richard S. Thompson & Marion L. Thompson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Kylie Thomas: Richard S. Thompson & Marion L. Thompson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Laila Farley: Anne Schuchman and Stephen Light Holocaust Museum Scholarship<\/p>\n

Laura Martinez Martinez: Patricia Means Scholarship<\/p>\n

Leisy Leyva: Richard S. Thompson & Marion L. Thompson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Leon McCant: Jordan Abdo Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Lexie Skorzak: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship<\/p>\n

Leyah Rodriguez: Brighten the Corner Scholarship<\/p>\n

Leyanna Nelson: Robert B. & Dorothy Pence Scholarship<\/p>\n

Liam Avin: Justin Curtis Anderson Scholarship<\/p>\n

Londyn Hall: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Lucy Gray: LEAD Estero \/ Estero Rotary Scholarship<\/p>\n

Luis Escalona: John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Luis Nestoso: LEAD Estero \/ Estero Rotary Scholarship<\/p>\n

Luis Xithe: Anne Schuchman and Stephen Light Holocaust Museum Scholarship<\/p>\n

Mackain Menassa: John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Mackenzie Jackson: Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship<\/p>\n

Makena King: Anne Schuchman and Stephen Light Holocaust Museum Scholarship<\/p>\n

Malley Menna: Jane Berktold Scholarship<\/p>\n

Maria Cristina Landivar Acha: Herbert E. Hussey Scholarship<\/p>\n

Maria Paz Duran: Carl E. Brooks Scholarship<\/p>\n

Maverick Bailey: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship and Howard P. & Magdalen K. Breitenbach Scholarship<\/p>\n

Maya Cesar: Ann and Tom Smoot Scholarship<\/p>\n

Mayra Ortiz: Chip Johnson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Merary Penate-Martinez: Carl E. Brooks Scholarship<\/p>\n

Meytana Dorvilien: Richard S. Thompson & Marion L. Thompson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Michael Lau: LEAD Estero Founders Scholarship and Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Miguel Guerrero: Chip Johnson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Miles Brown: John M. & Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Morgan Dahlke: Paul B. & Aline Flynn Scholarship<\/p>\n

Nakia Joyner: Alli D. Brett Scholarship for Nursing<\/p>\n

Nalin Isme: Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Nathaniel Caves: Robert C. & Margaret A. Schikora Scholarship<\/p>\n

Nia Erome: Bruce T. Gora Scholarship and Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Nicholas Cerabona: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Nora Cunningham-Crangle: David G. Robinson Fund for the Arts Scholarship<\/p>\n

Nylah Hodge: Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship<\/p>\n

Olivia Matzen: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Oscar Nicolas: Patricia Means Scholarship<\/p>\n

Oyinkansola Badmus: James Bilder Scholarship<\/p>\n

Raven Gadson: Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship<\/p>\n

Rayshaun Lindor: Jane Berktold Scholarship<\/p>\n

Reese Anderson: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Rilyn Dick: Linda L. Mann Scholarship<\/p>\n

Romina Baca: LEAD Estero \/ Estero Rotary Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ruth Elisabeth Wisner: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ryan Hunter: Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship and Quality Life Center\/Emma Lee Thomas Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Rylie DiSarro: SWFL Deputy Sheriffs Association Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ryne Gall: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Samantha Curls: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Samantha Degen: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Samira Turnage: George E. Judd Scholarship<\/p>\n

Samuel Dugarte: Brighten the Corner Scholarship<\/p>\n

Sarah Lindo: Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship and Richard S. Thompson & Marion L. Thompson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Sebastian Canizares: Carol Patti McLaughlin Scholarship<\/p>\n

Serron Duncan: Richard S. Thompson & Marion L. Thompson Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Sofia Vargas Franca Passos: LEAD Estero \/ Estero Rotary Scholarship<\/p>\n

Sophia Schroeder: LEAD Estero Topper Family Scholarship<\/p>\n

Sydney Rodman: Jane Berktold Scholarship<\/p>\n

Technie Fabien: AAUW Sue Gottcent Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Thomas O’Brian: David C. Barton Scholarship<\/p>\n

Tiffany McGeary: Mary Ann Elder Scholarship<\/p>\n

Trea Grimmitt: Mrs. Cathy Riedel Scholarship<\/p>\n

Treyvion Brown: Isabel Mayer Kirkpatrick Scholarship<\/p>\n

Trista Timm: Tommy Bohanon Foundation Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ty Massey: Robert A. Kleckner Scholarship<\/p>\n

Victor Chavez: Jerome L. King Scholarship for Careers in Healthcare<\/p>\n

Wilmer Martinez: LEAD Estero Trade School Scholarship<\/p>\n

Yahir Perez Hernandez: Building Futures Scholarship<\/p>\n

Yuliana Salas Gonzalez: Joanne Vorhees Scholarship<\/p>\n

Yusbely Linares: Jerome L. King Scholarship for Careers in Healthcare<\/p>\n

Yusbely Linares: Anne Schuchman and Stephen Light Holocaust Museum Scholarship<\/p>\n

Ziya Chambers: Brighten the Corner Scholarship, and Hope Foundation of Southwest Florida Scholarship in Memory of Fredrick Morgan, and Epsilon Nu Boule Foundation\/ Charles M. Reynolds Jr. Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n

Zoe Enslin: Ricky Pigott Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This year, Collaboratory awarded 217 scholarships to students and adult learners from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":292198,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[209,211,210],"class_list":["post-292197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral-headlines","tag-cape-coral-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=292197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292197\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/292198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=292197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=292197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=292197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}