NSF Grant Offers Scholarships to More SFSC Students in STEM Programs

AVON PARK, Fla. – March 31, 2025 – The focus of a grant to South Florida State College (SFSC) from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Emerge Scholars Program: Preparing Students for an Innovative Future, has expanded and will offer more students access to scholarships in STEM-related programs. Degree programs that the grant now covers are the Associate in Science in Engineering Technology, Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis, and Associate in Science in Networking Systems Technology.

The NSF is an independent agency of the United States federal government that supports research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering. The agency’s award to SFSC in 2023 was $750,000 and the grant monies will be available through November 2028.

Through the SFSC Emerge Scholars Program, students who have been admitted to and/or enrolled in one of the three designated programs may be eligible for a $3,700-per semester scholarship. Other criteria for the scholarship are that the student must be enrolled full time; have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file; must be registered for the term that the student is seeking assistance; and must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, U.S. national, or admitted refugee. It is preferred that the student have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

SFSC’s Associate in Science in Engineering Technology prepares students for high-skill, high-wage positions, such as systems technician, process analyst, technical sales technician, project technician, and calibration technician. It can serve as a terminal degree or the first step leading to a bachelor’s degree in a technical area or management through the Florida University System.

The Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis prepares the student to become a software applications specialist or entry-level programmer in the microcomputer/business environment.

Through the Associate in Science in Network Systems Technology, students become proficient in basic and advanced concepts of network operation, support, and security. The demand for information technology workers continues to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology, and networks.

To apply for the Emerge Scholarship for the Associate in Science in Engineering Technology, contact Garrett Lee, Engineering Program coordinator, at 863-784-7439 or leeg@southflorida.edu. For the Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis or Associate in Science in Networking Systems Technology, contact Lorri Jaques, Computer Science professor, at 863-784-7444 or jaquesl@southflorida.edu.

If you have not completed the FAFSA and need assistance, contact the SFSC Financial Aid Office at 863-784-7134 or finaid@southflorida.edu.

AVON Park, Fla. – March 27, 2025 – The Florida College System (FCS) has named two South Florida State College (SFSC) students to the 2025 All-Florida Academic Team. The SFSC students earning this recognition are Ashley Dean and Myrlande Matine.

Each year, the FCS names an All-Florida Academic Team to honor students enrolled in Florida’s public state and community colleges for their academic achievement, leadership, and service to the community.

Dean is a Sebring High School student and is dually enrolled at SFSC. She carries a 4.0 GPA. Dean graduates from high school and from SFSC with an Associate in Arts degree in May 2025. She plans to apply to SFSC’s Associate in Science in Nursing program and would like to, eventually, earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Matine expects to earn her Associate in Science in Nursing from SFSC in May 2025. She  hopes to continue her education and work toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SFSC and would like to, eventually, earn a master’s degree in Nursing. Her goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist.

“We are incredibly proud of the academic achievements of these students from the Tau Epsilon Chapter of PTK at SFSC,” said Renee LaDue, PTK advisor at SFSC. “Each of them has demonstrated outstanding dedication to their academic goals. Being named to the All-Florida Academic Team is a prestigious honor and a fantastic way to acknowledge and celebrate excellence at SFSC.”

PTK is an honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of community and state college students and helps them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of over 3.5 million members in the United States and 10 additional nations. For more on PTK, visit ptk.org.

For more information about SFSC’s PTK chapter, contact Renee LaDue, PTK advisor, at 863-784-7034.

AVON PARK, Fla. – March 26, 2025 – Myrlande Matine, a student at South Florida State College (SFSC), has been named a 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK).

New Century Workforce scholars are elected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Nearly 2,100 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state. Matine earned the highest score toward the scholarship in Florida.

Matine expects to earn her Associate in Science in Nursing from SFSC on May 8 and work on her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SFSC. Eventually, she’d like to earn a master’s degree in Nursing.

“My goal as a professional is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist,” Matine said. “However, I would also be pleased to work in geriatrics and would enjoy any nursing specialty, as I have a strong desire to serve people and give back the kindness I have received.”

“We congratulate Myrlande for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, PTK president and CEO. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”

The New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized in the fall.

PTK is an honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of community and state college students and helps them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of over 3.5 million members in the United States and 10 additional nations. For more on PTK, visit ptk.org.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world. For more information about The Coca-Cola Foundation, visit coca-colagivingback.com.

About The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.

March 18, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) is hosting a ribbon cutting for its new Center for Innovative Teaching (CIT) where faculty, staff, and the SFSC community can use the technology and equipment to improve course delivery, develop presentations, create podcasts, capture video, and record audio.

Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Location: Center for Innovative Teaching, Building H, Highlands Campus

Time: 11:30 a.m. 

For more information about the CIT, contact Carleigh Okwali at 863-784-7018 or carleigh.okwali@southflorida.edu. For information about the ribbon-cutting event, contact Melissa Kuehnle at 863-784-7379 or kuehnlem@southflorida.edu. 

AVON PARK, Fla. – March 24, 2025 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) will present the 2025 Annual Student Juried Art Show, Wednesday, April 9 through Friday, May 9, in the Museum’s gallery on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park. The monthlong show will feature painting, drawing, ceramics, digital media, mixed media, and photography created by SFSC art students.

An awards ceremony and reception will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts.

“The 2025 SFSC Annual Student Juried Art Show features an impressive panel of jurors, including potter Jim Fetzer of J. Fetzer Pottery, landscape architect and artist Max Gooding of The Max Gooding Company, and artist Keith Goodson of Keith Goodson Studios,” said Karla Respress, SFSC art instructor. “The judging was conducted by art historian Megan Stepe from Full Sail University. Stepe is also a former curator of MOFAC. Attendees of the exhibition will appreciate a diverse range of works, showcasing both traditional themes and techniques, as well as unconventional approaches, such as photographic recreations of iconic art pieces and innovative paintings created using bacteria. All are encouraged to visit during the first three days of the show to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award.”

This year’s Student Art Show is sponsored by Max Gooding, Cathy Futral, Tanglewood Art League, the MOFAC docents, and the SFSC Art Club. The Max Gooding Award for Best of Show will be announced and used to purchase an exceptional student art piece for the SFSC Student Art Collection. This award is made possible by SFSC alumnus Max Gooding. The Tanglewood Art League will present two awards for continuing art majors. Cathy Futral, retired SFSC Art professor, will present two Awards of Excellence. SFSC President Fred Hawkins will choose one piece of artwork that will become part of the President’s Art Collection at SFSC.

MOFAC exhibits can be viewed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free. MOFAC is located at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park.

AVON PARK, Fla. – March 7, 2025 – The Malcolm Family endowed scholarship has made it easier for DeSoto County residents to participate in trades programs at South Florida State College (SFSC). Some of the trades programs at SFSC are Welding; Automotive Service Technology; Automotive Collision Technology Technician; Phlebotomy; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R); Electrical Lineworker; and Construction Trades.  

Criteria for a Malcolm Family Scholarship are that the applicant must be a resident of DeSoto County, Fla. and preference will be given to applicants who are 25 years old or younger. They must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at SFSC on a minimum of a half-time basis and have completed their first year of a trades program course at SFSC. Preference is given to applicants who have completed their first year of study through the dual enrollment program at SFSC, have demonstrated financial need, and participate in the Boys and Girls Club of Arcadia. This is a full-tuition and fees scholarship that may be renewable for a second year.

“Through this endowed scholarship, SFSC students will have a financial resource for many years into the future,” said Marcia Conliffe, Financial Aid director. “SFSC is grateful for donors, such as the Malcolm family. Their gifts allow our students to focus on their studies and, in time, make our communities economically stronger.”

An endowed scholarship enables donors to create a legacy, carrying funds toward student scholarships into perpetuity. Scholarships for students are awarded from the interest that the endowment earns. As the corpus grows, the SFSC Foundation can award scholarships to students for years to come.

To apply for scholarships made available through the SFSC Foundation, visit AwardSpring at: southflorida.awardspring.com. For more information about the SFSC Foundation or to make a donation, call 863-453-3133 or email foundation@southflorida.edu.