BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – The steep cost of higher education is forcing many of today's graduating high school seniors to delay their dreams of attending college. That's why the Broward Education Foundation and its generous donors are at the forefront to help make college dreams a reality.
At its Scholarship Award Ceremony, the Broward Education Foundation awarded more than $750,000 worth of scholarships to 207 Broward County public school seniors.
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The college scholarships ranged from $500 to four-year Florida Prepaid plans.
Keynote speaker, scholarship donor and Broward County resident Jammal Davenport delivered a moving message.
Davenport recalled the challenges he faced growing up, raised by a single teenage mother surrounded by negative social influences. He persevered despite the adversities he faced, graduated from college and today gives back through the "Sprouting Scholar Award" scholarships he and his wife Amber established with the Broward Education Foundation.
They created the scholarships for those who possess academic potential to be exceptional students.
"Some scholars have not sprouted to their fullest potential, not because they cannot perform academically, but because they simply have not had the best start to success," Davenport said. "Students are a harvest of knowledge waiting to sprout in better conditions."
The Broward Education Foundation awards scholarships to qualifying students who fall short of their financial need to pursue a college education.
"Many times students just need help along the path to success," said Broward Education Foundation Board Chair Christina Fischer. "That's what we do at (the) Broward Education Foundation."
In 34 years, through a partnership between the Broward Education Foundation, the School Board of Broward County, local universities, businesses and community leaders, more than 5,500 scholarships totaling nearly $12 million have been awarded.