OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help students overcome financial barriers and continue their education during the 2026-27 academic year.
The funding will support the Edward K. Roberts Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students who may not qualify for traditional financial aid programs. Priority is given to students who are parents working to improve opportunities for themselves and their families through higher education.
This marks the seventh consecutive year the CF Foundation has received support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund. With this latest award, total scholarship funding provided to CF students through the program has reached $480,000.
Since 2020, the scholarship has assisted more than 200 College of Central Florida students, helping them remain enrolled and continue working toward their educational goals despite financial hardships. Funding is available to eligible students attending the college’s Ocala Campus, Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus and Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus.
“We are thankful for the continued support of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund,” said Jerry Benton, chair of the CF Foundation Board of Directors. “This scholarship opens doors for students who are working hard to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.”
College officials said the scholarship reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and promoting student success across Florida’s community college system.
Founded in 1959, the CF Foundation supports College of Central Florida programs and services through private donations, scholarship funding and community partnerships. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, established in 1979, manages more than 1,600 charitable funds and awarded $44.7 million in grants and scholarships last year.