Tom Dowling
(863) 297-1051

PCC Foundation Exceeds Goal To Fund First Generation Scholarships

01/08/2007: Updated: 01/23/2007: The Polk Community College Foundation exceeded its goal to raise monies to fund the First Generation Scholarship, which is designed for students who are the first in their families to attend college. The state’s goal was $106,348 and PCC donors gave over $113,000. PCC was one of  five of Florida's 28 community colleges that exceeded its goal. 

The 2006 Florida legislature passed the First Generation Matching Grant Program, which had a December deadline and the PCC Foundation took advantage of the State of Florida’s 1 to 1 matching fund, which is anticipated to produce $212,696 in this scholarship fund.  

            These contributions and matching dollars will result in some 50 students being provided PCC First Generation Scholarships.

          Tracy Porter, Associate Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the PCC Foundation, was extremely pleased. “I want to thank everyone who helped us reach this goal. This was a real team effort from the Foundation Board, District Board of Trustees, various donors, including corporate, individuals and PCC’s faculty and staff,” she said.

“Their dedication shined bright and will help transform lives of individuals whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree.

“I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together in 2007 and beyond,” Porter added. “I feel honored to work in this community and appreciate everyone’s commitment to education that exceeds expectations!”

             The PCC Foundation, Inc. financially supports PCC’s educational mission in many ways including establishing scholarships and purchasing equipment. Last year, the PCC Foundation administered over 600 endowed and private scholarships that help students in financial need.