The Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships to 407 students last month. Many of this year’s recipients were awarded through the Community Foundation’s Traditional Scholarship Program, which offers opportunities for more than 70 different types of scholarships through a single application. Recipients were selected based on need, merit, or a combination of both, and the scholarships are designed to satisfy and fulfill a diverse array of academic goals. With this support, students graduating within Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties, as well as current college students under 24 years of age who graduated from high schools within these four counties, have the opportunity to pursue higher education at colleges or technical schools and fulfill their personal and professional goals.

Additionally, the Community Foundation supports and provides, alongside community partners and donors, several unique scholarship opportunities, including Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition BSN and doctoral scholarships (47 scholarships, $158,000); Ringling College Library Association Town Hall scholarships ($2,000 scholarships for each of 15 students); and performing arts scholarships (14 students, $37,000). The Community Foundation says more scholarships will also be awarded throughout the year.