Mayor’s scholarship application process under way
Some of Cape Coral’s brightest young minds will get the opportunity to receive scholarship opportunities to further their scholastic voyage thanks to a program started over 30 years ago.
The Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund awards multiple $1,500 scholarship to prospective local college-bound teens that are well rounded in scholarly works and community involvement.
“The Mayors Scholarship Fund is a great organization. The all-volunteer board works year-round to provide $1,500 scholarships to as many students as possible each year,” said Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello in a statement. “Last year they also granted three $1,500 scholarships for students pursuing trade or vocational school education. I’m happy to see the trade and vocational program scholarships awarded as this will benefit and grow our city workforce. As long as scholarships are needed to help students achieve their dreams of advanced degrees or trade and vocational licensure I know the Mayors Scholarship Fund will be here to assist as many students as possible.”
In 2018, the fund distributed 25 $1,500 scholarships to assist Cape Coral seniors pursuing a higher education, thanks to sponsors and fundraising opportunities.
In the inaugural year of 1983, the program provided two, $500 scholarships.
“The repeat commitment from our community sponsors is what makes this possible,” said Leigh Ann Cain, president of the Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund, Inc., and assistant principal at Island Coast High School. “They want to recognize our outstanding youth and help them achieve their dreams.”
Applicants must be Cape Coral residents, though you do not have to attend a Cape high school to be eligible.
The submissions are reviewed by four individuals that make up the Scholarship Selection Committee, headed this year by District 6 Councilmember Rick Williams-and scored on a standard rubric system to be “ranked.”
The process concludes with student interviews with the Scholarship Selection Committee, some time around the end of March.
“We are seeking students looking for post-secondary education at a four-year university or technical college and have a combination of academic excellence as well as a commitment to the Cape Coral community,” said Cain.
Cain said a question they find value in during the student interview process is, “How will you use your scholarship to give back to the community?”
The community has done its part since 1982, having provided an estimated $850,000 in scholarships to deserving high school graduates.
These financial opportunities can symbolize hope and a future for many students, as the monitory costs of universities and colleges have only increased year-to-year.
“The scholarships represent opportunity. They recognize the outstanding potential of our youth in this city,” said Cain. “It can offer financial resources that they would not otherwise have had.”
Cain said that the scholarships are quite competitive, as they receive hundreds of applicants each year.
On March 21, there will be a fundraiser at Cultural Park Theater featuring the “Rip Cord Comedy Show.”
Those who wish to put their name in the hat have until Feb. 8 to do so.
Applications can be submitted online or via mail and can be found at www.capecoralmayorscholarship.com or from your local high school’s guidance councilor.
Mailed submissions should be addressed to: Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund Inc., P.O. Box 151999, Cape Coral, FL 33915.
The Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a 501(3) organization made up of an 18-member volunteer board of directors along with eight trustees.
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