FIU President’s Council to support FIU’s first generation college students


For the second consecutive year, members of FIU’s President’s Council are joining forces to support the First Generation Scholarship Fund, a program that helps students who are the first generation in their families to receive a college degree.

“It is gratifying for me to see so many of our business leaders coming forward to support our students,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “They understand that FIU students are from our community and they stay in South Florida after graduation. A contribution to the First Generation Scholarship Fund is a direct investment in our community.”

The FIU First Generation Scholarship Program is supported by an innovative matching grant program established in 2006 by the Florida Legislature. Since its inception, FIU has awarded nearly $4.2 million in scholarships to more than 6,100 students in need of financial assistance. The program is the only one of its kind in the state to match private donations 100 percent for first generation students. With the fundraising efforts of the President’s Council and the FIU community, FIU surpassed its state-allocated goal and was able to award more than $1 million in scholarships last year.

“As business leaders it is our responsibility to help bright, motivated young people accomplish their dreams,” said Victor C. Balestra, chairman of FIU’s President’s Council, the premier community relations board of the university.

First Generation Scholarships are very important at FIU because first generation students represent 53 percent of the university’s undergraduate students. The university serves a large percentage of economically disadvantaged students: 89 percent of freshmen depend on financial aid and nearly 43 percent of all of FIU’s financial aid recipients come from families with annual household incomes of less than $30,000.

This year’s President’s Council Dreamakers Luncheon, benefiting the scholarship fund, will take place on Oct. 4. Individuals interested in attending this fundraising event may contact presidentscouncil@FIU.edu.

Donations to the First Generation Scholarship Fund can be made by visiting http://advancement.fiu.edu/firstgen/.

 

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