Florida Gulf Coast University has partnered with the Raise.me scholarship platform aimed at motivating students to excel in high school and improve college readiness. Through the online program, eligible Florida students can now earn up to $2,500 per year in micro-scholarships starting in 9th grade for individual achievements, such as participating in community service, completing challenging courses and embracing a leadership role in an extracurricular activity.
“Florida Gulf Coast University is very pleased to be a partner in this program,” said Director of Undergraduate Admissions Marc Laviolette. “When students enter high school, they begin to understand the benefits of getting good grades and how becoming involved in school activities goes beyond college admission and its monetary impact. It’s a greater incentive for students to be successful and fully prepared for college.”
In addition to improving clarity and access regarding financial aid, the new program allows students to track specific goals they want to accomplish throughout high school, helping them become more competitive college applicants and more successful college students.
Amassing micro-scholarships from a college does not constitute an offer of admission; however, if students are accepted, they receive the Raise.me award along with any federal or state grants for which they are eligible.
Raise.me is a service focused on expanding access to higher education, especially among low-income and first-generation college students. Raise.me charges participating universities fees, but is free for students. The service also provides a free portal for high school counselors to help students track their progress. More than 17,000 high schools use the service.