(Victoria) Regina Girdner
The Corsair
Anne Cynkar had already attended Pensacola State College for more than two years before she applied for a Pensacola State College Foundation scholarship and got it. With a Baccalaureate degree and the benefit of the GI Bill, she never thought she could qualify.
Anne wanted to concentrate on school full time, to get her new life after the military off to a good start, but even with VA benefits that was hard to do with a mortgage to pay. So, after two years of working an off-campus job, work-study, going to school, and struggling to pay for expensive medical books, she decided to apply.
The Pensacola State College Foundation was incorporated in 1965 to provide for the needs of the college where state and federal funds fell short. Its mission is to enrich student and teacher educational experiences by funding endowed teacher chairs, cutting-edge technology, improved facilities, and scholarships for deserving PSC students.
Ed Meadows, President of Pensacola State College, says that every year approximately 1,500 PSC students don’t attend because of finances. The foundation works to try to fill that gap.
“Last year degree-seeking students attending Pensacola State College received over $32 million in federal, state, institutional and foundation assistance,” said the director of Financial Aid, Veteran Services, and Scholarships, Karen Kessler, “…and even with that amount of aid the State of Florida never provides sufficient funds for the College to award 100% of our eligible students.”
Patrice Whitten, foundation executive director, says the foundation awards scholarships that range in size from a book to a full ride. And many who don’t qualify for a PELL grant or other state or federal grants might still qualify for a foundation scholarship.
Some scholarships offered by the foundation are merit based, but many are based on the needs of the student. The foundation administers more than 200 scholarships. Of those, about 75% are needs based. In fiscal year 2011, $811,088 in scholarship dollars was expended by the foundation, or used by students during this period.
One foundation scholarship based predominately on need is the Universal Scholarship, which is designed for students who don’t qualify for PELL or other assistance. The First Generation scholarship for attendees whose parents did not receive college degrees is another need-based scholarship offered by the Foundation. 107 Pensacola State students received First Generation scholarships totaling $97,031 in 2009-2010.
The foundation also offers scholarships for full- or part-time students attending specific programs, students with special interests and talents, as well as those who fit very specific criteria. Being the child of a single parent or being a single parent, students who come from foster homes or alternative school environments, or being a graduate of the former Woodham High School are just a few examples of specific criteria required by various foundation scholarships.
“Don’t ever let money keep you from going to college,” Kessler said.
Apply for admission as early as possible, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and read the scholarship material. Talk to people in Financial Aid, Student Affairs, department heads, and any student advisors. Let them know your interests and talents.
“Financial aid is like having a conversation.” Kessler said. “Think of yourself as a whole person not just that student going into the classroom.”
Tell them what your needs are. Many times there are scholarships that might relate to your history or something you enjoy but not to your degree program.
New scholarships are being added every year. For instance, nine new scholarships were established in 2009-2010. One new scholarship made available in 2011 was the Pensacola Pledge Scholars program which awards $1,200 a year per student and gives preference to high school graduates entering college for the first time who are residents of the City of Pensacola.
It is important for students to accurately file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), apply for scholarships, and get enrolled in courses that count toward completing their program as soon as possible after January 1 each year. Deadlines for applications to the Foundation must be submitted on or before May 1 for fall term, on or before Nov. 1 for spring, and on or before March 1 for summer term of the attending school year.
A new simplified application form called STARS, the Scholarship Tracking and Review System, is being introduced on the foundation page at www.pensacolastate.edu in time for summer 2012 applicants. By a series of questions, STARS will make it easier for students to locate and match their specific situations to the criteria required by the varied scholarships.
The foundation and, in consequence, PSC, has prospered and grown over the years from the generosity of many local, civic minded benefactors. They believe that the whole community prospers when everyone has the opportunity for a quality higher education.
The efforts of many philanthropists and dedicated volunteers have put their money and hard work into making the Foundation and Pensacola State College what it is today. In fact, “…many of today’s leaders got their start at this college,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward.
Anne Cynkar received two scholarships from the foundation that helped pay for books and equipment.
“It was a quick process,” she said. “They were so great! The office of Curriculum Development personally called me as soon as the decisions were made to let me know I had been approved.”
Today, Anne volunteers at foundation events, working to help open opportunities for others like herself.