Lift Orlando celebrates 14 new and 5 returning scholarship recipients

On May 20, residents, partners, and guests gathered at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center for a heartwarming and inspiring task: to celebrate the 14 newest recipients of the Lift Orlando Scholarship and 5 returning recipients.

The Lift Orlando Scholarship program, which aims to support students from the 32805 ZIP Code in their pursuit of higher education, goes beyond just covering tuition. It addresses various barriers that can hinder academic success, such as housing, technology, and transportation. This year, Lift Orlando was proud to disburse $131,564 in scholarship funds!

New Lift Orlando scholarship recipients

The event was filled with joy and gratitude, as students shared their stories and expressed their appreciation for the opportunities the scholarships have facilitated. Andrew Anderson, one of the scholarship recipients, shared, "The Lift Orlando scholarship is allowing me to go to college for free. Now I can focus on school and be involved in many clubs and events to better my college experience without burdening my parents and having to work while in school!"

Kimberly St. Jean, another recipient, shared a similar sentiment. "The Lift Orlando scholarship has provided me with the funds for housing at Florida State University, which gives me the chance to fully immerse myself in college life. I’ve had my concerns prior to the scholarship, but now that I have it, I can rest assured that I’ll have somewhere on campus to call home without a heavy financial burden,” she said.

Kimberly St. Jean with her family.

Supporting these scholars’ futures left a mark on all those involved – including members of the selection committee who got to know each of the applicants. Jill L. Robbins, a member of the committee, was moved by the event and the stories of the scholarship recipients.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, "I truly want to send a heartfelt thank you to Lift Orlando for your hard work and creating this initiative. It took everything in me to hold back tears as I watched the scholars onstage. I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of this venture, and I feel truly blessed. I look forward to working with Lift Orlando and the residents of West Lakes again.”

The Lift Orlando Scholarship Program was born out of conversations with neighbors, community leaders, and educators that began in 2022. It aims to provide a holistic approach to education, ensuring that students from high-priority neighborhoods can pursue and excel in their academic endeavors. As Lynn Thompson, Director of Education at Lift Orlando, eloquently puts it, "Scholarship opportunities are not just pathways to education; they are bridges to futures unimagined, unlocking doors for those who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.”

The event served as a powerful reminder of the impact that community-driven initiatives can have on individual lives and the collective future of our neighborhoods. Lift Orlando remains committed to strengthening neighborhoods so people can thrive, and making sure that every child in Orlando can grow up with hope and return with joy.

Director of Education Lynn Thompson celebrates before handing Andrew Anderson his scholarship award

For more information about the Lift Orlando Scholarship Program and to apply, visit this page. And if you want to upLift neighbors like Andrew Anderson and Kimberly St. Jean, be sure to join the Love is Local movement by taking the kindness pledge today.

Let's continue to shape a future where every person, regardless of their ZIP Code, has access to high-quality education from cradle to career!