Say 'thanks' for education with a scholarship

COURTESY PHOTO This year, 700 students, out of the 17,000 who attend Edison College, will receive privately funded scholarships through the Edison College Foundation. Over my many years in the banking industry, I have witnessed the generosity of numerous clients as they've made endof year charitable gifts. More recently, as District Chairman of the Edison College Foundation, Inc., I have had the good fortune to see first hand how such gifts are directly affecting the lives of those on the receiving end.

Going into debt and making personal sacrifices to get an education is nothing new. I did it, and you probably did as well. Edison College students sacrifice, too. We recently learned that a larger percentage of Edison students work more than 30 hours a week, higher than their counterparts nationwide. But when these students are also dealing with illness, injury or a recent divorce, have lost their job, or are caring for a family member, their plans to make a better future for themselves and their families are often derailed.

In the 2007-08 fiscal year, 700 students will receive privately funded scholarships through the Edison College Foundation. In most cases, these scholarships are awarded when all other sources of federal financial aid have been tapped and a financial need remains. In many cases, the funding provides the margin of difference between the student graduating or dropping out.

Thankfully, there are bighearted people in our community who are making a positive impact by donating to the Edison College Foundation. They believe that education changes lives for the better and makes a difference not only for the students, but also contributes to a better community and stronger economy. Their gifts, large and small, help Edison students to pay tuition and buy their textbooks so they can use personal funds for groceries, childcare, rent and car repairs. In their own words, our grateful students say thanks:

"I want to personally thank you for taking me into consideration for your scholarship. Words are voiced from my heart and I deeply appreciate this. I am planning to major in business management as a background, get a MBA and then a PhD in education. I am passionate to change a negative into a positive and I will do so by guiding the youth. You have shined light into my future". "Please accept my deepest thanks for the scholarship I was recently awarded. This award does not simply help with my tuition and book costs- it makes my nursing education possible. As a single income family, there is simply no way that we could afford the high cost of tuition and books without assistance. This scholarship is helping to make my dream a reality and for this I will be eternally grateful."

As you start to think about which charitable cause you would like to support, please consider the one in which you will receive the greatest return on investment - education. This year alone, 17,000 students will choose Edison College to master a new technology, begin a career, or learn a new skill. Edison College's faculty and staff are committed to access, and see the potential for growth in every individual. They reach out to honor students as well as those who have never considered themselves to be "college material", and make it possible for motivated individuals from all walks of life to acquire the education and competencies needed to be a productive citizen. Many need our help.

On behalf of Southwest Florida's future nurses, teachers, paramedics, accountants, legal assistants and business executives, I thank you for your support. Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

For more information on Edison College please call 239/489-9210.