Twenty scholarships were presented on May 26 at Marathon High School Class Night, including four Board of Trustees Scholarships and 16 Nextgen Opportunity Workforce (NOW) Scholarships. Three scholarships were awarded May 27 at Key West High School Class Night, including two Board of Trustees Scholarships and one Hemingway Look-Alike Society Kermit “Shine” Forbes Scholarship. One additional Hemingway Look-Alike Society Kermit “Shine” Forbes Scholarship was presented May 28 at the CFK Academy graduation.

“Awarding over $250,000 in scholarships to local high school graduates is more than an investment in education - it is an investment in the future of our community,” said Dr. Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director. “These scholarships ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of education and opportunity. With NOW Scholarship applications open through August 11, even more students will have the chance to pursue their dreams close to home and build a brighter future for themselves and the Keys.”

“Every dollar invested in education results in a $5 return for students and a $7 return for society,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President and CEO. “But this is about more than smart investing, it’s about lifting up the lives and futures of our students and our community.”

About the Scholarships

The Board of Trustees Scholarship is awarded to Monroe County high school graduates who have earned a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated leadership and commitment to higher education. The scholarship covers full tuition for an associate degree.

The Nextgen Opportunity Workforce (NOW) Scholarship, now in its second year, supports students from the Middle and Upper Keys pursuing career technical education and workforce training programs. The full-cost scholarship covers tuition, fees, and related educational expenses. Recipients have demonstrated a long-term commitment to serving the Florida Keys community.

The Hemingway Look-Alike Society Kermit “Shine” Forbes Scholarship is funded by one of the College’s most enduring supporters. The Hemingway Look-Alike Society (HLAS) members include competitors in Key West’s famous Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, their spouses, and aspiring Papas. HLAS has built the largest endowment in CFK history, totaling $750,000, and has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships over 27 years. Named in memory of the legendary Key West boxer who sparred with Ernest Hemingway himself, the scholarship provides $2,500 to graduating seniors enrolling at CFK.

Applicants must be admitted to the College first to be eligible to apply for scholarships

The College of the Florida Keys has served Monroe County for 60 years, offering bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, workforce programs, and community enrichment courses from Key Largo to Key West. With help from the CFK Foundation, the College also provides financial support to help students achieve their educational goals.

For scholarship information, contact Shania Duarte-Vera, Coordinator of Scholarships and Donor Relations, at foundation@cfk.edu or 305-809-3153. Information on financial aid, federal ad, and tuition payment plans is available at cfk.edu/paying-for-college.

To support CFK students and programs through the CFK Foundation, contact Dr. Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at 305-809-3214 or foundation@cfk.edu.

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