Photo (From left): Ian Fletcher, Barzella Papa and Eric Godet hold up a $100,000 check for the GNV Chamber Foundation.
Recently, the Greater Gainesville Chamber Foundation completed a match grant of $50,000 from the Community Foundation of North Central Florida (CFNCF). The initial $50,000 grant, provided by the Florida Philanthropic Network’s College Access and Success Initiative (CASI 2.0) Challenge Grant, aims to support foundations in bolstering their College Access Networks. The CASI 2.0 initiative, with the support of Florida College Access Network, The Kresge Foundation, and the Helios Education Foundation, seeks to expand educational opportunities, ensuring every Floridian can achieve postsecondary education and a rewarding career.
“Florida’s future depends on the success of today’s students,” said Braulio Colón, executive director at FCAN. “We are incredibly excited for the work that the Greater Gainesville Foundation is doing in preparing students to succeed on the career paths they choose to pursue.”
The Greater Gainesville Chamber Foundation manages the local college access network programs, featuring initiatives like Cash for College and Florida College Decision Day.
“This grant is a tremendous boost for our local collaborative efforts,” said Ian Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer/VP of Education & Talent at the Greater Gainesville Chamber. “It will enhance our efforts in providing vital resources and support to underrepresented students in our community. Programs like Florida College Decision Day and Cash for College are critical in fostering educational equity, and this funding will expand these initiatives.”
The Cash for College program assists students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and helps secure college financial aid. Florida College Decision Day celebrates high school seniors’ postsecondary plans and encourages younger students and families to prepare early for college.
“The community’s support is a testament to the importance of investing in our students’ futures” said Barzella Papa, President and CEO at the CFNCF. “This grant will help us strengthen the infrastructure and sustainability of our LCAN program, ensuring long-term success and opportunities for all students.”
The funds will support the LCAN endowment fund, development strategies, and LCAN activities and infrastructure.
The Florida College Access Network seeks to elevate student experiences and success stories from across our state to inspire action, and to inform policy and practice. We envision a Florida working together to increase the percentage of residents who hold a high-value postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by the year 2030. Florida currently stands at 54.5%.