Futures Full Of Promise

Grace Place for Children and Families’ scholarship program continues to open doors for students ready to take the next step. Every year, Grace Place helps remove barriers to higher education, awarding full-ride scholarships and supporting even more students in securing additional opportunities. Many of these scholars are the first in their families to graduate high school or attend college, overcoming financial and educational challenges with determination and resilience. These scholarships go far beyond tuition, providing a path forward for students and their families, strengthening the local community, and creating lasting impact for generations to come.

Ashley – Florida Gulf Coast University

Ashley has been part of the Grace Place community since she was four years old, growing up in Golden Gate alongside the organization. Today, the impact continues with her two younger sisters participating and her mother a recently graduate from Grace Place’s English classes, making it a true family journey. She is actively involved in her school community through Culinary Club, Women’s Empowerment, and the National Honor Society. Ashley is most proud of passing all her AICE and AP classes and earning a full-ride scholarship. After graduation, she plans to major in marketing and minor in political science, with a long-term vision of creating impactful legislation and opening a youth home for adolescents. She encourages incoming students to stand out, stay true to their character, and always exceed expectations.

Daniel – Florida Gulf Coast University

Daniel’s connection with Grace Place began through a recommendation from his school counselor and soon became a defining part of his life in the Golden Gate community. From the beginning, he was drawn to the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the strong sense of belonging he found there. Grace Place helped Daniel develop a renewed sense of purpose, personal responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for the power of community.

The program also played a pivotal role in shaping his academic and career aspirations, encouraging him to pursue his passion for film and motivating him to work toward scholarship opportunities. Looking ahead, Daniel plans to attend FGCU before transferring to UCF to major in film, driven by a desire to create meaningful work and give back through storytelling.

Katerina – University of Central Florida

Katerina is an engaged and motivated member of the Grace Place community, where she continues to thrive academically and personally. Her involvement has become a family experience, as her younger brother is also part of Grace Place. A Naples native, she balances a strong academic load with athletics, competing in Cross Country and Track and Field, while also giving back through local organizations and community events.

She takes great pride in her academic achievements, including earning a 4 on the AP U.S. History exam and excelling across multiple AICE courses. Katerina encourages new students to take full advantage of every opportunity Grace Place offers and to never hesitate to ask for support when needed.

After graduation, she plans to attend Florida SouthWestern State College before transferring to the University of Central Florida to pursue her passion for art and begin her journey creating commissioned work.

Emily – University of South Florida

Emily’s journey with Grace Place began at just three years old, when she attended parenting classes alongside her mother, an early experience that laid the foundation for a lasting connection. As she grew, Grace Place continued to be an important part of her life, especially through the after-school program, where her engagement and sense of purpose deepened.

A Golden Gate native with proud Mexican roots, Emily is actively involved in both her school and the community. Her activities include participating in the Biology Club, the NCH VolunTeen program, and completing clinical training through her pharmacy technician program. She is especially proud to be a recipient of the Grace Place Scholarship and remains committed to building a future in healthcare.

After graduation, Emily plans to become a certified Pharmacy Technician, attend the University of South Florida to major in Biomedical Sciences, and ultimately pursue pharmacy school. Her advice to future students is simple and heartfelt: “Make the most of every opportunity they won’t all come around twice.”

Angelique – Florida Gulf Coast University

Angelique first enrolled at Grace Place in elementary school. It was through Grace Place that her future began to take shape, as college field trips across Florida showed her the many possibilities after graduation.

Her younger brother was a student in the elementary after-school program. Due to her concern for his health challenges, Angelique developed a passion for helping others. This mission has led her to enroll at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she plans to major in the health field.

Angelique maintained a strong GPA and membership in the National Honor Society. She is very proud to be graduating with the AICE diploma. She would tell others “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” and she encourages her peers to embrace every resource offered to them and to cherish the journey.