Empowering Futures: Grace Place Scholarships Fuel Naples’ Workforce
Grace Place’s scholarship program is sparking a wave of opportunity. For over two decades, Grace Place has been a catalyst for change, and today, its college scholarship program is boosting the local workforce and economy with a new generation of dream achievers.
Each year, Grace Place awards four full-ride scholarships and helps even more students in securing additional full rides. Many Grace Place students are the first in their families to graduate high school or attend college. About 70% of these families speak Spanish at home, while 30% speak Haitian Creole. Most live at or below the poverty line, and many parents have limited education—62% have not finished high school, and 14% did not complete fifth grade.
This year’s scholarship recipients, Aylin, Isadora, Devonde, Yoselyn, Gabriela, Travis, and Ernsely, plan to pursue degrees in the high-demand fields of nursing, orthopedics, and education. Their career goals align with critical workforce needs in Collier County, preparing them to contribute to institutions like NCH Hospital, Arthrex, and local schools.
Grace Place scholarships are more than tuition—they are lifelines for families living at the poverty line. These full-ride awards dismantle financial and systemic barriers, giving students the chance to focus on their studies without the crushing weight of economic hardship. For families stretching every dollar, these scholarships mean a debt-free path to college, opening doors to a future where they can thrive, not just survive.
The impact is undeniable. These scholars aren’t just escaping the future of a low-income job; they’re reshaping their families’ legacies and energizing Naples’ workforce. Many return to Southwest Florida, eager to give back to the community that championed them. They’re not just filling jobs; they’re meeting critical needs in key fields, making Collier County stronger, smarter, and more vibrant.
Thanks to the support of generous donors and community partners, Grace Place is not only changing lives but also shaping the future of Southwest Florida. Scholarships like the Opportunity Scholarship and L. Maynard Oss Scholarship, funded annually by dedicated donors, help make this life-changing work possible. These awards continue to remove financial barriers for students, giving them the chance to pursue higher education and brighter futures.
