Babson Park, FL. July 9, 2024– Webber International University has received a $10,000 Impact Polk grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation. This grant will support Hometown Needs-Based Funding for Health Sciences Scholarships and STEM Dual Enrollment Opportunities, providing greater access to students pursuing careers as registered nurses or occupational therapy assistants.
The grant will positively impact the local community in two keyways. First, it will address the critical workforce needs for nurses and occupational therapy assistants in Polk County. The Hometown Needs-Based Funding for Health Sciences Scholarships will support citizens in Polk County’s underserved areas. Scholarships will help offset costs associated with pursuing health science programs, including textbooks, testing materials, scrubs, program kits, and other expenses. By alleviating some of the financial burdens, more individuals can pursue careers in the healthcare industry.
Second, the grant will allow Webber International University to expand its support for students at both secondary and post-secondary education levels. The university aims to partner with the Lake Wales Charter School System to offer STEM dual enrollment classes on the high school campus. After discussions with Lake Wales High School, it was determined that students would benefit from greater access to dual enrollment STEM classes. Currently, dual enrollment opportunities are limited due to restricted seats at other post-secondary institutions. By hosting these classes on the high school campus, Webber will provide greater access and opportunities for students.
Webber International University is committed to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing local community needs through these initiatives.
Dr. Nelson Marquez, President/CEO stated that “Webber International University, a change agent for the community, provides access to quality nursing and occupational therapy assistant programs that would lead to rewarding careers in healthcare. This $10,000 Impact Polk grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation will enable Polk County residents to pursue any of these degree programs and consequently, meet the health care needs of the community.”
About Webber International University
Established in 1927 by Roger Babson as the first college chartered under Florida’s then new charitable and educational laws, Webber International University is a private, not-for-profit, independent institution offering degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Founded as America’s second school of business for women, the university boasts highly qualified faculty, engaged staff, small class sizes, and a diverse range of intercollegiate sports and extracurricular activities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution offers numerous programs through traditional day and entirely online formats.
Webber International University has received recognition as a US News and World Reports Best Regional Colleges: South and a Princeton Review Best Southeastern College. It has earned top marks from Petersons for academics, value, and community, and has been designated a Military Friendly School. In 2011, St. Andrews University, a historically Presbyterian, comprehensive liberal arts school tracing its roots back to 1896, joined Webber as a branch campus.
About GiveWell Community Foundation
The mission of GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) is to champion charitable giving to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve, both now and for future generations. We accomplish this by working with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build stronger communities in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, the community foundation has awarded more than $400 million in grants. Today, GWCF is home to more than 380 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower Polk grant cycles. To learn more about GWCF, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131.