MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Freed
561-297-3022, lfreed@fau.edu
BOCA RATON, FL (August 18, 2006) – Florida Atlantic University, through the generous support of the FAU Foundation, Inc., has implemented the First Generation Matching Grant, a grant program recently adopted by the 2006 Florida Legislature to encourage university enrollment of students whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree.
“As a first generation college graduate, I know first hand what a truly remarkable feeling it is to be the first to successfully earn a college degree,” said FAU President Frank T. Brogan ’81. “To be able to accomplish this goal with the assistance of the First Generation Matching Grant will certainly help these students achieve their dreams with less financial stress.”
Funds in the amount of $548,000 from the FAU Foundation this year fully matched an equal amount provided by the state for a total of $1.1 million to be awarded by the university to eligible students. For the 2006-07 academic year, FAU granted awards, from this fund, to 196 freshman and 213 Florida community college transfers who will attend FAU this fall. Award amounts range from $750 per semester for six hours of study to $1,500 for full-time students.
“The First Generation Matching Grant program provides deserving students with access to academia,” said Dr. Ira J. Gelb, FAU Foundation Board chair. “When matched by the state of Florida, our Foundation dollars, earmarked for scholarships, make an even greater impact. This program will bring fresh and eager minds to the forefront of higher education. Parents who have not benefited from the college experience will be able to see their children move forward in today’s highly competitive world.”
These awards will be continuous in subsequent years, and are based upon criteria established by the state and FAU. State requirements include that the student must attend a public university within the state of Florida, take a minimum of six credit hours, demonstrate financial need and have parents that did not receive their bachelor’s degree.
For more information or to donate to the First Generation Matching Grant fund, contact Deborah Robinson, associate vice president for University Advancement, at 561-297-3015 or drobin1@fau.edu.
- FAU -
