Empowering Young Minds: How Community Foundation Tampa Bay Helps Students Get Scholarships for Eckerd College’s Summer Science Splash Camp

Eckerd College has received a grant that will be used to provide scholarships to campers from low-income families attending the Summer Science Splash Camp. The scholarship amount will be determined based on financial need, with some campers receiving partial scholarships and others receiving full scholarships. Currently, 32 families are benefiting from scholarship assistance, accounting for about one-third of all campers.

Community Foundation Tampa Bay, a 501(c)(3) public charity, has played a crucial role in the success of the scholarship program. Their mission is to connect people and resources to create meaningful, lasting impact. As philanthropic partners, connectors, and advisers, they have helped bring this important STEM summer programming to marginalized students who would not have had the opportunity otherwise.

Kristen Rynerson ’10, conference and pre-college coordinator at Eckerd College expressed her excitement about the opportunity to offer scholarships to campers. She stated “We recognize that the cost of this overnight residential camp is high but being able to cut the cost of attendance for those in need brings this crucial STEM summer programming to marginalized students who would likely otherwise not have the opportunity.”

The average partial scholarship amount for 2024 is $480 which covers more than half of the total cost of the camp which is $799. This shows how important it is for organizations like Community Foundation Tampa Bay and Eckerd College to work together to provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds.