Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida Awards 600 Statewide Scholarships Since 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Amanda Koenn
AKA Integrated Marketing
813-732-7756
amanda@aka-marketing.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida, in Collaboration with Community Partners, Have Awarded 600 College Statewide Scholarships Since 2023

The scholarships represent more than $4.3 million in tuition support for Florida students pursuing college or technical education.

Coral Gables, FL — On May 25, 2026 Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida announced that 600 scholarships have been awarded since the program launched in 2023, providing youth across the state with the opportunity to attend a Florida public college, university, or technical school. The scholarships represent a combined value of approximately $4.3 million and were distributed through local Big Brothers Big Sisters member agencies statewide.

These awards are made possible thanks to the support of key partners including the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Florida Power & Light, Coke Florida, TECO Energy, and Farah & Farah Personal Injury Lawyers. Through the generosity of these incredible partners more Florida youth can pursue higher education and long term career paths.

For the 2026–2027 school year alone, 182 scholarships have already been awarded through Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Florida.

Scholarships Awarded Per Agency (2026 – 2027 School Year)

Broward County: 37
Miami: 54
Northeast Florida: 5
Northwest Florida: 14
Palm Beach & Martin Counties: 22
Sun Coast: 22
Tampa Bay: 28

More than 700,000 children in Florida live in poverty, and youth from low income households are five times more likely to drop out of school than their peers. For many families, the cost of higher education feels out of reach.

These scholarships are prioritized for young people facing the greatest financial barriers. Many recipients come from households living at or below the poverty line, where college can feel like an impossible dream. By reducing the financial burden, Big Brothers Big Sisters opens doors to degrees, certifications, and career pathways that can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

“Every scholarship represents a graduating high school student who now has a clearer path to their future,” said Dan Prinzing, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida. “Thanks to our partners and the dedication of our local agencies, hundreds of Florida students will have the chance to pursue higher education and build the life they imagine.”

“We’re proud to work hand in hand with partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida to advance our mission of making education more accessible and affordable for Florida families,” said Cynthia O’Connell, Director of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. “In just three years, this partnership has already impacted thousands of students and their families—with benefits that will last for generations. This is the Florida Prepaid College Foundation’s ecosystem in action: funding partners who invest, mentoring partners who guide, and students who are ready to rise.”

“FPL is honored to help support the promising futures these students have earned through hard work and determination,” said Baldwyn English, External Affairs Initiatives Director for FPL. “Supporting strong communities means investing in education and opportunity. We believe every student deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of financial circumstances, and we look forward to seeing the impact these students will make in the future.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Florida work year round to support youth through mentorship, academic guidance, and long term encouragement. These scholarships extend that support into the next chapter of their lives.

To learn more about supporting youth mentoring, partnerships or scholarship opportunities, visit bbbsflorida.org.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida

Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida (BBBSAF) is the statewide organization that supports and strengthens 11 local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies serving 54 counties across the state. Through strategic partnerships, grant management, advocacy, and resource development, BBBSAF works to build and sustain a unified system of high-quality youth mentoring programs that expand access to life-changing mentoring relationships for young people throughout Florida. To learn more, visit bbbsflorida.org.