Southwest Florida Housing Foundation launches 'Future Forward Scholarship Program'
The Floridant/10324449

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- The Southwest Florida Housing Foundation, in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers, has launched the Future Forward Scholarship Program, a new initiative designed to break down barriers and build stronger futures for Fort Myers students.

Established in celebration of the Housing Authority's 65^th anniversary, the new scholarship program is launching with $532,975 in funding thanks to generous donors at the Housing Authority's anniversary celebration event in October.

"This scholarship program is about investing directly in the young people of our neighborhoods – opening doors, sparking opportunity and shaping the next generation of leaders right here in Fort Myers," said Marcia Davis, executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers. "Future Forward is designed to help break down financial barriers and support the aspirations of students who are ready to take the next step."

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The program will award scholarships of up to $2,500 to high school seniors and graduates who demonstrate academic commitment, community involvement and leadership potential. Individuals must be residents of the HACFM or the Southwest Florida Housing Foundation properties or who receive housing assistance through the HCVP program of HACFM to apply. The funds will provide tuition assistance, books and cover other educational expenses, relieving financial stress for students and their families and helping them contribute meaningfully to their communities.

In addition to traditional scholarships, the program also provides leadership grants for members of the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County, located adjacent to the Housing Authority's office, enabling them to attend statewide leadership conferences and competitions. One of the conferences, the Keystone Leadership Conference, is hosted annually by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and brings together teens from across the globe. This will help expose youth to key leadership training and higher education.

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"We are thrilled that these leadership grants will open doors for our youth to attend conferences like the Keystone Leadership Conference, and we are deeply grateful to the Housing Authority for making these opportunities possible," said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. "Through experiences like this, our teens gain essential leadership skills, confidence and a broader perspective on what they can achieve."

Applications will open in early 2026 and will be shared with residents.

To learn more about the Housing Authority, visit HACFM.org (https://www.hacfm.org/) or call 239-344-3222.