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Helios Creates Endowed Scholarship Fund for University of South Florida to Benefit Underserved Populations

As part of Helios Education Foundation’s commitment to opening the door to postsecondary education   opportunities, the Foundation recently announced a $2 million gift to the University of South Florida (USF), creating the Helios Education Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund. 

The $2 million gift is eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match from the state of Florida, yielding a historic $4 million for the University’s scholarship programs for under-represented populations.  These scholarships will go to qualified students, with strong consideration given to undergraduate students from low-income families and diverse ethnic backgrounds.  The goal of the gift is to increase the number of students entering and completing college. 

“Helios Education Foundation’s $2 million gift to USF is an acknowledgement of our commitment to creating new opportunities for success in postsecondary education,” said the Foundation’s Chairman Vince Roig. “We are excited about giving students the chance they need to succeed and help increase the number of university graduates each year.”

Once the funds have been matched, the university plans to fund new scholarships and provide incentives to encourage additional private support for scholarships.  USF will use the funds to benefit students of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including Latino and African-American students, economically disadvantaged students and those majoring in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“This is an extraordinarily generous gift,” said USF President Judy Genshaft.  “We are honored and grateful for this level of support from one of the pre-eminent education foundations in the nation.  And we are delighted to receive funding for those students who are in particular need of scholarships.” 

Helios Education Foundation’s gift will make a powerful impact in addressing the nation’s need for trained scientists, engineers and technicians as well as the need to encourage enrollment and success in college for students from diverse backgrounds.