The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation received a $100,000 donation from the Jacarlene Foundation to support students enrolled in skilled trade programs at SFSC.

The Jacarlene Foundation trustees stated, “Growing up in an agricultural family in Highlands County, I saw firsthand how vital the skilled trades are to our community. As trustees, supporting these programs—and the students in them—matters deeply to all of us.”

Established on Nov. 15, 1988, the Jacarlene Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Florida through the arts, the environment, and education. Through philanthropy, the Foundation has helped build stronger communities throughout the state to improve life for all of Florida’s residents, human and animal.

“We are deeply grateful to the Jacarlene Foundation for their continued investment in our trade students,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director for institutional advancement at SFSC. “Because many of these programs fall outside traditional degree pathways, the students are not eligible for federal FAFSA or Pell funding, and they face financial barriers that other students do not. This gift helps remove those barriers, allowing students to complete their training, earn industry credentials, and enter the workforce prepared to contribute to the success of Highlands, DeSoto, and Hardee counties.”

Applicants for the Jacarlene Foundation Scholarship must be enrolled and accepted into an SFSC trade program. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need. Students can receive an application for the Jacarlene Foundation Scholarship by contacting the SFSC Foundation at foundation@southflorida.edu or 863-453-3133.