The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is honored to announce it has received an $50,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This year’s award will provide vital support to students served by Gulf Coast State College’s TRiO program—an initiative that empowers low-income, first-generation, and disabled students to succeed in higher education.

Since 2011, the GCSC Foundation has been awarded a total of $750,000 from this fund. These gifts have supported over 600 students through direct scholarships and vital programming across campus, including TRiO, Veteran’s Affairs, and the Career Center.

“GCSC TRiO is deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund for this generous investment, which will help low-income students—especially parent scholars and part-time students—during the 2026–2027 academic year.” said Kris Hatcher, Director of TRiO programs and Director of Institutional Research, Assessment, & Planning.

Gulf Coast State College’s TRiO program provides comprehensive support to eligible students across Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties. Through tutoring, academic advising, personal counseling, and career development workshops, TRiO helps participants overcome systemic barriers to post-secondary education. The program’s mission is to motivate and empower students to successfully complete a college credential or degree.

About the Gulf Coast State College Foundation
The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through education by providing scholarships, program enhancements, and direct student support. Through the generosity of community partners and donors, the Foundation helps remove financial barriers and empower students to achieve their academic and professional dreams.

To learn more about the mission of Gulf Coast State College, GCSC Foundation and to contribute to scholarships that change lives, visit:
GCSC: https://www.gulfcoast.edu/index.html
GCSC Foundation https://gcscfoundation.org/
TRiO: https://www.gulfcoast.edu/academics/academic-support-tutoring/trio/index.html
Community Foundation of Sarasota County: https://www.cfsarasota.org/story-of-impact/Edward-K-Roberts-Vision-for-An-Expanded-Education
###

For more information, please contact Dayna Headrick, Communications Manager:
dheadrick@gulfcoast.edu or (850) 872-3815