FSU Panama City Pre-Collegiate program receives C.A.R.E.S. funding award

Florida State University Panama City’s pre-collegiate program was recently awarded a $10,000 grant through the College Board Florida Partnership College Access and Readiness Experiences for Success (C.A.R.E.S.) program. 

“We are very grateful for the funds received from the C.A.R.E.S. Grant, said Irvin Clark, associate dean of student and strategic initiatives at FSU Panama City. “These funds will go a long way to support our efforts to encourage and prepare economically challenged middle and high school students to pursue higher education.”

The mission of the College Board is to connect students to college success and opportunity and expand access to higher education. Through the C.A.R.E.S. grant and Florida partnerships, the College Board can serve a greater number of students and further its mission to prepare them for a successful transition to college

“The funds from this grant will enable us to provide program participants with college entrance test preps, student success workshops, and tutorial sessions,” said Sheila Labissiere, CROP and Talent Search director. “This grant also will support our summer residential camp held at FSU Tallahassee.”

The FSU Panama City pre-collegiate initiatives include the College Reach Out Program (CROP) and Talent Search which serve students living in Bay, Franklin, Gadsden, Holmes, and Leon counties. The overall goal of these initiatives is to cultivate an affinity for college by exposing students to a variety of higher education pathways and potential careers. In addition, students are taught study skills and test preparation strategies along with healthy habits to ensure their academic success. 

“These services increase student motivation to complete high school and pursue postsecondary education,” continued Labissiere. “This funding will enable CROP and Talent Search to put the goal of a college education within reach for more students in Northwest Florida.” 

For more information about the FSU Panama City pre-collegiate initiatives visit pc.fsu.edu or email Dr. Irvin Clark at irvin.clark@pc.fsu.edu or Sheila Labissiere at slabissiere@pc.fsu.edu.