scholarships Archives - Diocese of Venice

Foundation college scholarship application deadline March 1

Posted on January 16, 2026January 16, 2026 by Bob Reddy

High school seniors graduating this year, and pursuing further education, or someone considering returning to school, might want to consider applying for one of several scholarships being offered by the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. The 2026-27 online scholarship applications portal for seven different scholarships from the Foundation is now open and the deadline to apply closes on March 1, 2026.

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship is available again this year for residents of Sarasota County. There are two versions of this scholarship. The Traditional Scholarships are open to graduating seniors and recent high school graduates (within the last 2 years) who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in any accredited college or university. The Non-Traditional Scholarships are open to adult learners who are returning to school to obtain a college degree or vocational certification after being out of high school for three or more years. This year, the Foundation will be awarding multiple $4,500 annual Mary Fran Carroll scholarships which each have a renewable worth of $22,500 over five years. The Traditional and Non-Traditional scholarship can both be used for tuition, books and fees at an accredited college, university, or vocational program.

“Over the past 12 years, the Catholic Community Foundation has awarded more than $1,020,550 in scholarships to 169 students attending universities, colleges, and vocational programs,” said Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Foundation. “In addition, millions of dollars have been provided to the Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Venice from Foundation endowment funds, donor advised funds, and outright donations for scholarships and tuition assistance for needy students.”

In addition to the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarships, the Foundation is offering:

Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship, which provides a scholarship to one financially needy college-bound student graduating from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. This one-year, non-renewable scholarship is valued at approximately $1,100 and is intended for students that provided significant service to their respective Catholic School and Parish.
James & Margaret Schwarz Scholarship, for a graduating senior at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, who is interested in pursuing a career in education. This year, the Foundation will be awarding a single academic scholarship of approximately $8,000. This one-year scholarship is non-renewable and can be used for tuition, books, fees and housing expenses.
Frederick Schaerf, M.D., Ph. D. Neuroscience Scholarship, for students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, who are interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This scholarship is a one-year, non-renewable $4,000 scholarship for tuition, books, fees and tutoring services (housing and living expenses not eligible).
Steven Toner Math Award Scholarship, a one-time approximately $1,500 scholarship to one college-bound financially needy student graduating from St. John Neumann High School in Naples Florida with an interest in pursuing a career in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) field.
Frank M. Bertoni & Beverly Cimini-Bertoni Scholarship, a three-year renewable scholarship to students pursuing an education in nursing, a technical field, or other vocational program. The scholarship is $5,000, and renewable up to three years for a total of $15,000.
Barry L. Carey, M.D. Scholarship, a single, four-year renewable college scholarship for a practicing Catholic high school senior graduating this year from a Catholic, private, home school, or public school within the 10 counties of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. The scholarship is $400, and renewable up to four years for a total of $1,600. Additionally, the recipient must be the first generation in their family to attend a college or university.

All applications and supporting documents for each of the scholarships must be submitted electronically by no later than March 1, 2025.

To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships/. If you have any questions, please email ccf@dioceseofvenice.org.

Catholic Community Foundation presents 21 scholarships for 2025

Posted on May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by Board members of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc., honored 22 scholarship winners during a ceremony on May 15, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia, Schaerf, and Schwarz Scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment to continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as education, medicine, business, engineering and more. The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed 150 applications before determining the winners. Many of the Foundation Board members were present for the luncheon.

Bishop Dewane opened the presentation with prayer and said he was impressed with the new Foundation scholars, noting their academic success and ambition to seek out distinctive goals. “We pray that what they embark upon, the students will certainly be successful in their life.”

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars.

“You are inspirations to all of us,” Morse said. “Our committee works hard in the selection process, and it is one of the most rewarding things the Board does. When we see your application and what you have done and are going to do, it gives us such hope that the future is in good hands.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provided a total of 15 academic scholarships ($3,500) to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 13 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and two non-traditional winners (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). The scholarship is renewable annually up to a total of five academic years ($17,500 total) for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal. In the past year, many students had their scholarship renewed.

The Coseglia Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($1,100) to one financially needy graduating senior from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. The winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Foundation Board.

The Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($4,000) to a graduating senior from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This was the sixth year the scholarship was offered.

The Schwarz Scholarship is a one-time college scholarship ($7,700) to be awarded for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses for a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota.

During the scholarship ceremony, the recipients shared their personal experiences as well as college and career goals. Each expressed their appreciation for the scholarship from the Foundation. Many specifically explained how the scholarship money will assist in lessening the financial burden of attending college and pursuing their career goals. Several are interested in entering the medical field either as a doctor, nurse or researcher, while others are interested in pursuing careers in business.

Lucrecia Bagnati, a non-traditional Mary Fran Carroll scholar, will be taking online courses with Southern New Hampshire University to earn a degree in neuropsychology so she can become a therapist. The mother of three joked that now she and her children will all be going to college and studying together. She was inspired to go to seek a degree by her husband, a veteran, who struggles with PTSD. “I want to better understand what he is going through and help people like him.”

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals, such as Mary Fran Carroll, to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice. This year, the Foundation is on track to distribute $3.5 million in endowed support for Catholic Schools, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.

To learn more about the Catholic Community Foundation, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or by email at Morse@dioceseofvenice.org. You can also visit the Foundation website at www.CCFDioceseofvenice.org.

2025 Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. Scholars

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – Traditional

Sydney Pablo, Venice High School, U.S.. Military Academy;

Chrystal Coronado-Chavez, Sarasota High School, State College of Florida;

Arianna Perez, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Rachel Mintz, Riverview High School, Florida State University;

Maria Ballesteros, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, St. Leo University;

Isabella Nealon, Pineview School, University of Notre Dame;

Laura Escobar Londono, Sarasota High School, undecided;

Cristin Giurgui, North Port High School, University of South Florida;

Sofie Turkancikova, Venice High School, University of South Florida;

Juan Sanabria, Riverview High School, University of South Florida;

Elise Galloway, Venice High School, University of Central Florida;

Natalie Bryja, Venice High School, University of Florida;

Deianeira McClain, Riverview High School, University of Florida.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – Non-Traditional

Lesli Resendiz, undecided;

Lucrecia Bagnati, Southern New Hampshire University.

Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholarship

Maria Lander, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Ave Maria University;

Sophia Escobar, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, St. Thomas University, Miami;

Natalie PIneda, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Rutgers University;

Lily Lockard, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, St. Anselm College, N.H.

James and Margaret Schwarz Scholarship

Morgan Martin, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of Florida.

Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship

Ella Farah, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

Foundation scholarship application deadline March 2

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 by Bob Reddy

High school seniors graduating this year, and pursuing further education, or someone considering returning to school, might want to consider applying for one of several scholarships being offered by the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. The 2025-26 online scholarship applications portal for five different scholarships from the Foundation is now open and the deadline to apply closes on March 2, 2025.

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship is available again this year for residents of Sarasota County. There are two versions of this scholarship. The Traditional Scholarships are open to graduating seniors and recent high school graduates (within the last 2 years) who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in any accredited college or university. The Non-Traditional Scholarships are open to adult learners who are returning to school to obtain a college degree or vocational certification after being out of high school for three or more years. This year, the Foundation will be awarding multiple $3,500 annual Mary Fran Carroll scholarships which each have a renewable worth of $17,500 over five years. The Traditional and Non-Traditional scholarship can both be used for tuition, books and fees at an accredited college, university, or vocational program.

“Over the past 11 years, the Catholic Community Foundation has awarded more than $855,000 in scholarships to 150 students attending universities, colleges, and vocational programs,” said Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Foundation. “In addition, millions of dollars have been provided to the Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Venice from Foundation endowment funds, donor advised funds, and outright donations for scholarships and tuition assistance for needy students.”

In addition to the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarships, the Foundation is offering:

The Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship, which provides a scholarship of approximately $1,100 to one financially needy college-bound student graduating from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. This one-year, non-renewable scholarship is valued at approximately $1,100 and is intended for students that provided significant service to their respective Catholic School and Parish.
The James & Margaret Schwarz Scholarship, for a graduating senior at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, who is interested in pursuing a career in education. This year, the Foundation will be awarding a single academic scholarship of approximately $7,700. This one-year scholarship is non-renewable and can be used for tuition, books, fees and housing expenses.
The Frederick Schaerf, M.D., Ph. D. Neuroscience Scholarship, for students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, who are interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This scholarship is a one-year, non-renewable $4,000 scholarship for tuition, books, fees and tutoring services (housing and living expenses not eligible).

All applications and supporting documents for each of the scholarships must be submitted electronically by no later than March 2, 2025.

Catholic Community Foundation presents 22 scholarships for 2024

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by Board members of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc., honored 22 scholarship winners during a ceremony on May 16, 2023, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia, Schaerf, and Schwarz Scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment to continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as education, medicine, business, engineering and more. The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed 85 applications before determining the winners. Many of the Foundation Board members were present for the luncheon.

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars.

“These scholarships were created by individuals (and couples) to support higher education, because they strongly believe in it,” Morse said. “Our committee works hard in the selection process, and it is one of the most rewarding things the Board does. When we see your application and what you have done and are going to do, it gives us all hope for the future.”

Lily LaMorey, the James and Margaret Schwarz Scholar, graduated from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High in Sarasota, and said she is pursuing a career in elementary education at the University of South Florida because her work as a summer camp counselor was “the most fulfilling thing I have done.”

Cameron Phayre, of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, was named one of four Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholars (he is also a Mary Fran Carroll Scholar). Cameron will attend the University of South Florida in the fall to study global business. “My passion is to bring the benefits of innovation and technology into the lives of others to make the world a better place. This overarching theme has inspired my career path. My long-term career goal is to either run a successful business or lead as a chief officer at a software or tech company.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholar Anastasilia Lezhanina, a graduate of North Port High School who will be studying hospitality management and tourism and will also study film making at State College of Florida, is an immigrant who fled the Ukraine when the war with Russia began in 2022. She thanked the Foundation Board for awarding her the scholarship because without it she could not afford to go to college. “My family arrived in this country with nothing, and college would be too expensive for my family. This scholarship will help me start my path, so that I will be able to achieve my dreams.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provides a total of 16 academic scholarships ($3,500) to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 15 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and one non-traditional winner (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). The scholarship is renewable annually up to a total of five academic years ($17,500 total) for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal. In the past year, many students had their scholarship renewed.

The Schwarz Scholarship is a one-time college scholarship ($7,500) to be awarded for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses for a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota.

2024 Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. Scholars

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – traditional

Jewel Medina, Venice High School (2023), University of Central Florida;

Charlotte Gillis, North Port High School (2023), University of Central Florida;

Emmalee Bunnell, Venice High School, Marymount Manhattan College;

Danile Potepa, Riverview High School, University of South Florida;

Christina Bowser, Sarasota High School, State College of Florida;

Ornella Rokh, Venice High School, Boston University;

Cameron Phayre, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida;

Miranda Lauber, Riverview High School (2023), Florida State University;

Jackie Williams, Suncoast Polytechnical School, University of South Florida;

Anastasilia Lezhanina, North Port High School, State College of Florida;

Marco Vegh, Riverview High School, University of Florida;

Giselle Cisneros Lobo, Venice High School, Georgetown University;

Peyton Pablo, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Summer Maclay, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Hailey Renner, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Florida Gulf Coast University.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – non-traditional

John Quigley, Ringling College of Art and Design.

Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholarship

Cameron Phayre, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida;

Beata Blood, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University;

Teresa Klucik, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria University;

Naissa Esperance, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

James and Margaret Schwarz Scholarship

Lily LaMorey, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship

Naissa Esperance, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

Scholarship applications deadline Feb. 29

Posted on January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Do you have a high school senior graduating this year, and pursuing further education, or someone in your family thinking of returning to school? The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida has opened the 2024-25 online scholarship applications. There are currently five different scholarships available from the Foundation. Applications close on Feb. 29, 2024.

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship is available again this year for residents of Sarasota County. There are two versions of this scholarship. The Traditional Scholarship is for students who are graduating high school in 2024 or graduated in 2023. The Non-Traditional Scholarship is for those who have been out of school for 3+ years with difficult financial circumstances that prohibited them from pursuing their educational objectives immediately after high school. This year, the Foundation will be awarding multiple $3,500 annual Mary Fran Carroll scholarships which each have a renewable worth of $17,500 over five years. The Traditional and Non-Traditional scholarship can both be used for tuition, books and fees at an accredited college, university, or vocational program.

“During the past 10 years, the Catholic Community Foundation has awarded more than $687,000 in scholarships to 131 students attending universities, colleges, and vocational programs,” said Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Foundation. “In addition, millions of dollars have been provided to the Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Venice from Foundation endowment funds, donor advised funds, and outright donations for scholarships and tuition assistance for needy students.”

In addition to the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarships, the Foundation is offering:

The Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship, which provides a onetime scholarship of approximately $1,100 to one financially needy college-bound student graduating from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice.
The James & Margaret Schwarz Scholarship, for a graduating senior at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, who is interested in pursuing a career in education. This year, the Foundation will be awarding a single academic scholarship of approximately $7,500.
The Frederick Schaerf M.D., Ph. D. Neuroscience Scholarship, for students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, who are interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This year, the Foundation will be awarding a single $4,000 academic scholarship.

All applications and supporting documents for each of the scholarships must be submitted electronically by no later than Feb. 29, 2024.

To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit www.ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships.

Scholarship applications deadline Feb. 21

Posted on January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 by Bob Reddy

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida is proud to announce that the 2023-24 Scholarship Applications are now open and will close on Feb. 21, 2023.

A total of 23 scholarships are being offered for both traditional and non-traditional students.

Among the scholarships being offered is the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship to residents of Sarasota County, for the 2023-24 academic year.

These 15 renewable scholarships were made possible through the Catholic legacy of Mary Fran Carroll and her generous gift to the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. Mary Fran Carroll was a woman of deep Catholic Faith, who wanted those receiving her scholarships to benefit from her legacy by being better prepared to face the challenges of the world and the future, in addition to using their education for the betterment of the entire community.

The traditional Mary Fran Carroll scholarship is offered to graduating or recent graduates who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at any accredited college or university. Scholarships can be used for tuition, books and fees at an accredited college, university or vocational program (housing expenses are not eligible). Non-traditional scholarships are available to adult learners who are returning to school to obtain a college degree or vocational certification after being out of high school for three or more years. Also, previous scholarship winners are encouraged to renew their scholarships for up to a total of five academic years if they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale.

“During the past nine years, the Catholic Community Foundation has awarded more than $482,000 in scholarships to students attending universities, colleges, and vocational programs,” explained Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Foundation. “In addition, millions of dollars have been provided to the Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Venice from Foundation endowment funds, donor advised funds, and outright donations for scholarships and tuition assistance for needy students.”

In addition to the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship, the Foundation is offering:

Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship, one scholarship to college-bound, financially-needy students graduating from each of the Catholic high schools within the Diocese of Venice. Unlike the other scholarships, students do not apply but are nominated by their school.
Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D. Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship, for a college-bound, financially needy student graduating from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, who is interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or a similar field.
Barry L. Carey, M.D. Scholarship, a single, four-year renewable college scholarship for a practicing Catholic high school senior graduating this year from a Catholic, private, home school, or public school within the 10 counties of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Additionally, the recipient must be the first generation in their family to attend a college or university.
James & Margaret Schwarz Scholarship, which is a single, non-renewable college scholarship that can be used for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses. This is available to a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota that is interested in pursuing a degree in education.
Steve Toner Math Award, a single non-renewable college scholarship per year to a graduating senior at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples who is pursuing a career in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field. No application is necessary as it is assigned by the school.

All applications and supporting documents for each of the scholarships must be submitted electronically by no later than Feb. 21, 2023.

To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit www.ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships.

Catholic Community Foundation presents 23 scholarships

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Bob Reddy

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. honored 23 scholarship winners during a luncheon on May 19, 2022, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. This was the first in-person scholarship luncheon in three years.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia, Schaerf, Toner, Schwarz and Carey Scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment of continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as education, medicine, business, engineering and more. The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed 142 applications before determining the winners. Many of the Foundation Board members were present for the luncheon. (See a complete listing of scholarship recipients below.)

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars. “This is the most exciting thing that we do. Being able to get to meet you as scholarship winners and hear your stories, for us, is a blessing.”

Foundation Scholarship Committee Chair Janet Beach expressed an appreciation for each of the scholarship recipients and expressed amazement in not just their academic achievements, but the activities all the applicants were involved in, including the number of volunteer hours they completed. “I see a bright future ahead for all of you.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provides a total of 15 academic scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 13 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and two non-traditional winners (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). The scholarship is renewable annually up to a total of five academic years for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal. In the past year, there were 31 students who had their scholarship renewed.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholar Milana Ivanenko, a graduate of Venice High School who will be studying chemical engineering at the University of Florida, thanked the Foundation for the scholarship and said her goal in life is to “help society fix problems and be able to create something that helps people other than me.”

The Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship provides a $4,000 one-time scholarship to a graduating senior from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience. This was the third year the scholarship was offered.

Schaerf Scholarship recipient Arielle Dicang will be attending the University of Florida with plans to be a pharmacist. “Thank you to the board. It means a lot to receive this scholarship; I met the son of Mr. Schaerf at a retreat, and heard his son tell his father’s story, so earning this has special meaning.”

The Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship of $1,167 to one graduating senior from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. The winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Foundation Board.

The Foundation also presented the first-ever Barry L. Carey M.D. Scholarship, which provides a $400 renewable college scholarship for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses to practicing Catholic High School seniors graduating this year from Catholic, private, home school, or public schools within the 10 counties of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Scholarship recipients must be the first generation in their family to attend a college or university.

Also new this year, is the James and Margaret Schwarz Scholarship. This provides a one-time college scholarship to be awarded for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses for a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School.

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals, such as Mary Fran Carroll, to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice. This year, the Foundation is on track to distribute $5.3 million in endowed support for Catholic schools, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.

2022 Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. Scholars

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – traditional

Alexis Mendieta, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, Florida Gulf Coast University

Axia Salas, Sarasota High School, Florida State University

Peri LeBonte, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Tufts University

Milana Ivanenko, Venice High School; University of Florida

Kassidy Saba, Sarasota High School, Florida State University

Chiaralis Brown, Riverview High School, University of South Florida

Mitch Laurone, Sarasota High School, University of South Florida

Napat Sammacheep, Venice High School, University of Florida

Dana Molina, Riverview High School, Columbia University

Charles Nye, Sarasota Christian School, Florida State University

Johanna Patino-Murillo, University of Tampa

Ericka Delva, North Port High School, University of South Florida

Shannon Dowdy, Venice High School, University of Florida

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – non-traditional

Danielle Smyth, non-traditional, Keiser University

Alexa de Gannes, non-traditional, University of Florida

Coseglia Scholarship

Trinity Shipe, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Florida Southern University

Jesse Herrera, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, University of South Florida

Mary Kinnick, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria University

Anna Latell, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of Florida

Barry L. Carey, M.D. Scholarship

Aaron Acevedo, LaBelle High School, University of South Florida

James and Margaret Schwarz Scholarship

McKayla Cantrell, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, St. John’s University, N.Y.

Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship

Arielle Dicang, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of Florida

Dr. Steve Toner Math Award

Ella Bartels, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, University of Florida.

Applications being accepted for scholarships

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Bob Reddy

Applications being accepted for scholarships

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida is proud to announce that the 2022-23 Scholarship Applications are now open and will close on March 1, 2022.

Among the scholarships being offered is the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship to residents of Sarasota County, for the 2022-23 academic year. A total of 11 scholarships are being offered for both traditional and non-traditional students.

This scholarship was made possible through the Catholic legacy of Mary Fran Carroll and her generous gift to the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. Mary Fran Carroll was a woman of deep Catholic Faith, who wanted those receiving her scholarships to benefit from her legacy by being better prepared to face the challenges of the world and the future, in addition to using their education for the betterment of the entire community.

The traditional scholarship is offered to graduating or recent graduates who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at any accredited college or university. Scholarships can be used for tuition, books and fees at an accredited college, university or vocational program (housing expenses are not eligible). Non-traditional scholarships are available to adult learners who are returning to school to obtain a college degree or vocational certification after being out of high school for three or more years. Also, previous scholarship winners are encouraged to renew their scholarships for up to a total of five academic years if they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale.

“During the past eight years, the Catholic Community Foundation has awarded more than $425,000 in scholarships to students attending universities, colleges and vocational programs,” explained Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Foundation. “In addition, millions of dollars has been provided to the Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Venice from Foundation endowment funds for scholarships and tuition assistance for needy students.”

In addition to the Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship, the Foundation is offering three new scholarships beginning in 2022. The first of these new scholarships is the Barry L. Carey, M.D. Scholarship, which is a single, four-year renewable college scholarship that can be used for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses. The recipient of the Carey Scholarship must be a practicing Catholic high school senior graduating this year from a Catholic, private, home school, or public school within the 10 counties of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Additionally, the recipient must be the first generation in their family to attend a college or university.

Also new, is the James & Margaret Schwarz Scholarship, which is a single, non-renewable college scholarship that can be used for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses. The recipient of the Schwarz scholarship must be a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota that is interested in pursuing a degree in education. The third new scholarship is the Dr. Steve Toner Math Award, which provides one non-renewable college scholarship per year to a graduating senior at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples who is pursuing a career in a STEM field.

Previously established scholarships are the Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D. Neuroscience Scholarship and the Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship.

The Schaerf Scholarship is for a college-bound, financially-needy student graduating from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, who is interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or a similar field.

The Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship, provides scholarships to college-bound, financially-needy students graduating from each of the Catholic high schools within the Diocese of Venice. Unlike the other scholarships, students do not apply but are nominated by their school.

All applications and supporting documents for each of the scholarships must be submitted electronically by no later than March 1, 2021.

To find out which Catholic Community Foundation scholarship you qualify for, please visit www.ccfdioceseofvenice.org/scholarships.

Step Up scholarship deadline June 1

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Bob Reddy

The deadline to apply for the Step Up for Students scholarship for students attending Diocese of Venice Catholic schools is fast approaching and income qualifications are more generous than one might think.

The scholarships are worth up to $7,111 for each K-12th-grader and can be used for tuition and fees. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2021.

“It is a free application and could result in a scholarship for your children from now until they graduate high school,” said Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education. “The scholarships can be used to pay Catholic school tuition and fees. I encourage all families with children in grades K-12 to apply for this scholarship now.”

The benefits of a Catholic education are well documented as 99 percent of graduates go on to higher education, national testing scores are well above average and in the Diocese of Venice the quality education is infused with Catholic values, teachings and traditions.

“The well-rounded education that each student receives is focused on Christ and integrates age-appropriate learning while helping to develop the mind, body and soul,” Father Belmonte said.

An example of the investment of the Diocese into education for all students was the recently announced partnership with FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the leading robotics competition in the world.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane backed the effort to introduce this new, comprehensive STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) initiative, gifting 500 robots and related curricular resources to the Diocesan schools. The forward-thinking effort will enhance the existing STREAM curriculum of the 15 Diocesan schools, placing students ahead of the curve in primary fields while continuing to promote core Catholic virtues. This program will also be incorporating Catholic values and virtues through the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.”

Thanks to the Step Up for Students scholarships, a Catholic education is more affordable than ever. During the recently concluded Florida legislative session the scholarship program was expanded to make it possible for more families to send their children to the private school they desire.

Please visit www.sufs.org/swflcatholic to apply for the Step Up for a Students scholarship.

Note, to ensure timely processing for a full scholarship, Step Up needs to receive the application and all required documents by June 1. Step Up will continue to accept applications after June 1 but cannot assure those received after that date will be processed in time to receive a full award.

Catholic Community Foundation presents 16 scholarships

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by members of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. Board, led a virtual presentation ceremony on May 20, 2020 from the Catholic Center in Venice to honor 16 Foundation scholarship winners.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia and Schaerf scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment of continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as nursing, pediatrician, veterinarian, engineering and more. The ceremony is typically held in person, but the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the virtual ceremony.

Bishop Dewane opened the presentation with prayer and said he was impressed with the new Foundation Scholars adding that many are interested in going into the medical field, where there is a great need. “God has blessed you each with different gifts. Enjoy what you are going to do but keep an eye on that goal.”

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars. “Every one of you, from what we learned, is unique, special, strong and smart; embrace that.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provides a total of 11 academic scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 10 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and one non-traditional winner (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). Scholarship applicants were asked to complete an online application and financial needs assessment in addition to submitting a clearly articulated career plan describing their chosen course of study. Traditional students needed to be accepted into an accredited college or university and non-traditional students needed to be accepted into an accredited college, university or vocational program. Scholarships may also be renewed annually up to a total of five academic years for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal.

The Frank and Florence Coseglia Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship of $1,117.00 to one graduating senior from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. The winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Foundation Board.

The newest award offered through the Foundation is the Frederick W. Schaerf M.D. Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship, which provides one $4,000 one-time scholarship to a graduating senior from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience.

The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed applications before determining the worthiest applicants.

During the virtual scholarship ceremony, the recipients shared their personal experiences as well as college and career goals. Each expressed their appreciation for the scholarship from the Foundation. Many specifically explained how the scholarship money will assist in lessening the financial burden of attending college and pursuing their career goals.

Mary Fran Carroll Scholar Elizabeth Steindorf graduated from Riverview High School and is a parishioner at Christ the King Parish in Sarasota, who will be attending the Louisiana State University Ogden Honors College to study chemistry on a pre-med track in hopes of becoming either a general pediatrician or pediatric surgeon. “Thank you. This scholarship will help pay for my undergrad so I can focus my funds toward medical school in the future.”

Board President Dominick Cavuato summed up the sentiments of the Board when he noted how the new Foundation Scholars are an impressive group of young women and men.

“We congratulate you on the journey you have taken so far, and we look forward to hearing great things in the future,” Cavuato said.

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals, such as Mary Fran Carroll, to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice. Last year alone, the Foundation distributed $1.2 million in endowed support for Catholic Schools, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.