The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents over 20 scholarships of varying amounts on an annual basis to outstanding youth in the Southwest Florida area. For this, we seek assistance from universities and organizations to help us to continue providing educational opportunities to these deserving young men and women.

As you are aware, the Hispanic population in Florida grows exponentially every year. This population growth is especially noticeable in Southwest Florida. Additionally, Southwest Florida is one of the most adversely affected regions due to the nationwide economic downturn. This creates one or more barriers towards the goal of a college education for our Hispanic youth.

The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber invites companies to partner with us to make the dream of a college education possible. These scholarship are presented in the organization's name at our Annual Gala & Scholarships Presentation held in June of every year. In addition to helping our future leaders, this increases the companies' exposure in a positive way throughout our community and they receive recognition through local Hispanic and mainstream media. Also, we are always honored when a representative of the donating organization is present at our Gala to award the scholarships.

If you would like to participate in our scholarship program or if you should need more information, please call us at (239) 418-1441. Our chamber would be honored to working with you on improving educational opportunities in Southwest Florida.

2009 Scholarship Donors & Recipients

Donor                                     Scholarship       Recipient                      High School

Florida Gulf Coast University      4 Year               Karen Quintero                Mariner                    

Florida Gulf Coast University      4 Year               Valeria Suarez                 Fort Myers

Hodges University                     2 Year               Amy Guzman                  Ida Baker

Hodges University                     2 Year               Melissa Mendez              Mariner

Edison State College                2 Year               Jessica Benitez               Fort Myers

Edison State College                2 Year               Araceli Martinez               S Fort Myers

Edison State College                2 Year               Mayra Rivera                    S Fort Myers

Edison State College                2 Year               Melanie Zuniga                 Mariner

Rasmussen College                 2 Year                Estela Sandoval               S Fort Myers

Rasmussen College                 2 Years              Katya Barsesa                 Mariner HS

Gulf Citrus Growers                  $1,000               Sergio Martinez                Immokalee

Gulf Citrus Growers                  $1,000               Rosalba Ascencio            Okeechobee

Hispanic Teachers' Network      $1,000                Mierlyn Tejada                 Gulf Coast

La Primavera, Corp.                 $1,500                Luis Giraldo                     Cypress

Nova Southeastern University    $500 &               Ileana Sanchez                Mariner

Dr. Sonia Rocha                      $500

Ricardo McCormack                $1,000                Melanie Mitta                   Clewiston

Ricardo McCormack                $1,000                Marlene Cid                     Mariner

Ricardo McCormack                $1,000                Mariana Villela                 Fort Myers

Ricardo McCormack                $1,000                Juan Jose Diaz                Cypress Lake

Ricardo McCormack                $1,000                Juan C. Quijada               Dunbar

Dr. Robert McGann                  $500 &               Mariah Fernandez            Mariner

Mercedes Pacheco Lladro        $400

Mary G. Johnson                     $1,500                Carly Blalock                   Robert Morgan

Mary G. Johnson                     $1,500                Monica Juarez                 Ida S Baker

Dr. Rolando Rivera                   $1,000                Jose Otero                      Mariner

Denny & Linda Brown              $1,250                Alejandra Vega                USF

Denny & Linda Brown              $1,250                Albaro Torres                   FGCU