A $1.64 million gift from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation will provide scholarships for dozens of graduates of Orange County’s Title 1 high schools, helping them pursue and achieve life-changing college degrees.

While financial aid often covers tuition for at-promise students, the additional scholarships can cover other expenses such as books and housing, eliminating what can be a barrier preventing some from enrolling or remaining in college.

Scholarships will be awarded during the 2024-25 academic year to 46 students from Jones, Evans, Oak Ridge, Colonial and Wekiva high schools. Each student will receive $2,500 annually for up to four years. Additional scholarships will be awarded in future years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and generosity of the DeLuca Foundation,” says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “DeLuca’s investment will help our students unleash their potential and thrive in college and beyond, lifting up their families for generations to come.”

Scholarship preferences go to students participating in the UCF Downtown Scholars Initiative (DSI), which provides promising students at high schools in Orlando’s urban neighborhoods with the support network to attend and be successful at UCF.

While the strong start and first-year support that DSI promotes is key to improving collegiate outcomes, alone, it may not be enough for students. The DeLuca Foundation’s gift will support DSI students through the remainder of their college career, allowing them to focus on their studies and participate in community service, student organizations, study abroad and internships.

“This scholarship has taken so much financial stress off of my parents and me, allowing me to focus entirely on my education,” says Tanyah Hollinger, a business management major and DSI participant. “I’m so grateful that I don’t have to worry about how I’ll pay for my books or tuition, which lets me truly immerse myself in the college experience.”

DSI launched in 2021 through a philanthropic partnership between UCF and the Helios Education Foundation. Students enter the initiative as rising high school seniors and receive one-on-one help with the UCF application process, information on financial aid and opportunities to build connections through campus activities. After high school graduation, they take part in student mentoring and a summer bridge program where they live at UCF Downtown and receive free tuition and books, peer mentoring and engagement opportunities for the summer. Once enrolled at UCF, they work with DSI coaches to support a seamless transition into college.

Now in its third year, UCF’s Downtown Scholars Initiative began with students from Jones High School and this year expanded to include Evans and Oak Ridge high schools.

“I am so appreciative of the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and the support they will be providing to dozens of graduating seniors in Orange County Public Schools,” says Maria Vazquez ’95MEd ’10EdD, OCPS superintendent and UCF education alum. “Helping to remove any part of the financial burden that can come with a student’s post-secondary dream is a gift that I know each student will be so grateful to receive, and I look forward to seeing that happen for them.”

To learn more about the Downtown Scholars Initiative, visit ucffoundation.org/dsi.