Access and Opportunity Through Scholarships

Transcript

Now it’s time to hear from Cierra who’s studying business. With a focus on earning an affordable degree, she knows just how important philanthropy is to the campus culture at UCF. She’ll share how scholarships and financial aid were easy to access and have helped her during her time at UCF. Cierra, please take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. Hi, guys. The power of philanthropy can truly be life-changing for a college student. It certainly was for me. 50% of first time and college students at UCF graduate with no educational debt, which is far better than the national average. Access to scholarships and financial aid are a big reason why UCF remains an exceptional and affordable university. In my time at UCF, I’ve been able to join many student organizations, connect with mentors at the College of Business, interact with top Orlando business leaders and gain impactful marketing internship experience. None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the financial support I received from UCF and the donors who help ensure our success. One of the tenants of the UCF creed is community. And that is embodied in the backing that our students receive from their own classmates, our 335,000 alumni, and from our biggest supporters from companies like EA who help endowed a scholarship to encourage inclusion in gaming, to a facility funded by Lockheed Martin dedicated to training the next generation of cybersecurity programmers, to record-breaking gifts, resulting in transformational impact. Every year, UCF distributes millions of dollars in scholarships, and on our annual day of giving in the spring, we see the impact that every donor and every dollar can have. By opening doors and removing obstacles through philanthropy, we empower our students to rise to their potential and achieve their dreams. I believe in community and supporting those who support me. One day, I plan to give back to UCF as a tribute to those who helped me achieve my goals. Thanks for listening. Now back to you, Alex.

– Thank you, Cierra. You did amazing. It’s great to see how UCF instills the importance of giving back and paying it forward in its Knights and how the emphasis provides students with the support to succeed. Thanks again, Cierra.