(Bradenton, Fla., July 20, 2023) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s (SCF) Nursing Center of Excellence recently received a $75,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to provide outcome-driven educational opportunities for nursing students. This is the second round of funding SCF has received for this vital program, having received a $150,000 grant last year.

“State College of Florida Foundation has attracted public, corporate, and philanthropic support for the Nursing Center of Excellence to address the nursing shortage which is impacting our community. The strong academic programs SCF makes accessible to students benefit our local economy through every graduate. We are proud to continue our successful partnership with State College of Florida to expand the enrollment of nursing students,” said Jennifer Johnston, Director of Community Leadership, Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Florida’s need for nurses is only expected to increase as the baby-boomer generation continues to retire. According to the Florida Center for Nursing, more than 40 percent of nurses fall within the baby-boomer demographic and are expecting to retire within the next 10 years. Thus, there is a constant need to find new and younger nurses to replace them.

According to the Florida Hospital Association, Florida will need more than 60,000 nurses by 2035 to meet the state’s projected healthcare needs.

SCF’s nursing program is one of the most productive programs in the state, offering both Associate in Science (ASN) and Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees. For the past decade, SCF has maintained the highest average of Florida Board of Nursing exam pass rates in the region, at 98-100 percent. In addition, students graduating from SCF’s nursing program are poised to earn almost 150 percent of the mean income for all occupations in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area.

The College maintains advanced educational facilities, including the only state-of-the-art Medical Technology & Simulation Center on Florida’s west coast, and a world-class faculty, all of whom hold advanced degrees. These facilities are made possible through the support of the community, state legislature, local foundations and the State College of Florida Foundation.

“We are beyond grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for its ongoing support of our nursing program,” said SCF Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Holmes. “Our Nursing Center of Excellence continues to help address the critical nursing shortage in our area with high-quality, expertly trained nurses, ready to go to work on day one.”

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation: Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for over 25 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting $510 million in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” nationally by The Nonprofit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2023. To learn more, visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook at @GulfCoastCommFnd.