By Cindy Schutt
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County was proud to award $257,292 in scholarships to deserving high school graduates who are participants in their mentoring program at its third annual BIG Futures Scholars Celebration presented by Ana G. Mendez University. BIG Futures is a college and career readiness initiative designed to equip youth for post-secondary success through career mentoring, education and access to key opportunities.
All participating graduating Seniors also received special honor cords to celebrate their efforts. More than 350 guests, comprised of scholars and their families and friends, along with donors and board members were in attendance at the Hollywood Central Performing Art Center.
“BIG Futures initiates successful trajectories for our young people by providing them with the opportunity to achieve their dreams through higher education,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “We are exceptionally proud of our student scholars as they begin this new journey to college or trade school.
“We are deeply grateful,” Mendez continued, “to the generous funding organizations and individual donors like Florida Prepaid Path to Prosperity Program Powered by Florida Power & Light, Women on the Verge Big Futures, the Charles Greenlee Fund, Traci Miller & Troy McHatton Swing for Kids’ Sake Match and more who have provided the crucial support to ignite the potential and promise of youth.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has made a lasting impact on the lives of youth in the Broward County community for more than 52 years. Mentoring relationships created by the organization build self-confidence and emotional well-being, empower young people on a path to graduation and higher education, and help them establish a plan for a successful future. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. For more information, visit www.bbbsbroward.org.