Think Big for Kids Awards 70 Scholarships to Students Representing 33 Tampa Bay High Schools

TAMPA – (May 28, 2024) – Think Big for Kids, a national non-profit organization with a mission to break the cycle of poverty by preparing kids to excel in today’s workforce, has awarded 70 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year to students from 33 Tampa Bay area high schools, doubling the number of scholarships awarded last academic year.

Think Big for Kids offers eight types of scholarships toward two- and four-year college degrees, trade schools and apprenticeships as part of programming that provides middle and high school students in need with opportunities for career exploration, mentorship, and job readiness and placement.

Scholarships range from general studies to concentrations in business, entrepreneurship, law enforcement and technical trades, many of which are funded by Tampa Bay individuals, grants and privately held companies. Think Big for Kids engages more than 100 area partner companies from various industries to provide volunteer services, such as career showcases, field trips, mentorships and internships, with the goal of developing a pool of skilled talent for the workforce.

“Scholarship season is the highpoint of our year, because we get the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these incredible graduates, all of whom will be first-generation college students,” said Amy Alley, executive director of Think Big for Kids. “These kids have overcome many obstacles while balancing studies, work and family life. We are so excited to see what the future holds as they prepare to enter the workforce and make our community an even better place.”

To receive a Think Big for Kids scholarship, students must first write a personal essay and then interview with a committee of Think Big employees and volunteers who determine scholarship types and amounts to award. Think Big partners with the Hillsborough Education Foundation and the Pinellas Education Foundation to promote and administer the scholarships.

“I’m a rising third-year Business Administration student at Florida A&M University. Thanks to Think Big for Kids’ support, I can focus on my studies and dream big. Now, I’m putting those dreams into action with a summer marketing internship,” said Tatiana Bell, former Think Big scholarship recipient and graduate of Tampa Bay Technical High School. “Think Big for Kids goes beyond money. They connected me with amazing mentors who believe in me. Their guidance is incredible.”

Think Big for Kids has served 7,000 middle and high schoolers since its founding in 2016. The organization has programming, partner companies and volunteers in Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Great Washington, D.C., and New Jersey.