VyStar Credit Union is proud to help open doors to higher education for four exceptional Florida students by awarding them two-year scholarships through the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program.
This life-changing opportunity, made possible in partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation (FPCF) and the Florida Chamber Foundation, helps break the cycle of poverty by providing students in Florida’s most under-resourced communities with a pathway to academic and personal success. VyStar’s support of the Path to Prosperity Program reflects its deep commitment to advancing financial well-being and creating brighter futures for students, families, and communities.
“Financial education is a cornerstone of VyStar’s philanthropic efforts,” said Patricia McElroy, VyStar SVP and Foundation President. “We are thrilled to join forces with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to support these deserving students. By investing in their education, we are not only helping them overcome barriers but also empowering them to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future.”
Meet the 2025 VyStar Path to Prosperity Scholars:
- Gabriel Crowell, Pace Flagler/Volusia High School, Ormond Beach, Florida
- Charisma Lawrence, Pace Orange High School, Winter Park, Florida
- Adam Valme, Jones High School, Orlando, Florida
- Malik Williams, Professional Academy at Loften High School, Gainesville, Florida
The students were selected through a collaborative effort involving the FPCF, the Education Foundation for Alachua County, Jones High School and Pace Center for Girls. Each student has shown resilience, academic achievement and a commitment to staying crime-free and drug-free while excelling academically amidst significant life challenges.
With over 700,000 children living in poverty in Florida, many in just 15% of the state’s zip codes, initiatives like the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program are essential. They offer hope and a real opportunity for students to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
The Path to Prosperity Scholarship covers 60 college credit hours at a Florida public college or university, or equivalent technical or vocational training. Through a dollar-for-dollar match from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, the program doubles the impact of every scholarship awarded.
“A child’s zip code should never limit their opportunities, and this is why we are so grateful for VyStar’s partnership in these Path to Prosperity Scholarships,” said Florida Prepaid College Foundation Director Cynthia O’Connell. “Because of their donation and our match, we can open doors for deserving students who have dreams and goals far bigger than their circumstances.”
The Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program was built with the goal of fighting childhood poverty by providing a path to higher education. Florida Prepaid College Foundation offers a dollar-for-dollar match, doubling the impact of scholarships available to students. Each Path to Prosperity scholarship will cover 60 credit hours at a Florida public college or university, or the equivalent funding at technical and vocational schools.
Learn more about the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation at www.
To learn more about VyStar, please visit vystarcu.org
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About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 78 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
About the Florida Prepaid College Foundation
Since its founding in 1990, the Foundation has committed to giving aspiring students the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and our state by providing college scholarships funded through partnerships with individuals, businesses, educational foundations, and the Florida Legislature. The Foundation administers several innovative scholarship programs, including Project STARS and the new Challenge Match Scholarship Programs, designed to help students achieve their dream of earning a college education. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 60,000 Florida Prepaid College Plan scholarships, and more than 37,500 Foundation scholarship recipients have gone to college using their benefits. The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) direct support organization for the Florida Prepaid College Board. To learn more about the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, visit here.
Vystar Credit Union
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Dawn Ofodile AVP, Regional Community Engagement
- June 13, 2025
- (904) 908-2666
- Send Email
