“When you are young, you do not know the cost of a college education. You naturally assume that 'somehow your parents will be able to pay for you.' Then one day you grow up and realize the way of the real world and you begin to understand how much things really cost. In ninth grade I applied for a scholarship through the Hillsborough Education Foundation. And I won. It was this point in my life I realized several things. I achieved peace of mind. It allowed me to concentrate on school rather than constantly worrying about paying for college. My dream to become a Doctor was no longer a dream. I realized that this scholarship was actually going to let this happen for me. It also made me more responsible. It also had a secondary affect on me. I knew that I had to walk a straight line in my personal life or I could lose this once in a lifetime opportunity. Words are inadequate to express how much this scholarship helped change my life forever.
Matthew Carman just finished Medical school at the University of South Florida and is in his medical residency program in New York.  He graduated from King High School and received his education via a Foundation scholarship.

About 500 deserving students per year benefit from the Hillsborough Education Foundation scholarship programs.

Offering a student the chance to further their education beyond high school is a dream come true for many. With the rising cost of post-secondary education, it is difficult for many families to support their child’s desire to pursue training in technical fields or a college degree. Unfortunately, the Foundation does not have the funding to award to all qualified and deserving students.

Hillsborough Education Foundation partners with corporations, civic, and charitable organizations and individuals to make this dream a reality. Many of the gifts for scholarships can be matched. Donors may have their gift matched up to four times its amount.

Read more about funding opportunities for scholarships:

• Cash Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
• Matching Gifts
• Florida Pre-Paid Scholarships
• INVEST

• Annually, the Hillsborough Education Foundation awards more than $600,000 in scholarships
• Many scholarship gifts may be matched up to four times the donor’s amount
• Corporations, civic groups or individuals donating towards scholarships at a certain dollar amount may name the scholarships, help identify the recipients, and participate in the annual awards ceremonies with students.