FPL and Coke Florida Donations are largest to date for Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – The Florida Prepaid College Foundation (FPCF) announced in March 2025 that it has reached the halfway mark of its $20 million goal for the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program, and encouraged Florida businesses and organizations to join the momentum and impact of businesses transforming the lives of Florida’s youth. The Foundation matches every contribution dollar-for-dollar, up to $10 million, doubling the impact and providing $20 million in college scholarships to Florida students.
Major donors to date include Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), Florida Blue Foundation, Coke Florida, The George Snow Scholarship Fund, Availity, and Take Stock in Children’s Rural County Initiative among others.
“One of the main contributors to generational poverty is the lack of educational opportunities,” said Florida Prepaid College Foundation Chair Madeline Pumariega. “By investing in education, we are securing the future of our state and expanding pathways to prosperity.”
The Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program, in partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation, aims to reduce childhood poverty by providing a pathway to college for Florida students living in the state’s most economically disadvantaged zip codes.
Launched in June 2021, the program supports the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2030 Prosperity Project, aiming to break the cycle of generational poverty and foster prosperity across all zip codes. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation enhances the impact of each donation by matching donor contributions dollar-for-dollar, doubling their impact.
“College education is a gateway to a brighter future, fostering the talent essential for our state’s growth and prosperity,” said Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “I urge all businesses to join us in this mission to break the cycle of generational poverty, one student at a time.”
More than 700,000 Florida children are living in poverty, with half of these children concentrated in just 15 percent of Florida’s zip codes. These communities face significant challenges, including academic difficulties and health risks. To date, the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program has already awarded more than 1,380 scholarships for students in 29 of the 37 priority zip codes.
“This milestone is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our partners,” said Florida Prepaid College Foundation Director Cynthia O’Connell. “But our work is not done. The shared commitment of Florida’s business leaders will help us provide the remaining scholarships to deserving students. Together, we can change lives and improve communities across Florida, one student and one scholarship at a time.”
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Florida Chamber Foundation have partnered with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida, Take Stock in Children, and the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs to identify students and provide mentoring as part of the scholarship award. These scholarships can be used at Florida public colleges and universities, as well as technical and vocational schools.
Learn more about the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation at www.pathtoprosperityscholarship.com.
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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 60,900 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.
About the Florida Chamber Foundation:
The Florida Chamber Foundation is a statewide, business-led, non-partisan research and future-oriented leadership group working in partnership with regional and state leaders to secure Florida’s future. To ensure global competitiveness, prosperity, high-paying jobs, and vibrant and resilient communities for all Floridians, the Florida Chamber Foundation places the long-term ahead of the short-term by uniting the Florida business community for good to develop strategies around six key factors, the Florida 2030 Blueprint Six Pillars of Florida’s Future Economy: improving Florida’s talent pipeline for a better workforce, creating good jobs by diversifying Florida’s economy, preparing Florida’s infrastructure for smart growth and development, building the perfect climate for business, making government and civics more efficient and effective, and championing Florida’s quality of life. The Florida Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are deductible as charitable gifts for federal income tax. To learn more about the Florida Chamber Foundation, visit www.FLFoundation.org.
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