New full-cost scholarships to CFK offer real-world skills and knowledge to Middle and Upper Keys students

Application due by August 10th to cover tuition, fees, and other expenses

Students at CFK get hands-on training for real world jobs.

KEY WEST, FL, July 28, 2025— Recent high school graduates in the Middle and Upper Keys can now attend college free through the new NextGen Opportunity Workforce (NOW) Scholarship, which covers tuition, fees, books, and more. The NOW Scholarship at The College of the Florida Keys removes financial barriers for students enrolled in career programs and who plan to build their careers in the Keys.
 
What makes the NOW Scholarship different:

• Covers 100% of educational costs
• Open to students who may not qualify for other scholarships
• Students can choose from dozens of career tracks
• Students commit to working in the Keys community after graduation

The scholarship supports programs that train students for in-demand local jobs, from nursing and marine technology to hospitality management and skilled trades like welding and electrical work among others.
 
To qualify, students must:

• Be a 2025 graduate of Marathon High School, Coral Shores High School, or homeschooled in the Middle or Upper Keys,
• Enroll at CFK for the fall 2025 semester (deadline to apply for admission to CFK is August 1, 2025)
• Show a commitment to live and work in the Florida Keys community long-term.

“What’s especially great about the NOW Scholarship is how many program options are available,” said, Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment. “There are dozens to choose from ranging from two-year degrees in nursing, criminal justice, and renewable energy to certificates in diving, culinary arts, and emergency medical services among many others.”
 
The NOW Scholarships, designed to invest in students dedicated to strengthening the future of Monroe County, are made possible through the generous support of Ed Hajim and Paul Ferri.
 
The scholarship application, due by August 10, 2025, includes one essay question: “What are your career goals and how do you plan to make an impact in the Florida Keys?” Students have up to 500 words to share their thoughts and vision.
 
For more information, please visit: www.cfk.edu/discover/cfk-foundation/scholarship-info/.
 
For assistance with your CFK admissions application, contact: Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment, at [email protected].
 
For questions about or assistance with the NOW Scholarship, contact: Shania Duarte-Vera, CFK Coordinator, Alumni and Donor Relations, at [email protected].