Centennial Bank recently launched its Financial Literacy Scholarship program with a pledge of $100,000 over five years to graduating high school seniors throughout Florida. The college scholarship is part of the bank’s commitment to financial literacy and the local community. The scholarship program will be available to schools participating in the bank’s current financial education program that caters to schools with 51% or more students receiving free or reduced lunch. The program will be available starting with the class of 2023. High school seniors who excel in their designated math class can be nominated for the scholarship by the course instructor or school counselor.

Along with April being Financial Literacy Month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ recently signed a bill requiring Florida public high school students to complete a personal finance course to graduate, set to commence for incoming first-year students of the 2023-2024 school year. Students chosen for the scholarship will be allocated funds each semester throughout their college education for four years.

“With bi-partisan Senate approval and the entire state’s attention, there is no better time to showcase the importance of financial literacy for the next generation and reiterate our commitment by taking action,” David Druey says, Florida regional president for Centennial Bank. “Through this scholarship, we will help more than 25 high school students throughout Florida continue their education while raising awareness for fundamental and lifelong personal finance skills.”

The launch of the scholarship program is an extension of Centennial Bank’s commitment to financial literacy. Last year, the bank partnered with GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit focused on financial education and Banzai Inc., an interactive, award-winning course on real-world finance. The partnerships provided valuable, complementary resources, such as virtual courses and educational materials, to more than 43 schools, retirees and first-time homebuyers in Florida.

“As champions for the communities we serve, our Financial Literacy Scholarship reaffirms our core values and commitment to bolstering our backyard,” J.C. de Ona says, Southeast division president for Centennial Bank. “With this scholarship, we are simultaneously investing in prospective bankers, lenders, and visionaries for generations to come. We hope other financial institutions, organizations, and businesses will join us in this effort.”