Shaping the Minds of the Future
The Scholars Program provides assistance and enrichment opportunities for students who aspire to excel academically, develop leadership skills, exhibit citizenship, and serve their community and school.
The Scholars Program has since expanded to embrace all students at elementary (beginning in 4th grade), middle, and high school levels who embrace the Scholars’ Program philosophy and ideals of academic excellence, leadership, service and citizenship.
Program Information
The FGCU Scholars Program, whose motto is “Shaping the Minds of the Future,” is a collaboration between the Office of Outreach Programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and schools and/or community organizations in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties.
To qualify for membership in the FGCU Scholars Program, students must be enrolled in a public school that sponsors a Scholars Chapter in grades 4-12 and also:
- Attain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8 or higher
- Demonstrate good character and behavior
Throughout the academic year, there is a variety of academic support, resources, and tools offered including:
- ACT/SAT Boot Camps
- Academic Enrichment and Supplemental Instruction
- Academic Counseling
- Tutoring resources
During the summer months, there is an assortment of programs and workshops dedicated to college and career research including:
- College Tours
- "College for a day" Workshops
- Financial Aid Workshops
- Career Development Workshops
How to Apply
If you are interested in completing an application for the FGCU Scholars Program please follow these steps:
History of the Scholars Program
The Scholars Program, the brainchild of then-Fort Myers High School junior Christian Duffus, began in 1989 as a way to promote and reward academic achievement among minority students. With support from the principal, and the dedication of its first faculty advisor, Alberta Allen, the program was launched.
