BCC Receives Funding for Nursing, Allied Health Scholarships

Paulo Fuchter was making hurricane preparations last summer when he fell from the roof of his house, shattering both ankles. Three days later – while recuperating in the hospital – he suffered a heart attack. “My nurses provided me with such great care. They enhanced my desire to study nursing,” said Fuchter, 40, of Pompano Beach.

Fuchter enrolled in BCC’s nursing program and intends to graduate in August 2007. Thanks to a scholarship from a new program designed to address the critical shortage of nurses and allied health workers in Florida, he is confident he will reach his goal.

“Without that scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to attend school full time or pay for tuition and books,” he said.

From left: Shawnia Thomas, Kelly Raper, scholarship recipients; Dionne Wong-Jones, North Broward Hospital District; Stacey Webb, Community Colleges and Workforce Development; Catherine Kelly, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida; Paulo Fuchter and Miguel Mazzei, scholarship recipients; Jim LaBate, BCC Foundation chair

Fuchter is one of four BCC students awarded a scholarship through a $2.5 million endowment established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and supported by the Florida Legislature.

“We believe the endowment will have an immediate impact on South Florida,” said Catherine Kelly, BCBSF vice president for public affairs. According to the Florida Department of Education, the program is expected to provide scholarships for approximately 200 students each year.

To receive endowment money, colleges must first locate community partners to match an initial contribution from BCBSF. The Florida Legislature will then match the total amount dollar-for-dollar. BCC’s benefit is $54,348.20, which includes an initial award of $13,587.05 from BCBSF; $13,587.05 in matching funds from BCC’s community partner North Broward Hospital District; and $27,174.10 from the Florida Legislature.