First Florida Credit Union presented a check for $250,000 to FSCJ to support initiatives that will help local students and community members become future business leaders. The funding will help launch the FSCJ Business Speaker Series and bolster the College’s Financial Skills Academy over the span of five years.

“We are extremely fortunate to be partnering with First Florida to help connect the FSCJ community with local business leaders and stakeholders to expand educational and professional development opportunities,” said FSCJ President Cynthia Bioteau. “The support from First Florida allows more focus to be placed on educating and preparing our current and future generations to be successful leaders in our community.”

The series will feature prominent business leaders who will discuss a wide range of topics including entrepreneurship, taxes, health care, investing and other related issues. All sessions will be open to FSCJ students as well as high school students, military personnel and other groups to increase community-wide education.

First Florida President and CEO Brent E. Lister said the monthly series, set to run from Fall 2017 to Spring 2022, will give those interested the opportunity to network with business leaders while allowing potential employers to connect with the upcoming workforce.  

“At First Florida, we are committed to enriching people every day – and that’s exactly what this grant aims to accomplish,” Lister said. “We are thrilled to work with FSCJ to educate local students and community members alike as they become the business leaders of tomorrow.” 

First Florida will also help the College expand marketing of its Financial Skills Academy, which is currently offered for free, to more than 50,000 students and faculty. The academy provides four certification courses that are taught both in the classroom and online to help students learn a variety of financial knowledge, from basic skills to stock investing.