The Hamptons Educational Foundation is a Federally designated 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the intellectual growth of young men and women who upon high school graduation aspire to further their education.

Our current success is really based on one simple principle: we seek to assist financially disadvantaged students who yearn for a better life for themselves and their families. Our financial assistance helps hardworking students to focus on continuing their academic success. The foundation began in The Hamptons, a 55+ years community of 829 residences located in Auburndale, Florida

During 2008, the first year of the foundation, 2 scholarships were awarded. In 2015, 21 scholarships were awarded, which brings the total number of HEF scholarships to 120 students. The students are selected on a financial need based system, (verified in many ways) as well as a desire to succeed. The typical award is $3000.00 per student. The student receives funding of $750.00 per semester, for two years. In addition to our scholarship money, the neediest students may receive a laptop or desktop computer. Read More…

HEF  In The News – Senior community awards college scholarships

AUBURNDALE | It started in 2008 with two students and $4,000. Things have gotten a bit bigger since then.

H.E.F. is a large group of retired senior citizens from around the country and Canada who live in The Hamptons Golf & Country Club in Auburndale. Their mission is to improve the lives of young people through education, with the belief that education will have a long-term effect on individuals and their families. Read more…

Read more from Bay News 9

Our Motivation
The Starfish Parable.

Once upon a time there was a wise man that used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young boy and the young boy wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the sand, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The young boy paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish in the ocean.” “The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.” “But, young boy, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young boy listed politely. Then bent down, picked another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said- “It made a huge difference for that one.”

There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future. We must each find our starfish. And if we throw our stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.

Mission Statement:
The primary focus of the Hamptons Educational Foundation is to assist underprivileged high school students to further their education. We select students who have excelled in the classroom and have demonstrated a desire to achieve success in their lives, but have severe financial need. All of these students have come from challenging environments, yet they have found the motivation to overcome the incredible obstacles placed in their way.

Our typical assistance is a $3,000.00 scholarship spread over two years. We also supply computers to many of these students. Our membership is an all volunteer group. We raise money all year long, and 100% of that money is used to fund our scholarships. We seek partnerships with corporations, organizations and individuals. This program is not a handout program. All of these students have shown the necessary skills to be worthy of our/your help.

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