Hamptons Educational Foundation
Every student deserves an opportunity
About Us
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.
The Selection Process
To be selected, students are judged in three categories: family/student need, proven success in high school, and a desire to achieve. Each student must complete a thorough application, provide financial documentation, and be interviewed by a panel of our members. We review each student, and based on our three criteria, we vote to select the students most deserving of our funding. The number of awards granted each year depends on the amount of money raised that year.
Current Scholarship Students
Hamptons Educational Foundation students are presently in pre-med programs, engineering programs, (mechanical, civil, chemical) physical therapy programs, educational programs, (elementary and secondary) and in nursing programs, as well as many other majors.. They all desire to become valued members of society. In addition to need, diversity is also a main consideration of our selections. Ten are African-American, Fifteen are Hispanic. Thirty-nine are females, one is a teenage mom.
Students are required to report their class schedule and grade transcripts for each semester.
Additional Foundation Programs
The Foundation provides volunteers to assist with various projects in the high schools. We staff computer labs in an after-school program. This enables computer access to students who do not have computers or printers at home. In addition, we initiated after-school and Saturday tutoring sessions for preparation to take the SAT and ACT exams. We began a tutoring program for students and parents to fill out FAFSA forms, which are necessary for Federal Student Aid and Pell Grants. The Foundation has started a calculator program. Most students do not have access to high end calculators, an essential part for scoring well on PSAT, SAT and ACT exams. The foundation has helped purchased 50 high end calculators and started a loaner program. Students are trained to use calculators and they are allowed to use them during test preparation classes and during PSAT, SAT and ACT exams. We have provided snacks, and packaged them with school supplied food and juices for every local high school student taking the FCAT exams.
Seniors Talking With Seniors Program:
This program is a daily phone contact between High School senior students and senior residents of the Hamptons community. Senior residents sign up to receive phone calls. Senior high school students volunteer to assist their community as well as earn community service hours. The senior residents are mentors to the students. Each phone call is communication between different generations for the benefit of each age group.
Our Membership
Membership has grown to over 70 "retired" volunteers. No one, including our Board of Directors, is compensated in any way. All monies raised are fully tax-deductible, and 100% of those funds are utilized to assist students.