Melissa Jenkins, graduate and student, SCF More than 30 years after her high school graduation, Melissa Jenkins graduated from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) with an Associate in Arts degree at SCF Venice’s Grad Walk ceremony in May. She is the first college graduate in her family. “I cried when I hit the graduation … Continued

Leah Nusman, coordinator, TRIO Student Support Services, SCF Leah Nusman grew up in Bradenton. As a first-generation college student with limited financial resources, she started her higher education journey at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota) in 2001. She took classes and worked as a student employee in what is now the … Continued

Kristen Joanna Molina Medina, graduate, SCF With an interest in education and love of helping others learn, Kristen Joanna Molina Medina found herself drawn to the business field and the many ways it shapes opportunities and communities.   Molina graduated with a 3.88 GPA and an Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in business … Continued