Panama City, FL— The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with the STEM Origins Foundation to support the launch of the Rising Star scholarship program—a forward-thinking initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Bay County.
Originally designed to support three students, early fundraising success has allowed the STEM Origins Foundation to expand the inaugural year of the Rising Star program to benefit 10 students from 10 different elementary schools across the district. Each selected 5th-grade student will receive a $500 scholarship, awarded upon graduation from high school and disbursed when they enroll at Gulf Coast State College.
“This partnership isn’t just about dollars—it’s about building dreams and lighting a long-term path for students who show curiosity and aptitude in STEM,” said Ashlin Glatthar, Executive Director of GCSC Foundation. “By giving students something to aim for early on, we’re changing what’s possible in their futures.”
The program is uniquely designed to plant the seed of higher education early, leveraging the proven power of long-term incentives to nurture STEM interests during the formative years. Students are selected based on merit—including demonstrated curiosity, aptitude, and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—as well as their collaboration and work ethic, all commensurate with age-appropriate expectations
With $5,000 raised to date, the Rising Star program has already met its goal to support 10 students in its first year. However, the vision doesn’t stop there. The STEM Origins Foundation and the GCSC Foundation aim to double the reach to 20 students annually, representing one from each elementary school in the Bay District.
To do so, they are seeking additional community and private sector partners who recognize both the joy of helping young minds flourish and the urgent national need for a skilled STEM workforce
“This is an investment in our children and in our country’s future STEM talent pipeline,” said Mark Bradshaw, President of the STEM Origins Foundation. “If we want to lead in innovation, we have to start here by making STEM education tangible and exciting from an early age.”
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For program details or press inquiries, contact:
Mark Bradshaw – STEM Origins Foundation
[email protected]
(850) 733-7168
www.stemorigins.org
To learn more or contribute to the Rising Star fund, contact:
Lauren Campbell (Del Toro) – GCSC Foundation
[email protected]
850-960-4555
www.gcscfoundation.org
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For more information, please contact Lauren Campbell, Director of Advancement and External Affairs, [email protected] or (850) 960-4555