Valerie’s House college scholarships are helping 34 grieving students continue their education after the death of a loved one. The Fort Myers-based nonprofit awarded $70,000 in 2026 scholarships to students across Southwest Florida, including students from Collier and Lee Counties.
The scholarship awards range from $1,500 to $5,000 per student. According to Valerie’s House, each scholarship may be renewed for up to three additional years based on the student’s academic performance.
Who received Valerie’s House college scholarships in 2026?
Valerie’s House named both first-time and renewal scholarship recipients for 2026. The students are attending, or planning to attend, colleges and technical programs in Florida and beyond.
First-time recipients include students from Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Babcock Ranch, Coral Springs and Ruskin. Renewal recipients include students from Fort Myers, Naples, Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers and North Port.
Local schools listed in the announcement include Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College and Fort Myers Technical College. Other students are attending schools such as the University of Central Florida, Florida State University, the University of South Florida, New College of Florida and Florida Atlantic University.
Why does this scholarship matter for grieving students?
For families in Collier and Lee Counties, the announcement is a reminder that grief can follow children and teens into major milestones, including graduation and college planning. Valerie’s House works with children and families after the death of a parent, sibling, or caregiver.
Scholarship applicants submitted personal essays about their grief journeys and how their loss shaped their goals. A committee of Valerie’s House board members reviewed the applications.
“Investing in our young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor their resilience and help them build bright futures,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin Churchill. “The students receiving these scholarships have faced profound loss, yet they continue to demonstrate remarkable strength, determination, and hope as they pursue their goals. One of our core messages at Valerie’s House is that loss does not have to limit your dreams.”
What can students use the scholarship funds for?
According to Valerie’s House, scholarship funds may be used for classes, materials, or anything the student needs during the school year. The program is funded through community contributions and private donations.
The Valerie’s House college scholarships are now in their fifth year. The 2026 announcement included 34 recipients in total, with 18 first-time recipients and 16 renewal recipients.
How can families support the 2027 Valerie’s House Scholarship Fund?
Families and community members who want to support future grieving students can donate to the 2027 Valerie’s House Scholarship Fund at valerieshouse.org/donate.
Valerie’s House opened its first location in Fort Myers in January 2016. The nonprofit says it has served more than 7,000 children and families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota counties.
In addition to its grief support programs, Valerie’s House hosts peer support groups in many local schools. Families can learn more about the organization at valerieshouse.org.