Class of 2026 rakes in $79.9 million in scholarships
The 2026 graduating class of Cape Coral High School led the way in securing the most in scholarships at $17.4 million for the School District of Lee County.
“Our students have put in tremendous effort, and these scholarship dollars are a testament to their dedication, as well as the unwavering support of our educators and families,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said. “Whether our graduates are heading to a top-tier university, entering the military, or launching a career, the School District of Lee County is incredibly proud to have provided the launching pad for their future success.”
The Class of 2026 secured a collective $79.9 million in scholarships, a historic financial milestone for the district. The Class of 2025 earned $70 million, Class of 2024 earned $60 million and Class of 2023 earned $41 million.
The other two schools ranked among the top three for earning the most in scholarships were Gateway High School at $12.9 million and Fort Myers High School at $8 million.
Spicker said with the career planning program Xello, seniors were asked to put in their scholarship information, which provides a little better tracking on the numbers for some of the scholarships.
He said North Fort Myers High School had the highest number of students who earned 100% of the Bright Futures scholarships at 99 students.
According to the district, a “significant portion” of the funding for the Class of 2026 came through the Florida Bright Futures program, which awarded more than $21 million in tuition coverage to graduates. Almost 900 students qualified for the state scholarship, with 506 earning the top-tier Florida Academic Scholarship, which covers 100% of in-state tuition, and 369 earned the Florida Medallion Scholarship, which covers 75% of in-state tuition.
The Class of 2026 shared its plans after graduating from high school: 1,968 attending a four-year college or university, 1,651 attending a two-year community or state college, 917 attending a technical college or school, 636 entering the workforce, 353 entering the Armed Forces, and 125 starting a business.
Spicker said they are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and its accomplishments, as many are attending elite universities on full and partial scholarships. He said it is a testament to the hard work the students put in and the help from family and teachers through all their school years.
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