UF Young Entrepreneurs Program

Hi there,

My name is Grace Vitale and I am a junior at Cardinal Gibbons High School. With college just around the corner, I decided to branch out and apply to programs that would further prepare me for the college experience. Recently I was accepted into the University of Florida's Young Entrepreneurs for Leadership & Sustainability Summer Program for High School Students. This is a five-week program taking place this summer at the University of Florida designed to influence students' future goals, such as being admitted into college, successfully following college majors, and looking into career goals. During these five weeks, students attend college lectures, work at a local agency doing community service, and participate in both educational and recreational weekend activities. Upon completing this program, students earn a total of 6 college credits, learn to handle personal affairs with three dormitory suite-mates, and further mature and prepare for their futures.

The total funding for the YELS program is $7,000; however, the program offers an important scholarship opportunity. Due to a lack of donations and scholarship gifts this year, the program is unable to grant full scholarships to students in need. The maximum awards will be approximately $3,000 or less, still leaving a considerable amount to be accounted for.

The administrators have stated that an email will be sent out sometime in April informing me as to whether or not I have been selected for a scholarship and if so, what the award amount will be.

They have also encouraged that because this program is about entrepreneurship, students should take the initiative to fundraise themselves and collect donations on their own to compensate for the lack of scholarships available and additional fees. So, I am writing this letter to ask for your support and generosity.  

  Any donations are greatly appreciated, as well as your support and prayers. Thank you so much for your time and anticipated help in this matter. I feel honored to have been accepted into this program, and am truly looking forward to pursuing this experience of a lifetime. 

Respectfully,

Grace Vitale