Pictured above are Eda Viner and her daughter Niki Knopf (Executive Director). The Foundation supports comprehensive college scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. 
 
The foundation began in 2015 and currently has 114 active scholarship students attending a Florida public university. They are adding 30 or more new students each year. 
 
However, Viner scholarships are a “Last dollar” scholarship – the student first must access other potential sources of financial aid prior to applying. This ensures that the student who’s most in need and who has exhausted other resources will still get to go to college.
Scholarship will cover tuition/fees, room and board, and books/supplies, not already covered by other financial aid up to $10,000 per student, per year. The average is $7,000 per year per student. 
 
A key component to the Viner scholarship program is a formal mentor program. Created mentor network to ensure highest possible college graduation rates:
 
  • Mentors selected from qualified local volunteers
  • Trained and certified by Dr. Donna Holland
  • Mentor/Student matching process
  • Students make weekly contact
  • Students submit monthly report
 
There are a number of requirements for Viner Scholarship including:
 
  • Attend one of our 12 partner High Schools
  • Achieve at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA
  • Perform over 100 hours community service during high school
  • Accepted to a Florida Public University
  • Demonstrate the need for significant financial assistance
 
Pia is now talking to Eda and Niki to see where Boca Rotary can coordinate scholarships and mentoring.