Hurricanes aftermath: SCF offers in-state tuition to storm victims | Bradenton Herald

MANATEE

Out-of-area victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria will be getting some help locally to continue their educations.

On Thursday, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota announced it will offer in-state tuition rates to students from Houston, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Students who relocate to Florida because they have been displaced by the storms may apply for an out-of-state tuition waiver to continue their education, according to an SCF news release.

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Also, Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday announced that Florida Virtual School will accept 20,000 Puerto Rican students.

Affected students living in either Puerto Rico or Florida may take part, Scott said in a release.

In both cases, officials said the moves are to help prevent interruption of student’s educational goals.

SCF waiver will last a year

SCF’s out-of-state tuition waiver for hurricane-impacted students will be in effect for 12 months from the date they apply, according to the SCF release.

In addition to reduced tuition, SCF can assist with financial aid and academic resources, according to the release.

“SCF is reaching out to students affected by the recent hurricanes,” said Dr. Richard Barnhouse, vice president for strategic enrollment management. “We know how difficult it can be when educational goals are interrupted. We want to help keep those students on track by making it as easy as possible to stay in school and stay focused.”

To apply, students must submit proof they relocated to Florida from Houston, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands because of hurricanes Harvey, Irma or Maria.

Applicants need one qualifying document from the displaced area, such as a driver’s license, voter registration card, vehicle registration, a deed, or a W-2 form showing 12 months of employment in the affected area. A FEMA application or hurricane damage insurance claim may also serve as proof.

For information or assistance, complete a 2017 hurricane tuition waiver application or contact Stacey Sharples, director of admissions, at 941-752-5256 or email admissions@SCF.edu.

Florida Virtual School steps in

“Families in Puerto Rico have experienced extreme devastation of their homes and communities due to Hurricane Maria,” Gov. Scott said in a news release.

“As they work to rebuild their lives, these families should not have to worry about their children falling behind in school,” Scott added. “In Florida, our schools offer a world-class education, and I am glad that Florida Virtual School has stepped up to help these families as they rebuild their lives.”

Scott said he encourages Puerto Rican families to take advantage of this opportunity and the state of Florida will continue to do all it can to help them during this challenging time.

Scott traveled to Puerto Rico last week to aid in the recovery process. Scott has previously offered Florida’s assistance in the form of National Guard troops and ensuring that supplies ship faster out of the state’s seaports.

“Even as Florida works to fully recover from Hurricane Irma, our state still has the capability to support our neighbors and friends in their time of need,” Scott said.

Puerto Rican families interested in signing up for classes should call Liz Chico at 863-606-8033.

Florida school districts have already begun to enroll affected students into local elementary, middle and high schools. Displaced families that would prefer to enroll their children in a local school should contact their local school district, Scott said.

This story was originally published October 05, 2017 2:40 PM.