Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has announced an expansion of its scholarship program, awarding over $328,000 to support the professional development of long-term caregivers and address Florida's growing need for nursing professionals. This year, FHCA has significantly increased both the number of recipients and the total funds awarded—from $69,500 to 29 recipients in 2024 to $328,500 to 93 caregivers in 2025. The increase was made possible by donors who contributed to FHCA’s statewide fundraising campaign.
“Our 2025 scholarship award recipients are the heart and soul of what makes Florida the gold standard in quality care,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “FHCA’s scholarship programs are an investment in our dedicated caregivers who are looking to advance the career ladder in long term care. I could not be more thrilled for these rising leaders and the future of the profession.”
The scholarships support frontline caregivers aiming to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs); Administrators in Training (AITs) preparing for leadership roles; and individuals working toward professional certifications in activities and dietary management, social work degrees, and related healthcare educational programs.
“While caring for my grandmother who lived with Alzheimer's disease, I realized the profound impact that compassionate and skilled nursing care can have on someone's quality of life. What initially began as a familial duty evolved into a professional calling that ignited my dream to become a nurse. Thanks to the FHCA scholarship, I am confident in my ability to make a lasting impact in the field of long term care nursing,” Temitope Ojaniyi shared.
“I started my career as a Social Services Assistant almost 15 years ago and thanks to inspiration from my grandmother and encouragement from a facility leader, I learned the impact I could have on residents, family and staff. The scholarship will help me begin my journey as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and grow in my career,” said Tovah Lukken.
“For more than 25 years I have loved serving residents in nursing centers and ALFs and the journey of growing in my profession. Working with the elderly population has taught me so much about the unique lives that the residents lead, and when they come to my building, I want them to know they are important to me. The FHCA scholarship will not only help me complete my certification in dietary management but also give me the opportunity to teach and train aspiring dietary managers,” Keisha O’Neal stated.
Since its inception in 2005, awards allocated by FHCA’s charitable foundation now approach $600,000.
The 2025 Bruce Taylor, Career Climb, and Rising Long Term Care Leader scholarship recipients were recognized during an event on July 15 at FHCA’s Annual Conference & Trade Show at Hyatt Regency Orlando.
Learn more about FHCA's 2025 scholarship recipients here.