Menu

Ford Fund Invests in the Future of Orlando High School Seniors; Awards $100,000 in Scholarships

  • Ford Fund and local Ford dealers award $100,000 in Ford Driving Dreams scholarships to 50 college-bound students to pursue higher education
  • Ford Driving Dreams initiatives have delivered more than $10 million in educational resources since 2012
  • Students win prizes through an Instagram contest that showcases who drives their dreams

MAY 10, 2019 (Orlando, Fla.) – Ford Driving Dreams, a signature educational initiative of Ford Motor Company Fund, honors 50 talented high school seniors who won scholarships through their participation in the “What Drives Your Dreams?” essay contest. Ford Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Ford Motor Company.

“Education is integral to strengthen our communities. At Ford Fund we are committed to investing in the next generation, so they may accomplish their college dreams. We are proud of Orlando’s Ford Driving Dreams scholars and applaud their educational excellence,” said Joe Ávila, manager, community development, U.S. and Latin America, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We thank the local Ford dealers and the Hispanic Federation for their partnership and support to help these local students succeed.”

Each contest winner received a $2,000 scholarship. The scholarship ceremony took place at Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel, May 9th. Accomplished speaker, actor and former Nasa rocket scientist Shayla Rivera, addressed students, parents, local Ford dealers and Hispanic Federation representatives with an empowering message, where she urged the winners to never give up on their dreams and continue striving for excellence.

“At the Hispanic Federation, we believe that a quality education is key to the success and progress of our Latino families and community,” said José Calderón, president of the Hispanic Federation. “It is a privilege to collaborate with the Ford Fund to uplift the Ford Driving Dreams scholarship winners, and improve educational opportunities for so many of our students here in Florida.”

Ford Driving Dreams has impacted more than 200,000 students across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Latin America since it was launched in 2012. The initiative has delivered more than $10 million in educational resources. The scholarships are administered by the Hispanic Federation. In addition to Ford Driving Dreams, Ford Fund educational programs in the United States include Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Next Generation Learning, Ford College Community Challenge, and the Ford STEAM Lab. For more information, visit www.FordDrivingDreams.com. Find us at @FordDrivingDreams in Facebook and Instagram and follow the stories with #forddrivingdreams.

About Ford Motor Company Fund As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund’s mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in 63 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Twitter.