Mission and Services
To educate, inspire, and motivate students of all ages to access post-secondary education and/or training by linking education, career, and life opportunities.
The Rotary Futures College Resource Center is an innovative approach to post-secondary decision-making that utilizes a resource center with 13 Internet computers, numerous printed materials, and willing volunteers to assist students, parents, and community members with linking education, career, and life opportunities.
Our resource center has staff and volunteers eager to assist students and parents.
Services
Scholarship Database
The Rotary Futures College Resource Center, in conjunction with Kantel Data Systems, developed and implemented the first local scholarship database for Sarasota County students. The Student Scholarship Management System (SSMS) now houses approximately 500 scholarships. The SSMS includes the many local scholarships available in our area, as well as national and institutional scholarship information.
College Applications
The Rotary Future College Resource Center assists Sarasota County students through the college application process. Resources associated with college applications available at RFCRC include: deadlines and reminders, transcript requests, essay advice, computers for completing the online process and advice while completing the application.
Community Service/Volunteer
Venice High School volunteer/community service hours are submitted to Rotary Futures College Resource Center for official documentation. RFCRC approves Venice High School’s students’ request for the organization receiving the service.
Many scholarships, colleges, clubs and honor societies require students to keep track of their volunteer hours. Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program requires 75-100 hours of volunteering, depending on the scholarship level along with other requirements. At Venice High School, National Honor Society membership requires 100 hours of volunteer service to be completed prior to applying for membership fall of Junior year.
FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Aid) Assistance
Each fall, Rotary Futures College Resource Center holds “FAFSA Night” at which time parents and students can apply online for FAFSA with the guidance of Rotary Futures board members. FAFSA is something every family should complete prior to attending college.
Technical/Vocational School Planning
Sarasota County juniors, seniors and graduates can attend Suncoast Technical College, where they can choose from over 40 technical programs. The various career pathways include: Business & IT, Criminal Justice Academy, Health & Public Services, Human Services, and Industrial Technologies. Each year, Rotary Futures College Resource Center charters a bus to bring students interested to learn more about Suncoast Technical College for a tour of the college.
SAT/ACT Information
At Rotary Future College Resource Center, students can find information on the SAT and ACT tests. The RFCRC staff will assist students in registering for the test and provide waivers for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch. VHS students visit the Rotary Futures office to sign-up for an after-school SAT prep class offered a couple of times during the school year.