To provide more opportunities for students to take advantage of the current Ocoee Scholarship Program, Orlando State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis and Orlando Senator Geraldine Thompson, both Democrats, have filed HB 249 Ocoee Scholarship Expansion.
This bill adds the three private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Florida, Edward Waters University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Florida Memorial University, to the list of schools that students can utilize scholarship funds toward in remembrance of the Ocoee massacre.
“Our goal is to honor the memory of those affected by the Ocoee massacre by ensuring their descendants have every opportunity to succeed,” said Representative Bracy Davis. “That is why we are actively working on expanding the Ocoee Scholarship Program. The original intent of the bill was clear and bold: to allow descendants of the Ocoee Massacre and African American residents of Ocoee to pursue higher education without the burden of financial barriers at any Public State of Florida College or University System School or trade center.”
The Democratic State Representative explained more about the reasoning behind the proposed expansion.
“But our vision does not stop there. We recognize the intrinsic value and unique educational environments provided by private institutions, particularly our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” added Representative Bracy Davis. “Thus, the essence of our expansion program is to encompass this important sector of higher education. Our amendment aims to afford those same students who have the desire and drive to attend one of Florida’s private HBCUs – Edward Waters University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Florida Memorial University – the chance to do so, backed by the Ocoee Scholarship.”
Orlando Senator Thompson has been working on this issue for many years and was excited about the proposed expansion.
“We are working to give Ocoee residents greater options related to the Ocoee Scholarships,” said Democratic Senator Geraldine Thompson. “I worked hard as a member of the House of Representatives to get the bill passed initially and as the Senate sponsor of this bill, I am excited about the opportunity for students who choose to attend HBCUs to take advantage of these dollars.”
View the legislation online: HB 249 Ocoee Scholarship Expansion
