Foundation for New Education Initiatives Awards First Annual Francis A. Metcalfe Scholarship

Asia K. Smith, a graduate of John A. Ferguson Senior High, has been awarded the first annual Francis A. Metcalfe College Scholarship by the Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Inc. (FNEI). She was selected from among 14 applicants.

Since she was a child, Asia has wanted to be an attorney. At Ferguson High, she joined the school's Law Honor Society, eventually becoming president.  She plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall and major in business management before pursuing a law degree.

Founded by Bill Metcalfe and his wife, Cecelia Davidson, the scholarship was created to honor Mr. Metcalfe’s late father. The Francis A. Metcalfe Scholarship awards a cash stipend to a college-bound Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) student whose parent is a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The stipend will be paid directly to the scholarship recipient and the funds are to be used at their discretion.

This endowment fund is focused on giving those students the ability to concentrate on their academics rather than worrying about finances. FNEI, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, seeks to enhance student achievement and community engagement. Through grants, donations, and endowments, we can provide our neediest families and students with the opportunities they deserve. M-DCPS is the fourth largest school district in the U.S. More than 350,000 students make up our district, 230,000 of which are directly impacted by FNEI.

For more information or to make a donation, visit – Giveourstudentstheworld.org, call 305-995-7317, or email Ann de las Pozas at Adelaspozas@giveourstudentstheworld.org.

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