John van Zandt Scholarship Fund

04/13/2026

🛠️ Ready to Turn Your Passion Into a Profession?

The John van Zandt (JvZ) Scholarship is officially open! At The Center, we know that not every dream path leads to a traditional four-year degree.

Whether you’re destined for the kitchen, the job site, or the medical wing, we want to help you get certified and get to work.

What’s on the table?
💰 Up to $5,000 to fund your certification, license, or apprenticeship.

Who are we looking for?
High school seniors with ties to Anna Maria Island who are entering essential industries like:
• Trades & Construction (Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers)
• Healthcare (EMTs, Nursing Aides, Medical Coders)
• Service & Hospitality (Chefs, Beauticians, Managers)

The Requirements:
📍 You (or your parents) must live or work on the island.
🗓 Deadline: April 23

Don’t let tuition or fees stand in the way of your career goals. Let’s get you started!

🔗 Apply today or learn more: centerami.org/scholarship/

12/02/2025

03/15/2025

🎓 Attention High School Seniors! 🎓

The John van Zandt Scholarship Fund is here to help you kickstart your career! If you’re planning to enter a trade, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, or any field requiring certification, licensing, or apprenticeship, this scholarship can help cover tuition.

💡 Dream of becoming a chef, mechanic, EMT, beautician, or another skilled professional? This is for you!

📌 Who Can Apply?
✅ Graduating seniors who live or work on the island or who have parents that do
✅ Awards up to $5,000 (determined by an independent committee)
✅ Deadline: May 1st

Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply today: https://centerami.org/scholarship/

📩 Questions? Contact Jillian Ptak at [email protected] or call (941) 778-1908 ext. 201

Tag a senior who should apply! 📢

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12/28/2024

🌟 Your Support Changes Lives! 🌟

The John van Zandt Scholarship Fund (JvZ) helps graduating seniors pursue careers in trades, healthcare, construction, hospitality, and more by awarding up to $5,000 annually for certification, licensing, or apprenticeship programs.

💼 Why Donate?
Your contribution empowers the next generation to gain essential skills and thrive in rewarding careers like EMTs, chefs, mechanics, nursing aides, and more.

💡 Make a Difference Today!
Support future careers by donating to the JvZ Scholarship Fund. Together, we can build a stronger, skilled workforce.

👉 Donate or Apply: centerami.org/scholarship/

04/23/2024

🎓 Attention Graduating Seniors! 🎓

Did you know? The John van Zandt Scholarship Fund is here to support your journey into impactful careers like trades, healthcare, and more!

📅 Deadline to Apply: April 30th

Don't miss out! Apply now at: https://centerami.org/scholarship/

04/22/2024

https://www.npr.org/2024/04/22/1245858737/gen-z-trade-vocational-schools-jobs-college #:~:text=The%20high%20cost%20of%20college%20isn't%20the%20only%20factor,technology%20than%20white%2Dcollar%20alternatives.

With demand for jobs like HVAC technicians, electricians and wind turbine installers, enrollment is ticking up at vocational schools as four-year college costs continue to soar.

04/12/2024

I love this!

04/11/2024

We are very proud of Nolan our 2022 Scholarship recipient!