TAMPA, Fla. (6/25/14)--At $88,000, this year's scholarship distribution is the most ever by Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, the charitable arm of $5.7 billion-asset Suncoast CU, Tampa, Fla.

"We believe that an investment in our youth is an investment in our community," said Mary Tlachac, foundation executive director.

Four high school seniors will receive funds for degree tracks and vocational-technical programs.

The $10,000 scholarship, renewable for four years, went to Caitlin Early, a graduate of Golden Gate High, Naples. She plans to major in education at Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers.

Monica Olvera graduated from Dunbar High School, Fort Myers, and will be attending Edison State College, Fort Myers, to study nursing. Her $6,000 per year scholarship will cover two years toward an associate in arts degree followed by $10,000 per year for two years to complete a bachelor's degree at a four-year university.

Another $6,000 scholarship winner is Justice Alvarado, who graduated from Manatee High School, Bradenton, and will attend Manatee Technical Institute. The two-year renewable scholarship will go toward Alvarado's nursing studies at the State College of Florida, Bradenton.

Immokalee (Fla.) High School graduate Alan Garcia has been accepted into the heavy equipment program at i-Tech-Immokalee Technical Center and will receive a $4,000 scholarship.