2025 Grant Awarded to Webber International University by GiveWell Community Foundation

Babson Park, FL. July 28, 2025- Webber International University has been awarded a $20,000 Impact Polk grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation to support its Skilled Workforce Training Scholarship Program.

This funding will expand access to short-term certificate programs and accredited bachelor’s degrees in healthcare and information technology—fields identified as high-demand by Polk Vision and CareerSource Polk’s 2023–2024 Regional Demand Occupations List.

The certificate programs offer flexibility for both working adults and recent high school graduates. Asynchronous learning options allow participants to gain new skills while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Webber seeks to strengthen partnerships with local employers to ensure training aligns with workforce needs. These collaborations help create a steady pipeline of qualified professionals ready to meet the demands of the local job market.

Dr. Nelson Marquez, President/CEO stated that “Webber is truly grateful for receiving this grant from GiveWell Community Foundation. This grant allows Webber to support the Community Foundation’s mission of ‘improving the quality of life in the areas that we serve’ through education and workforce training.” 

The university remains committed to addressing Polk County’s workforce challenges by increasing educational opportunities and supporting career advancement in critical sectors.

To learn more about the program offerings please visit: www.webber.edu 

About Webber International University

Established in 1927 by Roger Babson as the first college chartered under Florida's then new charitable and educational laws, Webber International University is a private, not-for-profit, independent institution offering degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Founded as America's second school of business for women, the university boasts highly qualified faculty, engaged staff, small class sizes, and a diverse range of intercollegiate sports and extracurricular activities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution offers numerous programs through traditional day and entirely online formats.

About GiveWell Community Foundation

The mission of GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) is to champion charitable giving to improve the quality of life in the areas we serve, both now and for future generations. We accomplish this by working with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build stronger communities in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, the community foundation has awarded more than $400 million in grants. Today, GWCF is home to more than 380 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower grant cycles. To learn more about GWCF, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131.