GTE Financial leads the way in education, awarding 26 Tampa Bay student scholarships at the 12th Annual Scholarship Luncheon. Finalists received $3,000 each and spent Tuesday afternoon celebrating at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre with their families, the Judging Committee, GTE's Executive Management team, and GTE’s Board of Directors.

"This scholarship highlights the importance of giving back and supporting students in achieving their academic goals," said Brian Best, President and Chief Executive Officer at GTE. "Each student stands out in an exceptional way, and we are proud to recognize the hard work and dedication they put towards their community and future careers."

With a total of 4,179 volunteer hours, students proffered their time at various Tampa Bay non-profits. This year the program received over 750 applications from student members attending various schools in-state and throughout the country, including the University of Florida, Cornell University, Columbia University, and the University of South Florida. These students are pursuing majors in engineering, pre-med, computer science, microbiology, and more.

Student speaker and 2023 scholarship recipient Kayla Tran, completed around 300 hours of community service alone. She currently volunteers and interns at the Equal Access Clinic Network, a student-run clinic providing a wide-range of free healthcare services to uninsured patients. Tran is attending the University of Florida and getting her Bachelor's degree in Pre-Med and aims to contribute to a future where fear no longer holds individuals captive, where communities unite to support one another, and where accessible healthcare truly encompasses the emotional, physical, and social economic needs of every person.

"Receiving this GTE scholarship allows me to continue furthering my education to pursue a career in helping others," says Tran. "I am beyond thankful because this scholarship will impact not only myself in completing my college career but also the lives of those I will help in the years to come."

Each year, GTE's scholarship brings together business and community leaders from diverse Tampa Bay industries to support local students. The judging committee includes long-time co-chairs Rhea Law, President of the University of South Florida, and David Pizzo, President of Florida Blue. To learn more about the GTE's Student Scholarship Program, visithttps://www.gtefinancial.org/personal/for-students/student-scholarships.