FORT MYERS, Fla -- Spring training is officially here! Each major league team who calls Southwest Florida home this time of year will hold a pitchers' and catchers' workout this week.
Being the home away from home to so many MLB teams has a significant impact on more than just tourism in our area. It also impacts education.
Right now, the Red Sox Foundation is looking to award $70,000 in scholarships to Lee County high school seniors. It's something they do every year and the deadline for this Spring is approaching.
Fox 4 spoke with a school counselor at Fort Myers High School about the impact these awards will have on our local students' dream of a college education, as they continue to navigate the financial uncertainties of the pandemic.
“Especially this year, we've seen a decrease in our students in completing the FAFSA. So, I think that this is so important that our local organizations offer scholarships to our students giving back to our community,” said Angela Higginbotham, School Counselor at Fort Myers High School. “This will cover those expenses that grants, and other financial aid won't cover,” she added.
The Red Sox Foundation will award a $5,000 scholarship to one deserving student from each of the 14 public high schools in Lee County.
The foundation is the official team charity of the Boston Red Sox.
Applications are available to local Lee County public high school seniors here and the deadline to have those in is March 12, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Due to COVID-19, the pitchers' and catchers' workout at JetBlue Park on Wednesday will be closed to the public. The same is true for the team's first full squad workout on Monday.
