Mission

Southern Scholarship Foundation increases access to higher education by providing students with rent-free living and learning communities.

Since 1955, SSF has helped students achieve their dreams of attending their choice university through our partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College. While SSF does not provide monetary-based scholarships, we offer rent-free homes located near our partner institutions. We currently have 26 homes statewide and serve 470 students.

History

In 1953, an idea was born in Tallahassee, Florida

This idea gave rise to what Dr. Bernard Sliger, Florida State University President Emeritus, referred to as “one of the most effective organizations in the nation” for helping financially challenged and talented students. He was referring to Southern Scholarship Foundation.

What was a good idea in 1953 is a brilliant reality today:

Acquiring houses near college campuses and making these houses available rent-free to resilient students who are eager to attain their college education.

What started with a handful of young men living in an abandoned army barracks in 1953 has grown into a highly respected and sought-after program

Currently, SSF’s 26 scholarship houses make it possible for nearly 470 young people to attend college each year. Over the years, more than 10,000 young people have benefited from Southern Scholarship Foundation.