Issues of Interest

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA Volunteer Florida announced that $360,000 in funding was distributed to five organizations that are working to implement an AmeriCorps Program in their community. The programs will focus on helping community members that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, $120,000 in funding was awarded to support 17 Community Emergency Response Teams and Citizen Corps programs throughout Florida. Volunteer Florida directs funding for these programs in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

2020 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CONTESTS Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15th to October 15th. First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the theme for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month will be “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida”. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. The deadline for submission for both contests is Thursday, October 15th.

FSU PRESIDENT SEARCH On September 11th, Florida State University president John Thrasher announced his retirement. He had planned to retire earlier this year, but agreed to stay in light of the pandemic. Thrasher will remain president until the appointment of a successor.FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS Nine Florida State University faculty members have been selected as U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program award recipients, setting a new FSU record for most Fulbright Scholars in one year.