FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Earn to Learn Florida (ETLF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower income-challenged students to complete college,  announced that Shirley Nichols has been named Matched Savings Program coordinator.

"The Matched Savings Program allows students and their families who income-qualify to deposit up to $500 into an Earn to Learn FL savings account each year," said Brenda Tate, Earn to Learn FL CEO.  "Their savings are then matched 8:1 by Earn to Learn FL. They match their total available funds for financial assistance up to $4,500 per academic year."

Matched Savings funds can be used for tuition, books, fees, and other approved educational-related expenses. In partnership with Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Earn to Learn FL purchases STARS (Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk Students) contracts to double the impact of non-government funds available for financial assistance at the 8:1 ratio.

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"Shirley's extensive history of working in higher education and her strong community and social service skills make her an excellent fit for this position," said Tate.  "In collaboration with the entire Earn to Learn FL organization, Shirley provides frontline interaction and service for Matched Savings student applicants and participants.  She also maintains cooperative relationships with interested parties, including but not limited to school district personnel, higher education administrators, and community-based college access professionals."

"Student engagement and follow-up are necessary ingredients in the quest to provide opportunities and scholarships for students," said Nichols. "My greatest pleasure is to see students overcome barriers to achieve their goals."

Nichols most recently worked at Claflin University in South Carolina as a student support coordinator in career development.  She earned her Master of Education in Business Education from Georgia Southern University in Georgia and her Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Winthrop University in South Carolina. She earned 30 hours above her masters in School Administration.

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Earn to Learn FL empowers low-to-moderate income students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt through matched savings, personalized financial capability training, and success coaching. In addition, eligible students who establish a habit of saving for higher education can receive matching funds for financial assistance provided by Earn to Learn FL supporters committed to enhancing workforce development and the economic well-being of Florida communities. For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org.