Naples class of 2026 grads earn $40M in scholarship

NAPLES, Fla. — More than 3,400 students just crossed the finish line, graduating as part of the Collier County Public Schools Class of 2026.

Together, the graduating class earned more than $40 million in scholarships, according to a press release from Collier County Public Schools.

Graduates plan to attend some of the country's top schools, including Harvard University, Yale University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Penn State University and the University of Florida.

One standout opportunity for CCPS students is the Harold P. Bovenkerk Scholarship for Engineering and Natural Sciences, which is only available to students in Collier County Public Schools.

This year, 28 graduating seniors were named Bovenkerk Scholars, earning a combined $1.2 million in scholarships ranging from $5,000 to a four-year full ride.

The scholarship supports students heading into engineering, natural sciences and related fields, helping ease the financial burden of higher education.

Since launching in 2023, the program has supported 153 CCPS students with more than $7 million in total funding, backed by an endowment worth more than $25 million.

The scholarship honors Harold P. Bovenkerk, one of the inventors of the synthetic diamond, whose legacy continues to open doors for Collier County students.