The awards ceremony also had attendance from Commissioner Commissioner Bakari Burns.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to this country, as well as a time to reflect the continued struggle for racial justice.
“Education is a key component in building a workforce for the future and a stronger community,” said Dr. James Burkett, president at Florida Technical College. “The Business Opportunity Scholarship was created to increase access to education to an underrepresented population while moving us closer to a demographic composition that is more representative of our diverse state.”
“I commend Dr. Burkett and Ms. Gary for their leadership and dedication to promoting equality and inclusion in our community,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. “These two organizations are shining examples of true collaboration. Through your partnership you are able to invest in the educational and upward mobility opportunities for local minority communities.”
The Business Opportunity Scholarship was awarded by Florida Technical College and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida to be applied toward tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree program in Business Entrepreneurship, Management or Marketing available 100% online at any Florida Technical College campus. The educational opportunity was created in hopes to advance meaningful and lasting impact for local minority students.
“On behalf of the Chamber, we’re extremely honored and proud to honor Eddy as our scholarship recipient,” said Tanisha Nunn Gary, president at AACCCF. “He is the epitome of making a meaningful impact in your local community, and we couldn’t be more excited to recognize him for his efforts.”
Eddy Duran, 53, is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated director of Film and T.V. He recently moved to Central Florida two years ago from New York, with the mission of becoming a contributor to the African American business community.
“This partnership will inspire more young black entrepreneurs to go into business for themselves and create a black generation of wealth,” stated Duran. “Personally, a master’s degree in business will provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to take my company to the next level.”
To watch Eddy’s video application, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cSpe3430wE&%3Bfeature=youtu.be
To learn more about Eddy, visit https://filmfreeway.com/eddyduran
Florida Technical College offers associate and bachelor’s degrees and diploma programs in a range of professions including healthcare, construction trades, computer networking, culinary arts and cosmetology. Campuses are located in seven cities across Central and South Florida.
For more information about Florida Technical College, visit https://ftccollege.com/.
About FTC
Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, Florida Technical College is an academic unit of NUC University (NUC), which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) www.msche.org. NUC’s Florida Technical College (FTC), and The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School) are included in this accreditation. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). FTC offers diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus.
About AACCCF
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (“the Chamber”) is a membership organization serving public, private, and not-for-profit African American-owned businesses and organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. For over seven decades, the Chamber has served its members as an advocate and resource. Established in 1945, the Chamber is a members-only network devoted to cultivating a thriving business environment for African American companies, an engaged public awareness.
