Marriott Vacations Worldwide Donates $150,000 in Student Scholarships

For the third consecutive year, Marriott Vacations Worldwide has partnered with the Step Up For Students organization, donating $150,000 in scholarships for the 2015-16 school year. These annual scholarships give low-income students the opportunity to attend whichever school system will most benefit their future education needs—regardless of the tuition cost.

Throughout the three-year partnership, Marriott Vacations Worldwide has funded 79 scholarships, totalling $450,000 in donations to Step Up.

“We are proud to partner with Step Up For Students and are committed to bettering the lives of children in our community,” said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “We share the organization’s passion to transform the lives of thousands of children through education.”

This is only one of many ways Marriott Vacations Worldwide gives back to their local communities. The company is committed to social responsibility, fostering hope and inspiration to communities and organizations by way of corporate financial contributions and physical volunteer work.

About Step Up For Students

The Florida-based nonprofit organization has given out over 480,000 scholarships since its launch in 2001, ranking it fourth in Top-Notch Charities among all nonprofits nationally by America’s largest independent charity evaluator, Charity Navigator. Step Up helps manage the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Students who qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch, or those who are homeless or in foster or out-of-home care may qualify for these scholarships.

“This program is literally changing lives,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “And that wouldn’t be possible without donors like Marriott Vacations Worldwide. We are truly grateful.”

Florida students with certain special needs may also qualify for scholarships through Step Up For Students, as the organization also helps administer the Gardiner Scholarship (formerly known as the Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts).

Learn more about Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Step Up For Students.