WESTON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Florida Community Bank (NYSE: FCB) announces its continued support to the Southwest Florida Women’s Foundation, Inc. and its Earn-to-Learn Florida Program with a 2018 pledge of $10,000, bringing FCB’s commitment to the organization to more than $100,000 since 2012.

In keeping with FCB’s philanthropic focus on improving and encouraging the economic vitality, progress and independence of Florida communities, its families and youth, Southwest Florida Women’s Foundation, Inc. and its Earn-to-Learn Florida Program empowers low- to moderate-income students to earn a college degree with little or no student debt upon graduation. The program combines mandatory student savings with financial aid, required financial literacy training, and success coaching, encouraging students to invest in their own future while granting greater access to higher education to young people for whom an opportunity to attend college may have otherwise been out of reach.

As part of the Earn-to-Learn Florida program, eligible students are required to set aside a portion of their income into an FDIC-insured account at FCB with a savings goal of $500. They are also required to complete an online financial literacy educational course. Once the savings goal is reached and the online course has been completed, students will receive an eight-to-one match – or $4,000 – resulting in a total savings per student of $4,500 to be used directly to cover education and training costs at a qualified institution. Since its inception, 47 students have enrolled in the Earn-to-Learn Program, with many meeting their savings goals and benefitting from the program’s financial assistance match.

FCB first partnered with the Foundation in 2012. With its pledged support of $10,000 for 2018, FCB has provided more than $100,000 in funding to the organization and its programs, which included support for programs, services and sponsorships of events that have positively impacted the lives of women and girls throughout Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties.

“Florida ranks in the bottom third nationally among women 25 years and older holding at least a bachelor's degree. Meanwhile, we know that education is the key to higher paying jobs and financial security for women and their families,” stated Nancy Merolla, Board Chair, Southwest Florida Women’s Foundation, Inc., and Senior Vice President, CRA Officer, Florida Community Bank. “By bringing together corporate partners, government agencies and non-profits with like-minded goals to support their communities through education, a proven program such as Earn-to-Learn can allow students to thrive and achieve beyond their dreams.”

“By providing young people with access to education and sound financial management skills at an early age, they have the tools they need to set a course for success in life,” said Kent Ellert, President and Chief Executive Officer, Florida Community Bank. “Earn-to-Learn Florida is a great example of that, and a program we are proud to be a part of.”

For additional information on the Southwest Florida Women’s Foundation, Inc. Earn-to-Learn Program visit: http://fundwomenfl.org/earn-learn-florida/

Since its founding in 2010, FCB has been dedicated to serving the Florida community where its employees and customers live and work. To that end, FCB supports numerous organizations throughout the state with its employees donating nearly 23,000 hours of volunteer service to local efforts including youth development programs, affordable housing activities, economic development activities, job creation, neighborhood revitalization and other community-based projects.

About Florida Community Bank

Florida Community Bank, N.A., (NYSE: FCB) is the largest community banking company and the second largest Florida-based independent bank, and among the most highly capitalized banks in the state. Awarded a five-star rating from Bauer Financial™, FCB assets are more than $11 billion, with capital ratios that exceed regulatory standards. Since its founding in 2010, FCB has been steadfast in its commitment to delivering personalized service, innovation, and products and services equal to those offered by the national banks. Similarly, FCB recognizes the importance of community, fostering a corporate culture that promotes employee volunteerism at all levels, while supporting community-based programs and partnerships that help promote greater financial independence and improved quality of life for families. FCB serves individuals, businesses and communities across the state with 50 full-service banking centers from east to west, and from Daytona Beach to Miami-Dade. For more information, visit FloridaCommunityBank.com. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.

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