News Article

FSW Receives $20,550 Grant from the Truist Foundation

Sep 10, 2021

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 – FORT MYERS, FLA — Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has received a $20,550 grant from the Truist Foundation. The grant will be used to expand and purchase new equipment for FSW’s Associate in Science degree in Digital Art and Multimedia Production program.

“FSW’s Digital Arts program trains students to become creative thinkers, inventors, and leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Ryan Wurst, professor, digital art. “This grant will provide access to essential equipment of the future like virtual reality, digital fabrication, and motion capture. We believe in building a future-thinking workforce that is adaptable to rapidly changing technologies, and with this grant, the Truist Foundation is making our students’ dreams a reality.”

There is a growing need, both in the Southwest Florida region and nationally, for digital content creators as more and more businesses look for employees with digital and multimedia skills. Currently, six Florida state and community colleges offer similar programs.

“The field of digital content creation is constantly expanding and requires personnel who are ready to create, alter and produce new projects in the digital and multimedia arts,” Dr. Wurst said. “While this course is a necessity from the industry perspective, it is also one that the students at FSW are already demanding. Our student population want to become ‘digital Swiss Army knives.’ They want the skills to create digital projects and to then make a living from those skills.”

“Providing access to technology that will prepare students for their future careers is rooted in our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Jason Brewer, Truist’s market president for Lee and Charlotte counties, speaking on behalf of the Truist Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with the FSW Digital Art and Multimedia Production program and look forward to the future accomplishments of its students.”

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About Florida SouthWestern State College

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

About Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Learn more at Truist.com/Purpose/Truist-Foundation.

Last Updated: September 10, 2021