one graduating senior will receive a $1,250 scholarship each year for four years
David W. Matte (left) presents a check establishing the David W. Matte Scholarship to Janice Kershaw, President and CEO of Brevard Schools Foundation. Beginning with the Class of 2027, the scholarship will provide annual awards to graduating Brevard Public Schools seniors pursuing higher education at Florida public universities. (BPS Image)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Brevard Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the David W. Matte Scholarship, a new scholarship that will provide annual financial support to graduating Brevard Public Schools seniors pursuing higher education at Florida public universities.
Beginning with the Foundation’s Class of 2027 scholarship program, students will have the opportunity to apply for the David W. Matte Scholarship when the annual scholarship application portal opens in January 2027. The inaugural recipient will be selected during the 2026-2027 school year and will receive the scholarship for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Through a gift of $5,150, Mr. Matte has funded four annual scholarships of $1,250 each, with one graduating senior receiving the award each year through the 2030-2031 academic year.
The scholarship reflects Mr. Matte’s longstanding commitment to education and his desire to create opportunities for future generations of students.
“My inspiration came from my own daughter, a graduate of Melbourne High School, and my niece, a graduate of Palm Bay High School,” said Matte. “Having established previous scholarships at the state college and university levels, my logical point of completion was to establish a scholarship program at the high school level and complete what I call a ‘Scholarship Trifecta.'”
David W. Matte, founder of the David W. Matte Scholarship, established the scholarship through Brevard Schools Foundation to support future Brevard Public Schools graduates pursuing higher education.
The new scholarship complements two previously established scholarships bearing Mr. Matte’s name at Eastern Florida State College and Florida Atlantic University, creating scholarship opportunities that span high school, state college, and university education.
The timing is also significant, as Mr. Matte established the scholarship during the 50th anniversary year of his own high school graduation.
A U.S. Navy veteran, retired Principal Financial Analyst with Harris Corporation, now L3Harris Technologies, and longtime Brevard County resident, Mr. Matte has dedicated decades to civic leadership and volunteer service. His community involvement has included service on numerous Palm Bay and Brevard County boards and commissions, and he was recognized as Palm Bay’s Volunteer of the Year in 2002.
When selecting a partner to administer the scholarship, Mr. Matte said Brevard Schools Foundation’s reputation made the decision an easy one.
“The stellar reputation of Brevard Schools Foundation allowed me to consider no other organization to coordinate and implement this scholarship,” he said. “I wanted to exclusively fund scholarships for Brevard County high school seniors because I have been a resident of Brevard County for more than 50 years. This is my home.”
“We are honored that Mr. Matte chose Brevard Schools Foundation to help carry forward his vision of supporting students through higher education,” said Janice Kershaw, President and CEO of Brevard Schools Foundation. “His generosity will open doors for future graduates and inspire others to consider the lasting impact a scholarship can have. We are grateful for his investment in students and for the legacy he is creating throughout our community.”
The David W. Matte Scholarship will be available through the Foundation’s scholarship application portal beginning in January 2027. Eligible applicants must be graduating Brevard Public Schools seniors who have been accepted to a Florida public university and have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to students planning to study Business Administration.
Reflecting on the advice he would offer future scholarship recipients, Mr. Matte encourages students to embrace both success and setbacks.
“Recognize and understand your capabilities and your limitations,” he said. “What you achieve in life is going to be a function of both hits and misses. How you handle both will speak to your ability to navigate the many pathways you’ll encounter throughout your future.”
ABOUT BREVARD SCHOOLS FOUNDATION:
Brevard Schools Foundation fills educational funding and opportunity gaps at all our 86 public schools for more than 74,100 students and 5,000 teachers by supporting innovation, engaging communities, and changing lives. Funds come from private contributions, corporate support, public matching funds, fundraising and endowments. For more information, please visit brevardschoolsfoundation.org
