Florida Atlantic University’s Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program awarded comprehensive scholarship packages to 30 incoming first-year students for the 2026–27 academic year, marking the program’s largest class to date.
Entering its ninth academic year, the program provides academically talented, first-generation, Pell-eligible students from across Florida with the opportunity to graduate from Florida Atlantic debt-free in four years or less. Scholars receive full financial aid packages covering tuition, housing, books and meals, along with wraparound services, such as mentorship, financial literacy training and career readiness support.
“None of this happens without the generosity of our donors or the ambition of our applicants,” said Aubrey Strul, Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program co-founder. “The benefits of earning a degree debt-free does not stop with the students. Their achievements will impact their families and communities for generations to come.”
This year’s cohort comes from approximately 18 cities across Florida, from Gulf Breeze to Hallandale Beach and Fort Pierce to Sarasota. Students are pursuing majors in accounting, biomedical engineering, nursing, political science, architecture and more.
“As a first-generation college student, this scholarship provides an opportunity my parents never had, so it means so much to me and my family,” said Bianca Aristil, an incoming Kelly/Strul Scholar and biological sciences major from Margate. “Thanks to this support, I’m one step closer to becoming the first doctor in my family, a milestone that won’t end with me as I hope to give back and inspire others.”
The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program has grown from just four students in its first class to 85 scholars and 96 alumni today. Kelly/Strul graduates have built careers in higher education, engineering, business, medicine, sports management and more, with alumni securing positions at organizations such as NextEra Energy, AmeriCorps and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Boca Raton philanthropists Strul and his wife, Sally, developed the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program in partnership with Florida Atlantic President Emeritus John Kelly and his wife, Carolyn. Strul, a former first-generation student, provided the initial $1 million investment to launch the program. He and his wife remain committed to working with the university to ensure the scholarship’s continued success and steady growth. More than 120 donors have contributed to the program since its inception.
For more information, visit kellystrulscholars.fau.edu.