When Melissa Jenkins crossed the graduation stage at State College of Florida (SCF), Manatee-Sarasota on May 12, she did not just receive her associate in arts degree. She became the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Jenkins, an assistant team lead (assistant manager) at Goodwill Manasota's Rialto location, grew up in Sarasota and graduated high school in 1994 without ever imagining she would one day set foot on a college campus. More than three decades later, she is now enrolled full time in SCF's online Bachelor's degree program in Management and Leadership, and she credits the Goodwill Manasota and SCF partnership as the reason that path became possible.

"This was a big part in my being able to attend college," Jenkins said. "It has helped me to achieve something that I never thought that I could."

Jenkins oversees the apparel department at the Rialto store while also managing back-of-house operations and cashier team members. Balancing a full-time retail leadership role with full-time coursework is no small feat, and she points to that reality as part of what makes her graduation meaningful.

"To be able to work full time and go to school full time and be able to see this accomplishment fulfilled is tremendous," she said. "I cried when I hit the graduation stage because I knew just how hard I had worked for this."

Jenkins also carries a deeply personal reason for her achievement. Her mother, who passed away on September 7, 2024, was alive to see Jenkins begin her academic journey and was proud of every step. Jenkins sees her degree as a tribute to her mother's memory as well as a model for her own children.

"I will be the first to graduate from my family," Jenkins said. "Hopefully I can be a role model for my kids. My mother was so excited for me to graduate. So, this is not only for me but also for her."

The Goodwill Manasota and SCF partnership reflects the organizations’ commitment to investing in the growth of its team members and removing the barriers that can stand between individuals and their full potential. Through the affordability and flexibility of SCF's programs, Goodwill Manasota has been able to enroll more team members in higher education than ever before. Today, 24 Goodwill team members across 11 counties are actively enrolled at SCF, each taking steps toward a degree and a stronger future.

“Our partnership with SCF is creating real opportunities for team members to advance their education while continuing to build meaningful careers,” said Donn Githens, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Melissa’s success demonstrates the impact of that investment. Her perseverance, commitment to personal growth, and desire to create a better future for herself and her family embody the transformative power of education, and we couldn’t be prouder of her success.” 

SCF's #EveryonesCollege initiative connects students with the resources, flexibility, and support needed to pursue higher education while managing the full responsibilities of working adult life. For Jenkins, that meant completing coursework entirely online, fitting classes around store hours and family commitments. Her story is one SCF is proud to share as part of its broader mission to make college accessible for everyone.

"SCF is proud to work alongside community and workforce partners like Goodwill Manasota to create opportunities that benefit both individuals and our region. At SCF, we meet students where they are because talent exists in every stage of life," said SCF president Tommy Gregory. "Melissa's success demonstrates the power of partnerships that align education with workforce needs and open doors to personal and professional growth." 

Jenkins is continuing her studies toward her Bachelor's degree and says she hopes to grow further within Goodwill Manasota while also working toward her long-term goal of owning her own business. Her advice to other students navigating a similar path reflects both the difficulty and the reward of the journey.

"Just try and don't give up," Jenkins said. "Ask for help if you need it and remember to breathe."

Visit experiencegoodwill.org for more about Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. (comprising Goodwill Manasota and Goodwill Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast), a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through the power of work, proudly serves 11 counties on the east and west coasts of Florida. Goodwill's mission-integrated social enterprise transforms community donations into opportunities, providing resources, training, and support through strong collaboration with local partners to help individuals obtain employment and build skills. For more information or a complete list of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

About State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF)
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is the region’s public state college, providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education and workforce training that supports the economic vitality of Manatee and Sarasota counties. Through associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce credentials, professional development and community partnerships, SCF empowers students and employers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. Learn more at SCF.edu.