TAMPA, Fla. – Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union Scholarship Foundation has awarded $54,000 in scholarships to 35 college-bound students. Scholarships awarded included state universities, community colleges and vocational centers. Over 600 applications from students ages 17 to 57 were evaluated on academic performance, leadership abilities and financial need. "Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union strongly supports education systems and academic efforts as well as its communities and youth," said Suncoast Trust and Investment Services Senior Vice President. "Each year we are striving to increase the number of scholarships awarded, this year we were able to more than double our efforts." Scholarship funds come from annual golf tournaments, individual contributions and the Suncoast for Kids Foundation, a non-profit funded by non-member participation fees at ATM machines.