SFSC Foundation Establishes Heidi Bates Arnold Scholarship

The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation introduced a new scholarship that honors Heidi Bates Arnold, a local paramedic and SFSC alumna.

The Bates family established the Heidi Bates Arnold Scholarship to remember and celebrate the life of their daughter and sister who was a banker, but found her calling in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and through her training at SFSC, she became an EMT and then a paramedic.

Heidi’s family reflected on her character by saying: “She had the physical and mental aptitude for lifesaving care. Her calm demeanor in crisis, compassion, and rapid decision-making skills made her an exceptional first responder. Heidi found her true calling in life through her service to others and we hope this fund enables others to follow in her footsteps.”

The Heidi Bates Arnold Scholarship will provide a student who resides in DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Glades, or Hendry County with $500 for tuition and non-tuition expenses. The student must be enrolled full-time in the EMS program at SFSC and demonstrate financial need. The number of student scholarships awarded will be determined by the funds available each year.

“We are so blessed to partner with the Bates family and honor Heidi in such an influential way,” said Jamie Bateman, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at SFSC. “Many people remember her and the impact she had on so many. Through this generous donation and the establishment of her scholarship, many more will benefit from her legacy. Heidi touched lives through her servanthood as a paramedic, and now she continues to do so in her memory.”

Students can apply for the Heidi Bates Arnold Scholarship through SFSC’s online scholarship platform at southflorida.awardspring.com. For more information about this or any scholarship at SFSC, email foundation@southflorida.edu or call 863-453-3133.