New David W. Matte Scholarship Will Support Brevard Public Schools Seniors Pursuing Higher Education

Gift will provide four annual scholarships for graduating Brevard Public Schools seniors beginning with the Class of 2027

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Brevard Schools Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the David W. Matte Scholarship, a new scholarship that will support graduating Brevard Public Schools seniors pursuing higher education at a Florida public university.

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. One graduating senior will receive a $1,250 scholarship each year for four years.

David W. Matte presents a check to Janice Kershaw, President and CEO of Brevard Schools Foundation, establishing the David W. Matte Scholarship. Beginning with the Class of 2027, the scholarship will support graduating Brevard Public Schools seniors pursuing higher education at Florida public universities.

The scholarship reflects Mr. Matte’s longstanding belief in the value of education and his desire to invest in future generations of students.

“My inspiration came from my own daughter, a 2014 graduate of Melbourne High School, and my niece, a 1998 graduate of Palm Bay High School,” said Matte. “Having established previous scholarships at the state college and university levels of educational pursuit, my logical point of completion was to establish a scholarship program at the high school level and complete what I call a ‘Scholarship Trifecta.'”

The new scholarship complements two previously established scholarships bearing Mr. Matte’s name, one at Eastern Florida State College and another at Florida Atlantic University. Together, the three scholarships create opportunities for students at multiple stages of higher education, from graduating high school seniors through university studies.

The timing of the scholarship is also meaningful for Mr. Matte, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his own high school graduation.

David W. Matte established the David W. Matte Scholarship through Brevard Schools Foundation.

A U.S. Navy veteran, accomplished financial professional, and longtime Brevard County resident, Mr. Matte retired in 2020 after more than 35 years with Harris Corporation, now L3Harris Technologies, where he served as a Principal Financial Analyst. Throughout his career and retirement, he has remained committed to civic leadership and community service, serving on numerous boards and commissions in Palm Bay and Brevard County. In 2002, he was recognized as Palm Bay’s Volunteer of the Year for his service to the community.

When selecting a partner to administer his scholarship for graduating seniors, Mr. Matte said the decision was straightforward.

“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 fifty 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 annual scholarship application process beginning in January 2027. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Brevard Public Schools senior accepted to a Florida public university. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, with preference given to students planning to study Business Administration.

Reflecting on the advice he would offer future scholarship recipients and other students beginning college, Mr. Matte encourages them 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.”

The David W. Matte Scholarship reflects one individual’s commitment to investing in education and expanding opportunities for future generations. Beginning with the Class of 2027, the scholarship will help Brevard Public Schools seniors pursue higher education while carrying forward a legacy of service, generosity, and belief in the potential of young people.