Vero Beach philanthropist’s leadership donation will expand opportunities for college students in Indian River County
Fort Pierce, Fla. (January 13, 2026) – Indian River State College (The River) and the Indian River State College Foundation are proud to announce a transformative leadership gift from Vero Beach resident Kate Beckwith Woody, a devoted supporter whose philanthropic vision will create lasting impact for students and the community. Woody’s generous donation will directly support Promise Program students in Indian River County, ensuring that last-dollar tuition assistance reaches eligible students who have exhausted all other financial aid options. 55.3% of students in the 2025-2026 Promise Program are the first in their families to attend college.
“I truly believe in philanthropy and education,” said Kate Beckwith Woody, who also serves on the Indian River State College Foundation Board. “Everyone needs to give back in some form. My family and I are blessed, so we give back. The Promise Program is so impactful because it gives students the opportunity to learn, find their passion, and be part of a community. Think about a kid whose parents just wanted them to get through high school and then go into the workforce – what a great opportunity for them to get a degree and be able to support a family.”
The Promise Program, established to promote economic mobility, is a last-dollar scholarship initiative for graduating high school seniors across Indian River State College’s four-county service region, covering remaining tuition costs after all other financial aid has been applied. Woody’s leadership gift will specifically support Promise students from Indian River County, ensuring local graduates have access to this life-changing opportunity. Students who qualify receive last-dollar tuition coverage while maintaining academic standards and meeting attendance requirements. The program specifically targets students who might not otherwise have access to higher education, creating pathways to careers in high-demand fields including healthcare, public safety, education, and skilled trades.
“Kate Beckwith Woody represents the very best of community partnership and philanthropic leadership,” said Annabel Robinson, Indian River State College Vice-President of Institutional Advancement and Indian River State College Foundation Executive Director. “Her leadership gift to the Promise Program will break down barriers for countless Indian River County students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to pursue higher education. This transformative investment ensures that last-dollar tuition support reaches students right here in our own community, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Beyond covering tuition costs, the program provides comprehensive student support services, academic advising, and career guidance. Students must maintain a minimum GPA, ensuring they graduate with not only degrees but also the skills and work ethic employers demand.
Since its inception, the Promise Program has prepared students to enter the workforce in essential roles throughout the community. Many alumni have gone on to pursue bachelor’s degrees, while others have started successful careers in fields where the region faces critical shortages.
“Kate’s extraordinary generosity exemplifies the transformative power of philanthropy in higher education,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Her leadership gift will create opportunities for generations of Indian River County students to achieve their dreams and contribute to our community’s growth. This investment in last-dollar tuition support ensures that no qualified student in Indian River County will be turned away due to financial constraints. We are deeply grateful for Kate’s vision and commitment to ensuring that our local students have access to quality education.”
Since joining the Indian River State College Foundation Board, Woody has become passionate about raising awareness of the college’s community impact and the Promise Program’s role in workforce development.
“Anywhere you go, you are impacted by the college, but you’re not thinking about it,” Woody explains. “We have such great crown jewels in Vero Beach, and Indian River State College should be up there with them. Sometimes you need to support where you’re living now, not just where you used to live.”
Woody hopes her gift will inspire others to recognize their stake in the community’s future. Her message to potential donors is both practical and heartfelt: the Promise Program doesn’t just change individual lives; it strengthens the entire community by developing the skilled workforce we all depend on daily.
The Promise Program continues to expand access to high-demand career fields, with particular emphasis on addressing regional workforce shortages in healthcare, public safety, and technical trades. Recent program expansions include specialized tracks for nursing, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and skilled trades, all areas where the Treasure Coast faces significant employment gaps.
For more information about supporting the Promise Program and Indian River State College’s mission, visit giving.irsc.edu or contact the Indian River State College Foundation at (772) 462-4786.
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