Reston-area adults looking to break into healthcare can apply for $700 scholarships through Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (FCPS ACE).

The program began accepting applications Tuesday, Sept. 1, for scholarships covering part of the tuition for eligible healthcare and medical career certification programs, the Fairfax Times reported. The scholarships are funded through donations to the ACE Foundation and are available on a limited basis.

FCPS ACE offers certifications in patient care, emergency response, medical billing and coding, pharmacy, dental services, optical care, fitness and healthcare office operations. Depending on the program, coursework is available in person, online or through self-paced instruction.

"The demand continues to grow for both direct-care and behind-the-scenes healthcare roles," said Jerry Hinn, FCPS ACE program specialist.

No application deadline has been announced, but the program encourages early applications because funding is limited. Scholarship eligibility details and application instructions are posted at fcpsace.org. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

South Lakes grad earns national softball honor

Reston's Sydney Zeigler earned an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honor from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

Zeigler, a South Lakes High School graduate, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in exercise science at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. The award requires a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during the 2025-26 academic year.

She was among 11 Lebanon Valley softball players recognized this year. The college's program has produced 10 or more scholar-athlete honorees for three consecutive years.

Nationwide, 8,850 college softball players across NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and NJCAA programs received the distinction. NCAA Division III, where Lebanon Valley competes, led all divisions with 2,491 honorees.

Zeigler is one of several Reston residents highlighted in the Fairfax Times' weekly People and Places column for the week of Sept. 4.