The Alachua County Housing Authority Barbara Higgins Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 to provide scholarships for residents in the housing projects throughout Alachua County to enroll at Santa Fe College. The purpose of this program is to assist public housing residents in pursing an Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Science, and/or certificate of training. Ms. Higgins, a lifelong resident of Gainesville, was involved in civic and community activities over many years. She was affectionately referred to as ‘Mama’ Higgins by those who knew her. Her infectious smile and kind words were an inspiration to all.

Mrs. Higgins was a devoted member and leader at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church for sixty years. Representing her faith was first and foremost in her heart and led her into a life of service. She was State Corresponding Secretary, Woman’s Convention Auxiliary, Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc., and the first woman appointed to its Board of Directors; President of the Jerusalem Associations’ Woman’s Home Mission Convention for fourteen years; and a member of the National Baptist Convention’s Church Women United. In 1994, the Florida General Baptist Convention’s Woman’s Auxiliary approved the establishment of a scholarship in her name to be awarded annually to eligible high school seniors by the Jerusalem Associations’ Woman’s Auxiliary. This scholarship application is released during May and is presented at the Annual Woman’s Auxiliary Session.