<p>The HEAT Academy &ndash; an after-school program for at-risk elementary school students sponsored by the Miami HEAT and Carnival Cruise Lines - recently held an end-of-year celebration for its 300 students at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. </p><p>During the event, Carnival presented a check for $77,000, which represented a donation by the cruise line, along with a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.&nbsp; The monies will fund 15 scholarships for HEAT Academy students.&nbsp; The scholarships will mature in 2015, coinciding with the students&rsquo; high school graduation. </p><p>On hand to present the check were Carnival&rsquo;s Senior Vice President of Air/Sea Operations and Corporate Training Roberta Jacoby and Carnival Foundation Director Linda Coll.</p><p>To date, the cruise line has provided a total of 75 scholarships to HEAT Academy students with a total estimated value of more than $350,000. </p><p>Carnival&rsquo;s support of the academy also includes an innovative mentoring-in-the-workplace program in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through the program, high school students who attend the HEAT Academy are paired with a member of Carnival&rsquo;s management team and shadow them throughout their workday to get a first-hand look at the business world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>