Florida

Florida Scholarships and Grants

Calling all you high school seniors in the sunshine state! You’ve worked hard, made your grades, and now it’s time to think about college – seriously!!! A scholarship or a grant might be just what you need to make your college education possible. And, even if that’s not the case, it never hurts to get some recognition – which is what a scholarship is — for hard work, well done. Scholarships and grants are bountiful in Florida. There are some listed below, and your guidance counselor can probably tell you about a lot of others! Give it a whirl – you’ll never know if you don’t apply!

American Legion Florida Auxiliary Memorial

Are you a girl? Do you have a parent who has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Florida Unit for at least three years? If so, you might be eligible for this scholarship. You must be a member yourself, or a daughter or granddaughter of a member, and live in the state of Florida. Application requirements include a recommendation, essay, transcript, proof of eligibility, and income tax forms. This is a renewable scholarship that awards up to $1,000 for junior college or vocational school, and up to $2,000 for four-year colleges. (You must keep your grades up to a 2.5 GPA minimum to reapply.) For more information, check the website www.alafl.org.

American Legion Florida Auxiliary

This one is a little different than the one listed above because the applicant can be a child or stepchild – male or female –of an honorably discharged U.S. military veteran, as long as they are sponsored by a local Auxiliary Unit. You do have to be a Florida resident. To apply you will need to supply an essay, recommendation, transcript, proof of eligibility, and income tax forms. If selected, the award will provide up to $1,000 for junior college or vocational school and up to $2,000 for a four year college. You must maintain a 2.5 GPA, and the award is renewable. If you are interested, please inquire on line at www.alafl.org.

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program

This program is designed for students who require financial help to pursue their education. It can be utilized at either a 2-year or 4-year institution, and is renewable. To apply you must be a Florida resident and be able to demonstrate financial need by completing an FAFSA application, free on line. Deadlines are different at different schools so please check with the college you are interested in attending for theirs. Also, for more complete information go to www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

To apply for this $2,000 grant you must be a citizen of Florida, and be the child of the Spanish culture (Mexican American, Hispanic American, or Puerto Rican). Money awarded can be used at 2-year or 4-year colleges in Florida at public or private institutions. To apply you must demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of at least 3.0. For more information, visit your guidance counselor. There are over 50 scholarships of this type awarded each year, so don’t hesitate if you meet the qualifications.

Florida Academic Scholars Award

This one is for you students who have maintained a 3.5 GPA, have at least 15 credits in college prep courses, completed 75 hours of community service, and scored a minimum of 1270 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT. And – there are several different ways this award can be given – here they are:

• to the student ranking highest academically in each county — $1,500;
• if you plan to attend a public college or university, the award covers full tuition with a $375 stipend; and,
• in private schools it will cover an equivalent amount.

You must apply on line where you will also find more information, and you need to complete the application before you graduate from high school – here’s the website to do so: www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

William L. Boyd, IV, Florida Resident Access Grant Program

If you want to stay in the state to study, this program provides tuition assistance to Florida students attending an eligible PRIVATE institution. You must be a full time undergraduate to qualify and it is renewable. The exact amount of the prize is decided each year by the Florida legislature, but is $2,837 in 2010. You are ineligible if you have already received a previous bachelor’s degree, and also may not be used to major in divinity or theology. There is more information and an application on line. Go to www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org and check it out today.

Bern Laxer Memorial

Have you ever dreamed of a career in the hotel industry or in culinary arts? Do you already have one year’s experience in the culinary industry, a high school diploma or equivalency? Are you going to require some financial assistance to go on to school? Then this just might be the one to make your dreams come true.

This scholarship can be used either for undergraduate study at an accredited university or a licensed or accredited culinary school. You must major in one of the following to qualify: culinary arts, hotel administration/management, food/science/technology, or viticulture/oenology. Application requirements include letters of recommendation, essay, transcript, proof of eligibility, proof of residency, financial statement, and resume. The scholarship is renewable, and those students who have been previously awarded and maintained a GPA of B- are given preference over new applicants. The amount of the award is $2,500. To find out more get on the web and find out more: www.jamesbeard.org. Get cooking and good luck!