Florida Scholarships

Florida high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and residents with an unweighted GPA between 2.30 and 3.59 may apply. Students above 3.59 are ineligible. Scholarships range from $3,000 to up to $20,000 per recipient. The number of awards varies based on annual funding. Apply through the Florida Elks HOPE Scholarship application. Selection weighs leadership through school activities, community service, and citizenship, including students who worked to support family during high school. The C. Valentine Bates Memorial HOPE Scholarship Fund is administered by the Florida State Elks Association.

Florida high school students in grades 9 through 12 at public, private, charter, virtual, or home-school programs may enter the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Farm to School Essay Contest. Three winners receive tiered college scholarships of up to $3,000 for first place, along with additional prizes. Write an original 500 to 800 word essay responding to one of three provided agriculture or nutrition topics. Include a short personal statement and submit via the online form. Essays must not include plagiarism or use of artificial intelligence.

Florida college students who reside in Sarasota or Manatee County, have completed at least one year at an accredited Florida college, maintain a 2.75 GPA, and major in film, computer animation, creative writing, motion design, or illustration may apply. The Sarasota Film Society awards five $2,000 scholarships annually. Awards are merit-based and renewable with reapplication. Submit short-answer essays on your career path, film interests, and inspiration, plus at least one work sample through the online application. The scholarship honors late Sarasota Film Society president Barbara Caras.

Economically disadvantaged Florida residents who cannot otherwise afford an approved Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards and Emergency Medical Technician certification program may apply through the Florida Fire Chiefs' Foundation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or GED, a valid Florida driver's license, and a fire-chief recommendation. Awards cover tuition, books, uniforms, and protective-clothing rental not met by other financial aid. Number of recipients and award amounts vary annually. Apply for financial assistance at your chosen institution, prepare required documentation including proof of citizenship and driving record, and submit the scholarship application when the program is open.

Florida residents who are U.S. permanent residents entering as full-time freshmen at an accredited four-year college with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 75 hours of community service may apply. Two scholarships are awarded per school year (one undergraduate and one graduate). Award amounts vary. Submit a transcript sent directly from your high school, a professional headshot, a recommendation letter from a non-relative teacher, administrator, counselor, employer, or church leader, and a college acceptance letter when available. The Jhanae Sunflower Foundation supports youth committed to leadership, character, and service.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are high school seniors or college freshmen or sophomores under age 20 and residing in eligible states or the District of Columbia may apply. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA (high school seniors) or 2.75 GPA (college students), plus demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. Award amounts vary based on need and may renew for up to four academic years. Complete the application with details on honors, leadership, community service, financial need, and future goals. Funds must be used at an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Student-athletes in intercollegiate sports and exclusively online students are ineligible. The Jimmy Rane Foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships to help deserving students pursue college educations.