Annually, the Florida State Elks Association (FSEA) will offer scholarships to deserving graduating senior applicants in amounts ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 per recipient. These scholarships are funded by grants from the Elks National Foundation and fundraising campaigns by Florida Elks Charities with total funding expected to be about $106,000 per year.
Scholarship Details
- Supports graduating high school seniors in Florida
- May be used at an accredited American four-year college or university, junior college, vocational or technical training program
- Scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution after enrollment and attendance are confirmed
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduating senior from a high school or an equivalent educational program
- Students graduating at the end of the fall semester must apply during the application cycle before graduation
- Must be a resident of Florida
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must have an unweighted GPA between 2.30 and 3.59
- Must demonstrate leadership through school activities, community service, citizenship, or other meaningful involvement
Application Process
- Complete the official scholarship application
- Provide a copy of your parent’s or guardian’s most recent IRS Form 1040 or 1040A
- Submit your ACT or SAT scores
- Include one or two letters of endorsement from a teacher
- Include one or two letters of endorsement from a responsible community member who is not affiliated with your school
- Submit up to three pages of materials highlighting achievements in academics, leadership, athletics, dramatics, community service, or other activities
- Provide an official high school transcript
- Submit the required counselor or appropriate school official report
- Write and submit an essay explaining why you deserve the scholarship and describing your future educational and career aspirations
The mission of the Florida State Elks Association C. Valentine Bates Memorial HOPE Scholarship is to provide financial support for the educational needs of Florida high school seniors without which they would not be able to achieve their educational goals.
