Florida Scholarships
As the third-largest state in the country, the state of Florida is packed with promising college students looking to expand their futures. And there’s no better way to do that than by winning a Florida scholarship. Interested in a Florida scholarship? Keep reading to learn how to apply, where to find Florida grants and scholarships and how to pick the best ones.
What are Florida scholarships?
A Florida scholarship is given to a student who either resides in Florida or who is attending a school in Florida. Sometimes the scholarship will require that students are both current Florida residents and attending a Florida school. You may also be required to attend a public school, but some scholarships allow students to attend private universities. Sometimes, a scholarship will only require that one of the student’s parents is a Florida resident, even if the student doesn’t live in-state.
Some Florida scholarships are given to students who are either current Florida residents or are planning on attending college in Florida. For example, the CFJS Scholarship is given to a jazz musician from or attending school in the following counties: Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake or Volusia.
However, others will require that students be Florida residents and also attend school in the Sunshine State. For example, the Armando J. de Moya Scholarship is offered to a Florida resident majoring in civil engineering at the University of Floria.
While some Florida scholarships are open to most types of students, others are geared toward specific majors or interests. For example, the AWS Airgas Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship is given to students getting a bachelor’s degree in welding engineering or welding engineering technology.
How to apply for a Florida scholarship
Applying for a Florida scholarship is not that much different than applying for any other kind of scholarship. The biggest consideration is whether or not you qualify. For any kind of geographical-based scholarship, it’s important to understand whether you need to be a resident or attending school in that state. Some Florida scholarships are only given to students from specific counties or regions, so make sure to consider this when searching for scholarships.
If there is an essay component, start working on it sooner rather than later. If you're having trouble, you can ask a teacher to help brainstorm ideas or read a first draft. If the scholarship requires a letter of recommendation, make a list of possible candidates and ask them as soon as possible. Most adults need at least a few weeks’ notice so they can craft a compelling letter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Scholarships
What are the best Florida scholarships?
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program can cover up to 100% of tuition if you qualify. The scholarship is open to students with a 2.75 GPA, but you can receive more funding if you have a 3.0 GPA. Students must complete the Florida Financial Aid Application to be considered.
Do I have to attend school in Florida to be eligible for a Florida scholarship?
Depending on the organization sponsoring a scholarship, you may not have to stay and attend school in Florida to win a Florida scholarship. For example, the Arts for Life! Scholarship is a $1,000 prize given to 25 Florida high school seniors with a special talent for creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art. Students are not required to attend an in-state institution to qualify.
Do I have to be from Florida to receive a Florida scholarship?
There are some scholarships that are only given to current Florida residents. For example, the Minority Teacher Education Scholarship is available for Florida residents who are either African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander or American Indian/Alaskan Native.
Applicants must also be attending one of 40 possible colleges within the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers network. These include the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Miami and more.
Where can I find Florida scholarships?
Finding potential Florida scholarships is the first step to receiving an award. You can find an exhaustive list of Florida scholarships in our Scholarship Directory.
The Florida Department of Education also has a list of scholarships and grants. The schools you apply for may also have their own list of scholarships, including both internal and external awards. If you’re still in high school, ask your teachers if they know of any scholarship opportunities. Also, it never hurts to do a Google search for specific scholarship categories. For example, if you’re interested in music, type in “music scholarship” and “Florida” to see what you find.
