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Scholarships
Why are scholarships important?
Scholarships provide an opportunity for many people to earn an education because scholarships are free money. Without assistance from an outside source, students may have trouble paying for the degree they need in order to enter the workforce. Most Scholarships cannot be applied for before the Senior Year.
If a website or organization asks you to pay for information, please do not give them the information or payment. These are usually fraudulent organizations.
Scholarship Spotlight
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Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Assn Law Day Essay Contest (4.30.23)
May 1st has been designated by the Florida Legislature as “Law Day” and the week is proclaimed “Law Week”. The Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association (EJCBA) is observing this year’s 2023 Law Day with an essay contest for high school students. The prompt is “Why is incivility dangerous to the functioning of a free society and what role does technology play in either causing or contributing to civility or incivility?” The top three essay submissions will be awarded a monetary prize, have the opportunity to shadow a judge at a mutually agreed upon time, and be recognized at the EJCBA Law Day event on April 30th in Alachua County. Entry forms can also be found in the NHS Guidance Office.
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Mahki Bostic's Dream Chasers Foundation Scholarship (4.15.23)
SENIORS! Make sure to stop by the NHS Guidance Office to get an application to apply for the Mahki Bostic's Dream Chasers Foundation Scholarship. All applications must be completed and turned in by April 15th. Chase your dreams with some help from this opportunity! "Once a Panther, Always a Panther!"
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Clay Electric Cooperative Inc. 2023 Youth Scholarship (4.3.23)
The application window is now open for the 2023 Youth Scholarship from Clay Electric Cooperative Inc. The annual scholarship program is limited to any public, private or homeschooled high school senior whose home (primary residence) is served by Clay Electric and who will be graduating from high school at the end of the applicable school year. The selections are based on community involvement, extra-curricular and academic achievements. Applications must be received by April 3, 2023.
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Adam Thayer Scholarship (3.24.23)
SENIORS: Don't miss out on this scholarship opportunity! The Adam R. Thayer Scholarship Fund awards a $5,000 scholarship to an active Goodwill employee or college-bound high school senior based on demonstrated academic achievement, community service and financial need. Use the following link below for more information and to apply. The application deadline is March 24th!
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American Association of Blacks in Energy Florida Chapter Scholarship (3.24.23)
SENIORS: The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Florida Chapter Scholarship application window is open and the deadline to apply is March 24th. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA with plans to enroll next semester in an accredited college or university and pursue a major in business, one of the physical sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics field. Though founded to address funding inequities in education resources for African Americans, AABE-administered scholarships are open to all ethnicities; the great majority of recipients are still African-American. The scholarship online application portal can be found at https://aabescholarship.awardspring.com/.../Schola.../242890.
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QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program (3.22.23)
️JUNIORS! The application window for the QuestBrige - College Prep Scholars Program is now open. This Program equips high-achieving 11th grade students from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges.Awards for College Prep Scholars may include:A full scholarship to a college summer program hosted by Yale, Emory, UChicago, and more
Quest for Excellence Awards, such as $1,000 for a new laptop or other resources to help the student enhance their college application
Exclusive access to a QuestBridge National College Admissions Conference (an invite-only event featuring workshops and a college fair with our college partners)
Personalized college essay feedback
Campus visits or other opportunities from QuestBridge college partners
Specialized guidance and resources for the college application process
Peer-to-peer support in an online community
To be considered use the following link to submit a free, online College Prep Scholars Program application. The deadline to apply is Wednesday (March 22nd). https://www.questbridge.org/high.../college-prep-scholars -
Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show 2023 Scholarship (3.20.23)
SENIORS: The Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show 2023 Scholarship application window is now open. This Program is intended to award 2023 graduating seniors for their participation in the Youth Fair during all 4 years of their High School experience. The application deadline is March 20, 2023. Visit https://www.acyfls.com/ for and application form and more information. The Application is also available in the NHS Guidance Office.
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Alachua Audubon Society Scholarships (3.17.23)
The Alachua Audubon Society is offering scholarships ($250) to Alachua County high school seniors who demonstrate an interest in wildlife or conservation. The deadline to apply is March 17, 2023.
The award will be based upon the following criteria:
- Keen interest in the environment, nature, and/or conservation
- Involvement in extracurricular environmental/nature activities
- Academic record
- Teacher/counselor recommendation
To be considered for a scholarship, an applicant must:
- Be a resident of Alachua County.
- Be a student at the 12th grade level.
- Be in good academic standing
Additional information and the online application can be found at the link: https://www.alachuaaudubon.org/volunteer/scholarship/.
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Central Florida Electric Cooperative Scholarship (3.16.23)
SENIORS: Central Florida Electric Cooperative is continuing its scholarship program this year and will offer a $2,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from Newberry High School. The application is available to download at www.cfec.com and copies are available in the NHS Guidance Office. The Application Deadline is March 16, 2023, to be delivered to the CFEC main office at 11491 NW 50th Avenue, Chiefland, FL.
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Doodle for Google Contest (3.7.23)
PANTHERS: Use your imagination to create a Google Doodle based on the prompt, "I am grateful for...". Students can work with any materials they want, but all Doodles must be entered using the entry form. Parents and teachers can mail the completed entry form or submit it online. The contest is open for entries until March 7, 2023. Four finalists will win a $5,000 scholarship and one winning student will receive a $30,000 college scholarship. Additional information can be found here.
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TCJ Foundation Scholarships (Deadline 3.1.23)
The Delta Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has opened the 2023 Scholarship cycle. The Chapter is partnering with TCJ Foundation to award two male scholarships. Applications are available in the NHS Guidance Office or can be found on the NHS website. The application deadlines for all scholarships are March 1st.
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Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Scholarships (Deadline 3.1.23)
The Delta Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has opened the 2023 Scholarship cycle. The Chapter is once again offering Five Pearls of Scholarships. Applications are available in the NHS Guidance Office or can be found on the NHS website. The application deadlines for all scholarships are March 1st.
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Florida Black History Month Essay Contest (2.7.23)
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12). Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.
In the contest, students are encouraged to write about an African American who has had an impactful and inspiring effect on their community whose story should be shared. The subject of the essay should be a Floridian.
--floridablackhistory.com
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at floridablackhistory.com. All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
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Florida Credit Union Scholarships (Deadline 2.3.23)
Every year, the Florida Credit Union awards scholarships to students based on their scholastic record, future potential, leadership, initiative, character, dependability, integrity and financial needs. Students are eligible to apply if they, or their parents/guardian, are FCU members, and if the students are actively enrolled or plan to enroll in undergraduate college courses within the calendar year.The 2023 scholarship application submission deadline is February 3, 2023.The Servin-Ellis Scholarship Fund was originally established in memory of the first treasurer/manager of FCU, Oscar Servin. In 1997, the fund was renamed to also honor Dr. Jonnie Ellis, a board member who served from 1987 to 1997 and served as Chair from 1993 to 1996. The scholarship fund is awarded annually in May and is divided among more than one recipient.The Dr. John C. Rawls Scholarship was established in honor of Dr. John C. Rawls, a member of the Board of Directors since 1957. Over his 55 years of service, Dr. Rawls served on the board as President, Vice President, Secretary, Chair and Treasurer. During a nine-month period in the 1990s, he served as the interim CEO of the credit union until a new CEO could be found. -
FHSAA Spirit of Sports Scholarships (Deadline 1.18.23)
Nominations for the FHSAA Roger Dearing Spirit of Sport Scholarships are now being accepted through January 18, 2023. These awards seek to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport and heart of the arts that represent the core mission of education-based athletics. The awards may be given in recognition of a specific act or for an activity of longer duration. The winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Association. Use the following link for more information: https://fhsaa.com/news/2022/10/10/about-us-roger-dearing-heart-of-the-arts-and-spirit-of-sport-nominations.aspx
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FHSAA Heart of the Arts Scholarship (Deadline 1.18.23)
Nominations for the FHSAA Roger Dearing Heart of the Arts Scholarships are now being accepted through January 18, 2023. These awards seek to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport and heart of the arts that represent the core mission of education-based athletics. The awards may be given in recognition of a specific act or for an activity of longer duration. The winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Association. Use the following link for more information: https://fhsaa.com/news/2022/10/10/about-us-roger-dearing-heart-of-the-arts-and-spirit-of-sport-nominations.aspx
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National FFA Scholarships (Deadline 1.12.23)
The National FFA Organization offers scholarships to current members of FFA who plan to pursue a degree or certificate in specific areas of agriculture. Selection is based on FFA involvement, work experience, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), community service, leadership skills, and academics. The FFA manages many scholarships; however, only one online application is necessary. Scholarships are available to match a wide variety of skills, experiences, career goals and higher-education plans.
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Judge Stephen Mickle Essay Writing Contest (Deadline 1.4.23)
Seniors! The Judge Stephan Mickle Education Committee invites all high school seniors to enter an essay contest to win a $500 prize for the 1st place winner! Please review the attached flyer for more information. See your NHS Guidance Counselor if you have any questions.
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BigFutures Scholarships Week (12.5.22 - 12.9.22)
It's BigFuture Scholarships Week at the College Board (December 5th through 8th). If you are a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior you are now eligible for monthly drawings for BigFuture's $500 and $40,000 scholarships! Click the link below to get more information!!
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MLK Commission Dream Scholarship Award (Deadline 11.1.22)
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida is offering the Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2022. Students can also pick up the application paperwork in the NHS Guidance Office.
Scholarship Search Engines
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There are many options to search for scholarship opportunities. The following websites are the most popular free scholarship search platforms that connect students to scholarships and financial aid tools:
*As a student with Alachua County Public Schools, you have a profile with Going Merry. We recommend using this site as your primary source for scholarship research.

BigFuture by College Board
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BigFuture by College Board rewards you for doing what you already are doing: planning for life after high school. With no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements, BigFuture makes it easy to enter drawings each month. Simply complete unlocked steps on your dashboard, and you'll be automatically entered to win. One step completed = one entry each month...the earlier and sooner you complete tasks, the bigger your chances to win. Students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year receive two entries each drawing. Don't wait, get started today!
Earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships by completing steps to plan for life after high school. Every month, BigFuture will award hundreds of $500 scholarships and two $40,000 scholarships until February of your senior year. The scholarships awarded by BigFuture can be used at two and four year institutions.
Click the link to qualify today: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/bigfuture-scholarships.
Santa Fe College Achieve
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What Is Santa Fe College Achieve?
SF Achieve provides students with mentoring opportunities right inside their high schools – coaching them on career exploration, time management, financial aid and more. That level of mentorship will continue after students enroll at Santa Fe College, along with a stipend to cover the costs of textbooks. Eligible students will also qualify for a full-tuition scholarship that picks up where financial aid leaves off, helping to pay for up to 60 credit hours at Santa Fe College. With 60 credit hours, students can earn:
- an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree if they want to transfer to a university;
- an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or certificate if they want to enter the workforce; or,
- a Bachelor's Degree, if they first earn an A.A. at Santa Fe College through high school dual enrollment.
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Who can become an Santa Fe Achieve Scholar?
Any student attending a local public high school grade can sign up now for Santa Fe College Achieve. There is no minimum GPA, and you can be in any grade level. Signing up doesn't mean you are required to attend Santa Fe College, but if you decide to do so, you will be on track to earn the Santa Fe College Achieve Scholarship. Once you sign up, your Santa Fe College Achieve specialist will contact you to discuss your next steps.
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Guaranteed Transfer Program
Florida’s statewide articulation agreement guarantees that all students who earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree at a public college in the state will be granted admission to one of the 12 public universities in Florida. In addition to this statewide articulation agreement, Santa Fe College maintains several direct articulation agreements with the University of Florida, University of North Florida, Florida A&M University, New College of Florida, University of South Florida, University of West Florida, and the University of the Virgin Islands. All of these direct articulation agreements guarantee Santa Fe College students admission to these partner universities.
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Career and Technical Education
Scholarships are currently available for Career and Technical Education students! Recipients receive funds to help with tuition, fees and/or books. Santa Fe College offers the following Career and Technical Education programs:
- Business
- Construction and Technical
- Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology
- Educaton
- Emerging Technologies
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology Education
- Insttitute of Public Safety
Click the following link for additional information about each of these Programs: https://www.sfcollege.edu/cte/.
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Mentorships
Every public high school in Alachua and Bradford County has an Achieve specialist onsite, providing college coaching for SF Achieve students and acting as a resource for parents and guardians. These specialists will host workshops about the SF Achieve program as well as other financial aid and college success topics.
To get in touch with the SF Achieve specialist assigned to your school, visit the Contact Us page.
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Are you ready to join Santa Fe College Achieve?
Click the following link and complete the online form to join Santa Fe College Achieve: https://www.sfcollege.edu/prepare/achieve/signup/.
Santa Fe Scholarships
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Basic Information
Santa Fe College offers numerous scholarships through the Santa Fe College Foundation to provide funds to support the students at Santa Fe College. The Foundation approved to award over 670 scholarships valued at approximately $1,627,000 for the 2021-22 academic year.
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General Requirements
The general requirements to be eligible to apply for the scholarships are as follows:
- Be a U.S. Citizen with in-state fees.
- Plan to enroll as a full-time student (12 credit hours) at Santa Fe College. A few scholarships allow for part-time enrollment.
- Be degree seeking. Most scholarships require AA, AS, or Certificate. A few scholarships allow for bachelors.
- High School students or students that have never attended college must provide official high school transcripts showing a minimum 2.0 GPA. Official high school transcript must be submitted to Office for Advancement. Incoming/transfers students must provide official college transcripts to Office of the Registrar for processing.
- Complete the online scholarship application.
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Important Dates
SF Foundation applications are accepted year round with the following priority dates for 2023-24:
- Fall term - Priority Date for High School Seniors - February 15 (EXTENDED TO MARCH 20TH)
- Fall term - All students should apply - June 15
- Spring term - All students should apply - October 15
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many of the Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Fe College Scholarships can be found here: https://www.sfcollege.edu/foundation/scholarships/faq/
If you still need additional information, reach out to the Santa Fe Foundation by phone (352) 395-5200 or email at foundation@sfcollege.edu.
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Explore Available Scholarships
Make sure to take some time to explore the scholarships available at Santa Fe College. There are currently more than 150 scholarships, and additional scholarships may be added, so check back often. Click the link to see the list of currently available scholarships: https://www.sfcollege.edu/foundation/scholarships/explore/
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New, Need-Based, and Other Scholarship Opportunities
The new scholarships, listed below, are deliberately focused on addressing needs that were not being met by current scholarships. Click the link to find out more: https://www.sfcollege.edu/fa/scholarships/college-scholarships/
The Education Foundation of Alachua County Senior Scholarship Program
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The Education Foundation of Alachua County has opened the application for its Senior Scholarship program for spring 2023. High school seniors in the Alachua County Public Schools system can apply here until February 20, 2023.
Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 for Alachua County Public Schools seniors who meet the scholarships’ criteria. Last year, The Education Foundation awarded $221,000 to 60 students through Senior Scholarship. Forty-two local families, businesses and civic organizations have partnered with The Education Foundation to make these scholarship opportunities possible.
Students must complete one application to be considered for the more than 60 available scholarships. You can see a complete list of available scholarships here. Additional information regarding documents seniors will need to submit with the application include letter(s) of recommendation, a full high school transcript, and a personal resume detailing academic and extracurricular activities. Once the student has submitted the general application, students should return to the dashboard tab and confirm completion of any follow-up work. Some Senior Scholarships have additional requirements to complete in order to be eligible for that specific scholarship.
Timeline:
- The scholarship application opens on our website – January 5, 2023
- Application closes – February 20, 2023
- Preliminary grading of applications – February 21 – March 9, 2023
- Sponsors review and select recipients – March through April 2023
- Students notified of winning via email at end of April or early May
Application Instructions:
- The application for spring 2023 will open on Thursday, January 5, 2023, and close on February 20, 2023.
- To Apply Visit: https://edfoundationac.awardspring.com
- As part of the online application process, students will be required to:
- Answer a general questionnaire detailing general academic and financial information.
- Upload a personal resume detailing academic and extracurricular activities.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, employer, or community leader.
- Answer the following short essay questions:
- Describe your plans for college education and your future career goals.
- Describe a special attribute, accomplishment, or experience that you believe sets you apart.
Please contact the Director of Programs, Tatila Brock-Paul, with any questions by phone at (352) 955-7250 Ext. 6416 or email at brocktt (@gm.sbac.edu).