Fresh Start or Go the Distance Scholarships - Seniors in High School

• Student must come from a single-parent household.

• Student must have and maintain a "C" average. 

• Student must be a senior in high school. 

• Student must be able to show twenty (20) hours of community service. 

• Complete the Student application for the scholarship and write a 200- word essay on; How they helped their community and Why they should be awarded the scholarship.   

• Student will be required to read the "Prepping for Your Financial Future" pamphlet and complete a ten (10) question quiz which must be passed with a 100% score or satisfactorily complete the schools Financial Literacy course.

Find Your Passion Sponsorship - Jr. High & HS Students

• Student must come from a single-parent household.

• Student must have and maintain a "C" average.

• Student must be in Jr. High or High School.

• Student will not be required to write an essay or do community service.

• Complete the Student application for Sponsorship.

• Provide your parents' last two years' tax-returns. These are required to be considered in order to show as a single parent and financial need.

• Students can apply as early as 6th grade.

Student Application

OPEN INDEFINITELY FOR THE TIME BEING

The Contest is open to all college-bound, high school seniors who submit an essay application through a Chapter of the Fraternity.

The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright. The essay must be between 700 and 750 words in length. The type-written, double-spaced essay may be submitted via postal service or email in Microsoft Word.

Application

The Ocala Chapter's address is: PO BOX 174 Ocala, Florida 34478 

Deadline: 10/20/2024

Since 1947,the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” 

Who can enter:

• High school students in 9-12th grade

Winners from the post level will be eligible to move on to the district, state, and national level.

For more information click on the link above.

Deadline: 10/31/2024 

The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.

This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.

DAR Scholarship Student Info Form

DAR Scholarship Instructions

DAR Scholarship Overview

Deadline: 11/6/2024

Eligibility: 

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship award from the Ocala Elks Lodge 286 Scholarship Fund, you must: 

1. Be a student in the graduating class of a high school or its related equivalent in Marion County, FL. 

2. Seniors graduating at semester (December) must apply during the application year before they graduate. 

3. Be a resident of the state of Florida. 

4. Be a United States citizen.

 Students Targeted: 

The Ocala Elks Lodge 286 Scholarship is open to students who have maintained an un-weighted GPA of 2.30 to 3.59. Students with an un-weighted GPA above 3.59 cannot apply. We are looking for students who have demonstrated leadership through participation in school activities, community service, and citizenship. Special consideration is given to those students who have shouldered extra responsibility such as working throughout their high school career to help provide support for siblings or family. 

Competition: Boys and girls will compete for identical awards 

Deadline: 12/6/2024

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING TAKEN FOR THE MCLSA “MARY SULLIVAN SCHOLARSHIP” AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00 APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: 

• Provide current transcript showing overall “B” average.

• Submit a personal letter stating: need for scholarship, interest in obtaining a degree in the legal field and evidence of applicant’s participation in other field related activities. 

• Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from persons unrelated to the applicant. 

Deadline: 12/1/2024

The owner of Football for All, LLC is pleased to offer two educational scholarships in the amount of $500.00 each to a worthy male and female athlete within Marion County Public Schools. 

The scholarship will be based on:

· Athleticism

· Merit

· Community Service

· Leadership Ability

To apply, you must meet and fulfill the following criteria:

1. Must be a high school senior within Marion County Public Schools.

2. Must be a part of an athletics program within MCPS.

3. Complete and turn in a paper copy or email all paperwork to be postmarked by 12/20/2024 to: Brett.Beville@marion.k12.fl.us.

4. Your GPA must be at least a 3.0 or above (Attach a copy of your transcript).

5. Provide the typewritten essay as outlined below.

6. Provide the completed application.

Application

Deadline: 12/20/2024

PURPOSE 

To assist a participant, or participants, of the Southeastern Youth Fair to attend the College, University or Technical school of their choice. 

1. The SEYF General Rules & Regulations apply to this program. 

2. Applicants must be high school seniors in a Marion County 4-H and FFA program. They must have participated in the Southeastern Youth Fair for at least three (3) years and be involved in the current Youth Fair. 

3. Completed applications must be received in the Fair office by January 15, 2025. 

See here for more information and applications.

Deadline: 1/15/2025

Qualifications: 

• Senior, on track to graduate in May/June 2025

• Eligible under USDA guidelines or approved by CEP Direct Certification for free/reduced price meals

• Enrolled in a FL Public School

Application

Deadline: 1/24/2025

The competition has 3 levels that can participate. The levels are: 

• Ages 10-11

• Ages 12-13

• Ages 14-15

Every participant must be in one of these age brackets as well as submit a written essay for our judges and be able to do a 3 minute oral presentation on thei essay. The essay and oral presentation must be able God, Flag, and Country. The essay/oral presentation must emcompass God, Flag, and Country and go in depth on any one category. 

More information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d4tePwqwe4YiFlHjHbpMKipQWqI6UKXk/view?usp=sharing

Deadline: 2/1/2025

Applicants must comply with all the following: 

A. Be a resident of Marion County. 

B. Be enrolled in either a public or private high school in Marion County, Florida, and be classified as a high school senior for the current academic year.

C. Have maintained a grade point average of “B” or better (3.0 or above on a 4-point scale) through your junior and senior year to date. 

D. Provide a “sealed official transcript” of your high school classes/grades. The guidance office at your school can provide one of these to you. Do not open the sealed envelope! 2 

E. Provide the one page typed autobiographic sketch as outlined below. 

F. Provide the typewritten essay as outlined below. 

G. Be prepared to talk about your essay to a panel of judges. (“Smart Casual” attire is required for all interviews and meetings.) 

H. You must be attending an accredited college, university, junior college, or technical school beginning in the summer or fall of 2025. 

I. You must provide the scholarship committee with a letter of acceptance for enrollment for the summer term or fall term in 2025, at an accredited college, university, junior college, or technical school. This letter must be provided before the club issues a check as our checks are payable to the school and not to the recipient personally. Once the recipient receives the check, they should take it to the finance office of their school and deposit it into their personal student account. 

J. You must agree to allow the Rotary Club to use your photo and or your story in our internal and external marketing and press releases. There will be no compensation for this. 

APPLICATION

Deadline: 2/10/2025

FAMU National Alumni Association Marion County Chapter 2024 Scholarship Application 

This scholarship is awarded to a 2025 graduating student who has applied and been accepted to attend Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, for the 2025-2026 school term. This award is based on academic achievement, school, and community activities, and financial need. Students interested in attending FAMU are encouraged to apply NOW! 

THE APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: 

❖ Two letters of recommendation. The letters may come from a teacher, counselor, principal and/or a community citizen (not related to you) 

❖ An official high school transcript of grades; the first semester of your senior year must be included 

❖ ACT or SAT scores 

❖ Acceptance letter from Florida A & M University 

Click above for the digital application.

Paper Application

Deadline: 2/14/2025

Scholarship Eligibility:

• Graduating Senior from a Marion County School

• Must be entering an accredited college the following year

• At least a 3.5 weighted GPA on a 5.0 scale

• Minumum 250 community service hours

View the requirements and application here

Deadline: 3/1/2025

The Charles and Kathryn Deering Scholarship provides support to students who attended high school in Lake, Sumter, and Marion County, Florida and will be pursuing a course of education at an accredited college or university in the medical, science & technology, or education fields. 

Ideal Applicants:

Students with financial need who show academic promise and particpate in community service/involvement.

Deadline: 3/3/2025

Instrumentalists (brass, woodwinds, piano, percussion, strings, etc.) and Singers are eligible!

First Prize up to $12,000

Eligibility:

1. Must be graduating from a Lake, Marion or Sumter County high school or academy in spring 2025 with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

2. Must be majoring or minoring in music at the college or university of the student’s choice during the next academic year.

3. Must be available to audition on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in the Villages. Applicant will be expected to perform one piece of published music.

4. Winners must perform at an Opera Club meeting at the Laurel Manor Recreation Center in The Villages on the evening of Thursday, April 24th, 2025 to claim their awards.

APPLY EARLY – AUDITION SCHEDULE POSITIONS ARE LIMITED. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, March 3, 2025. Applications are available through high school music teachers, guidance counselors, or from the Opera Club of The Villages website: www.operaclubofthevillages.com. 

Cover Letter

Information and Eligibility

Deadline: 3/3/2025

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Female Senior attending a Marion County High School

• GPA of 3.0 or above

• Have been accepted to a college or university

• Have taken a college entrance exam (ACT, SAT, or other)

Deadline: 3/14/2025

 Students submit their art CDs, transcripts and VAA Forms in March. They must be applying for a college major in visual arts. Finalists are notified, and in-person interviews (with actual art pieces) are held in late March for the most qualified candidates. A careful interview and portfolio selection process begins.

   In addition to high academic standards, the VAA Scholarship Committee looks to find both talented and well-rounded college bound artists. Community service and activities count.

   Our previous VAA winners have attended or are currently in public and private art schools/universities across FL and the Eastern United States.  Their majors are in areas such as Architecture, Photography, Graphic Design, Computer Animation, Illustration, Fashion & Stage Design,  Art Education….and others. 

Application and Information

Deadline: 3/15/2025

Along with submitting the application, seniors must also submit the following: 

• An essay from the applicant setting forth their career objectives. 

• Official transcript of grades

• Two letters of recommendations 

• A list of extracurricular activities, clubs, honors received, etc. 

Information

Application

Deadline: 3/24/2025

Scholarship use include:

• 2-year Junior College

• 4-year College/University

• Vocational School//Trade IT

• Training, Military

Eligibility:

• GPA; 2.75 unweighted min.

• 50+hours of volunteer hrs.

• 2 letters of recommendation (seeapplication for details)

•  High School Transcript

• Marion County Graduate

Application

Deadline: 3/28/2025

Ocala Civic Theatre proudly supports the performing arts, technical theatre arts and educational theatre through our service-based scholarship program. Encouraging young talent to pursue their passion for the performing arts is at the forefront of OCT’s mission.

 In addition to providing opportunities for students to hone their skills onstage, we offer apprenticeships that give production students opportunities to learn and practice technical skills in a real-world environment. If you are a Marion County resident and a senior planning to attend college or a college student currently enrolled in theatre, music, arts or educational theatre curriculum, you are eligible. The following areas of study are encouraged for potential scholarship applicants: 

❖ Theatre Performance (Acting, Playwriting, Directing,), Design and Technical Production

❖ Vocal Music 

❖ Instrumental Music 

❖ Dance ❖ Educational Theatre 

❖ Arts Therapy 

This competitive process asks applicants to complete and submit the following: 

• An application 

• A brief statement of interest (why you want to participate and how you think it would benefit you)

• Provide 2 current letters of recommendation 

• Submit a resume or vitae 

Qualified students will be required to attend an interview on Saturday, April 26, 2025. These servicebased scholarships provide $500 per completed term and may be repeated for a total of three terms per the 2025-2026 season. Scholarship awards will be paid directly to the applicant’s designated college or post-secondary institute by or near June 26, 2026. 

Application

Deadline: 3/28/2025

Please Note: 

If you plan to attend or currently attend Central Florida College or UF, you must apply for a Marion County Farm Bureau Scholarship through each of the above named institutions through the Endowment Scholarship Programs and not through this written application. The scholarship application and deadlines at CF and UF differ from those listed in his application.

1.  Applicant, Parent or Guardian must be a current member in good standing with the Marion County Farm Bureau.

2. Applicant must actively pursue an agricultural major.

3. All applications must be received by Marion County Farm Bureau no later than March 31 of the current year.

4. Committee may request a personal interview with any or all of the considered applicant(s).

Deadline: 3/31/2025  

Eligibility:

• African American Female

• Attending senior year at a Marion County, FL high school

The completed application must include:

1. Signed Scholarship Application (refer to attached forms)

2. Typed Essay (refer to attached Essay Information)

3. Two (2) signed letters of recommendation. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. may not submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

4. A recent photo of yourself

5. Official Transcript (sealed if mailing your packet) OR sent by your School Guidance Counselor.

6. Copy of college acceptance letter, if received

7. A signed Media/Photo release form (see attached)

Submit completed application via mail or email to:  etatauomegascholarship@gmail.com

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Scholarship Committee

Eta Tau Omega Chapter

P. O. Box 5864

Ocala, FL 34478

Special Notes:

• We highly recommend you ask someone to proofread your essay before submitting it. Perhaps a Parent, English Teacher or a School Counselor.

• Please complete the application in black or blue ink if handwritten.

• Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule a mandatory interview.

• Questions: Contact the Scholarship Committee at: etatauomegascholarship@gmail.com

Application

Photo Release

Essay Prompt

Deadline: 3/31/2025

Rotarians around the world live by the motto “Service Above Self” and demonstrate this through their organization and participation in many local, country and worldwide community service projects. As one of its community service projects, the Rotary Club of Ocala is pleased to announce the availability of scholarship support for students who are classified as seniors for the current academic year. For the purposes of this scholarship, community service may be defined as services that one performs for the betterment of mankind. Given this definition write a 500 to 600 word essay of what “Service Above Self” means to you. Be sure to include in your essay your most memorable service project including but not limited to local community projects or those projects that were designed to aid people in other countries.

Scholarship recipients are selected on an objective and competitive basis.

More information and application: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vBC3ggrtJal7TwryW9oNej_m17Sjvxu5/view?usp=drive_link

Deadline: 3/31/2025

ELIGIBILITY 

• Applicant must be a female high school graduating senior with a minimum 2.0 GPA. 

• Applicant must attend one of the following public high schools in Marion County, FL: Belleview, Dunnellon, Forest, Lake Weir, North Marion, Vanguard, West Port 

• Applicant must attend a public school in Marion County, Florida. 

• Applicant intends to further her education at a college or university 

Application

Deadline: 3/31/2025

The Quilting Guild of The Villages (QGOTV) is offering an award of up to $2,000.00 to encourage and reward continuing education students who: (1) excel in the field of sewing, (2) show commitment to the volunteer sector, and (3) to advance future generations in continued sewing awareness. 

Criteria for Application: 

High school graduating seniors who live in Sumter, Marion, or Lake Counties Florida who have demonstrated evidence of ALL of the following are eligible to apply. 

• Accomplishments in extracurricular sewing (Does not include knitting and crochet) 

• Leadership Skills 

• Community service activities 

• Commitment to continuing education

Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Up5HCxjj5leA9C7NDtJ7ZUL48v1EuGy/view?usp=drive_link

Application: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14jTg8jl-dFilsWCf7QdOsX16SBzmdvFD/view?usp=drive_link

Deadline: 3/31/2025

Eligibility Requirements:

For your application to be considered, you must meet all three eligibility requirements listed below.

• I am interested in pursuing a career path in the environment and/or natural resource management fields.

• I identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Multiracial, or a Person of Color.

• I live in one of the following Florida counties:  Alachua, Taylor, Volusia, Pasco, Seminole, Gilchrist, Citrus, Union, Marion, Suwannee, Sumter, Putnam, Lake, Levy, Madison, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette.

Deadline: 4/1/2025

Mission:

Through rent-free housing and cooperative living, Southern Scholarship Foundation supports students who lack financial resources, demonstrate excellent academic merit, and exemplify good character to attend institutions of higher education.

Since 1955, SSF has helped students achieve their dreams of attending their choice university through our partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. While SSF does not provide monetary-based scholarships, we offer rent-free homes located near our partner institutions. We currently have 26 homes statewide and serve 470 students.

Application Portal

Deadline for fall 2025: 4/1/2025

This scholarship will be based on:

• Leadership Ability

• Community Service

• Merit

• Ability to Work With Others

To apply you must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Upload and submit all required documentation NO LATER THAN 11:59 pm April 1st, 2025.

2. Upload and submit three letters of recommendation (one must be from your school administrative staff)

3. Upload and submit a copy of your transcript (your GPA must be 2.9 or above non-weighted)

4. Upload and submit a copy of your college acceptance letter.

5. Upload and submit a copy of your college entrance exam scores (SAT and or ACT)

6. Upload and submit community service verification letters (must have completed at least 10 hrs of service to your community)

Deadline: 4/1/2025

The Delta Mu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated is proud to offer five (5) $1,000 scholarships to young women pursuing higher education. We invite Central Florida female high school seniors to apply for the one-time scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate overall academic achievement, exhibit leadership ability, creativity, and have participated in community service activities. The applicant should be accepted to attend an accredited two- or four-year college/university or technical college and may use this scholarship towards the costs of tuition, fees, books, room and board, technology, health insurance, general living expenses, or other.

Requirements:

• Female senior student graduating from a high school in the Central Florida region

• GPA between 2.75-3.25

Deadline: 4/4/2025

The Milling Foundation makes available low-interest loans to graduates of Marion County Schools who will be attending the University of Florida after high school graduation in the summer or fall term.

Information and Application

Deadline: 4/4/2025

The Landon Yerk Memorial Scholarship is a tribute to the life and passions of an extraordinary individual who left a lasting impact on our community. Landon's love for the outdoors was matched only by his dedication to the sport of baseball and his unwavering commitment to his family. In honor of his memory, this scholarship is established to provide an opportunity for students who share Landon's enthusiasm for life, his devotion to family values, and his passion for hands-on learning. The scholarship is specifically intended for those embarking on a journey into trade school education, recognizing the importance of practical skills and vocational training. By supporting students who mirror Landon's zest for life and his dedication to building a solid foundation, this scholarship aims to carry forward his legacy in a meaningful and impactful way. 

Requirements-

• Students must attend a Marion County High School AND earn a high school diploma 

• Two (2) letters of recommendation. (1) from a guidance counselor verifying your GPA, and (1) from a person of your choice (teacher, club advisor, coach, employer, community sponsor, etc.) 

Eligibility-

• Students must be pursuing a trade degree at a Florida COE-accredited institution.

• All requirements listed above must be met and included with the application to be considered for this scholarship. 

The application can be found here.

PLEASE DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS TO ADMIN@LANDONYERKFOUNDATION.ORG.  

Deadline: 5/1/2025

Please submit the following supporting documents with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Open to Marion County high school seniors graduating in 2025!

• Three letters of recommendation of which one should be from an educator and one from a community leader (Example: clergy).  The third may be from other appropriate persons other than relatives who can speak to your character, qualities, and career aspirations.  The letters must be signed and dated and include the person’s name, title, address, phone number, and relationship to you. 

• Current High School Transcript including Freshman through First Term of Senior Year.

Deadline: 5/5/2025