Community Foundation of Sarasota County Scholarships

For students under 24 years of age, scholarships are available throughout the year, although specific application deadlines may differ. To be eligible, applicants must be:

A current resident of Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, or Charlotte counties, or be a graduating high school senior or graduate of a high school located within one of these four counties.

Younger than 24 years of age as of December 31st of the year in which they apply (if you will be 24 years of age as of this date, please visit our page for Students 24 Years of Age or Older).

Eligibility

Who is eligible for these scholarships?

Scholarships are not restricted to four-year universities; we consider higher education to be college, vocational or technical school, and accredited courses of study for select career fields. You are eligible for this scholarship program if you are:

• Currently attending or enrolling in an accredited college or vocational school
• A current resident of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County or graduate from a high school in one of these four counties
• Under the age of 24 as of December 31st of the year in which you apply

If I am already enrolled in school, am I still eligible to apply for a Community Foundation of Sarasota County scholarship?

Yes, if you are a current resident of Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, or Charlotte County, or you are a graduate of a high school located within one of these four counties.

Can I apply for a scholarship even if I am not sure which school I will be attending?

Yes, although it is in your favor to know what school you want to attend and what career path you want to pursue.

Do I have to be planning to attend a Florida state college or university?

No. Scholarship recipients can attend any accredited college or university, as well as any accredited technical school or vocational school including, but not limited to, cosmetology, car or equipment repair, and all health care and safety professions.

Do I have to be attending a four-year college or university to be eligible for a scholarship?

No. Scholarship funds may also be used at vocational or technical schools and community colleges.

Application Process

Do I need an interview?

Scholarship applicants may be asked to attend an interview, but this is not typically the case. Students may be invited to meet their donor at a lunch or reception and are expected to attend if invited.

Do I have to write an essay?

Yes. All students are required to write a general essay explaining their educational goals.

For the general essay you may also use your common essay. There are also some specific essays for certain scholarships for which it is recommended that they have their own unique essay answer.

What happens if I can’t get my required documents in time before the deadline?

All documents, in their entirety, must be submitted and received by the deadline. NO EXCEPTIONS.

For specific scholarship deadlines, visit Scholarships For Students Under 24 Years of Age.

Are my answers and financial information kept confidential?

All information is kept confidential by our scholarship committee members. Personal information is never shared with the public.

When will I find out if I was awarded a scholarship?

All students will be notified whether or not they are awarded a scholarship in May.