Scholarships:  Paying for your future

Where can you find scholarships?

There are so many scholarships available (YAY!); but there is no “one stop” shop.  Therefore, it is important to know some of the common avenues to explore in order to find scholarship opportunities. Below are some of the more common avenues; as well as, scholarship tips to remember on this journey. Remember to check each organizations privacy policies before submitting personal information.

Scholarship Search Engines/Websites

*FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

  • fafsa.ed.gov
  • Available in late December for Class of 2025 (Senior Year)
  • Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA to cover Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 (next school year)
  • Apply each year you are in college
  • FAFSA lets you know what grants, loans and student work study you are eligible to receive.

*Bright Futures Scholarship

  • Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application
  • The FFAA is the Florida Financial Aid Application that includes all of the State of Florida Scholarships.
  • Complete in October of your Senior Year
  • Apply early, even if you are still trying to meet the scholarship requirements

*St. Lucie Education Foundation Scholarships

-Available January, due dates are usually middle of March: St Lucie Foundation Scholarships (click here)

*IRSC Foundation Scholarships

IRSC FOUNDATION (CLICK HERE)

*Check with the college/university you are apply to

  • Many schools have scholarships available through their admissions office, foundation, and/or financial aid office.
  • Call those offices or explore their websites.

* Check school email and Teams weekly for local scholarships.

*Check with your parent(s)/guardian(s) employer

-Some companies have tuition assistance available to employees and their children/dependents or offered a company scholarship


TIPS and SUGGESTIONS

  1. Keep the deadline in mind (set reminders in your phone, put them on your calendar, write them in your planner)
  2. Do NOT ignore the smaller scholarships…they add up and may have less competition
  3. Double-check everything…. typos, grammar, requirements, supplemental items needed
  4. Ask around
  5. Be aware of scams
  6. Personalize your applications and essays….be passionate