About
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County champions students and teachers so they can reach their full potential. As a trusted, go-to partner in education, the foundation fosters relationships and provides comprehensive support that helps students get ready and go further. Their vision is to unite the community to prepare each and every student for life. The organization offers student success coaches, scholarships, teacher grants, volunteer opportunities, and community programs like PLANit Sarasota and LaunchPad4U to create education and career pathways for underserved students.
Funding Opportunities
Polish-American Association of Sarasota Scholarship
The Polish-American Association of Sarasota scholarship program is designed to promote the knowledge of Polish culture among American students of Polish descent. Candidates must have at least one parent of Polish origin or descent and demonstrate interest in their Polish heritage through knowledge of Poland's geography, history, and literature. Multiple scholarships are available for graduating high school students or those attending institutions of higher learning who are residents of Sarasota or Manatee County. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must participate in an in-person interview with the Scholarship Committee. During this interview, candidates must demonstrate basic knowledge of Polish geography, history, and literature. Students must also submit a 300+ word essay on topics related to Poland, such as its contribution to European defense, Polish contributions to computer technology, great Polish composers, Polish geography and cities, or Polish Nobel Prize winners in literature. The scholarship is merit-based with a focus on students of Polish ancestry. It requires submission of transcripts, a resume describing family background and Polish ancestors, and completion of an application. Essays submitted become the property of the Polish-American Association of Sarasota and may be published. The program aims to foster cultural awareness and recognition of Polish heritage among the next generation of students in the Sarasota-Manatee area.
SunCoast Blood Centers Scholarship
SunCoast Blood Centers is committed to cultivating the next generation of blood donors and high school student supporters through their Scholarship Program. This scholarship opportunity is available to high school seniors who have demonstrated commitment to community service through blood donation and/or volunteering with SunCoast Blood Centers. To qualify, students must have completed 3 blood donations or 50 hours of volunteering with SCBC, or a combination of both. The scholarship awards range from $250 to $1,500 and are calculated based on a point system that includes the number of blood donations, volunteer hours, recruitment efforts, and essay responses. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must reside in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, or Sarasota counties in Florida. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the college, university, or technical school the student will attend.
SDA/SBA Scholarship
The Sarasota District Administrators (SDA) and School Based Administrators (SBA) organizations of Sarasota County Schools collaborate to offer scholarships to students who will be 2026 graduates from any Sarasota County Public High School enrolling in a post-secondary institution. Students are eligible if they are high school seniors graduating with a standard high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. Each scholarship award is based on the student's record, community/school involvement, and financial need. Scholarship recipients will be notified in early May, and scholarships awarded must be claimed by December 1, 2026.
Pi Beta Beta Chapter 2025 Scholarship Program
The Pi Beta Beta Chapter 2025 Scholarship Program is offered by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the first African American national fraternal organization founded at a Historically Black College and University. Dedicated to its four Cardinal Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift, the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., provide social action in the communities where they live. This scholarship program is open to students in Manatee County and Sarasota County, Florida. Target applicants are of African American or Hispanic ethnicity who intend to pursue an academic or vocational degree or certification at an accredited college or university. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 will be awarded to selected students. Selection is based on completion of an online application, student's Grade Point Average with a minimum GPA of 2.5 required, high school transcript, a short essay of 250 words or more, a long essay of 700-750 words, and an interview. The program aims to support 12th grade students from any high school in the eligible counties pursuing higher education. The scholarship is merit-based with a focus on supporting minority students, specifically African American or Hispanic students. It is not renewable and is designed to provide one-time financial assistance for students transitioning to post-secondary education.
Rotary Club of Sarasota Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Sarasota Scholarship is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship providing $3,000 to graduating high school seniors from select Sarasota County high schools. Rotary International is an association of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs located in over 200 countries and territories, with club members representing community business, professional, and community leaders. Awards are based upon a combination of merit, need, Rotary Interact Club membership, and service to school and community. Up to 3 scholarships are awarded annually to students enrolling in post-secondary education. Eligible students must be graduating in 2026 from one of five designated Sarasota County high schools: Booker High School, Pine View School, Riverview High School, Sarasota High School, or Suncoast Polytechnical High School. This scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic merit, financial need, and commitment to community service, reflecting Rotary's mission to address critical issues such as poverty, education, and community development.
"Future Artists" Florida Repertory College Scholarship
The Florida Repertory Education Department is committed to supporting the experiences of young artists through this scholarship program. This scholarship will be awarded to one freshman undergraduate student who will be majoring in theatre arts in order to assist them with their artistic aspirations. The $500 scholarship is geared toward helping support a graduating high school senior on their career path to a degree in theatre arts. Applicants must have participated in at least one Florida Rep Education class, camp, or conservatory and must be pursuing a BA or BFA degree in Theatre Arts (Performing or Technical Theatre). Recipients will be announced by March 28, 2026, and the award will be presented at the Annual Gala at the Luminary Hotel.
Sheridan E. Brown Memorial Scholarship
The Sheridan E. Brown Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys through the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. This scholarship provides financial support to male high school seniors in public and private high schools located in Sarasota and Manatee Counties with outstanding musical achievement. Recipients must plan to attend college and include a course of vocal music as part of their curriculum. Up to three scholarships may be awarded annually, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 each. The scholarship recognizes students with a record of achievement in vocal music participation and performance in school, church, or other outside organizations. Academic performance and outside activities are also considered in the selection process. The application may include an interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee, and successful applicants are requested to attend a short presentation during a Chorus Rehearsal.
Sarasota Manatee Council NLUS Scholarships
The Sarasota Manatee Council of the Navy League of The United States will award two scholarships worth $2,500 each to outstanding seniors currently enrolled in sponsored NJROTC, MCJROTC, CGJROTC, Sea Cadets, and Young Marines Units as well as children and grandchildren of a Sea Service member or of any of the Adopted USCG Units. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, leadership achievement, character, and recommendations. Applicants must be entering their freshman year of an accredited college in the fall, intending to major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math OR will be attending Manatee Technical College or Suncoast Technical College. The scholarship is renewable for two years conditional on satisfactory completion of the first year with a 2.7 GPA. In general, students awarded scholarships must be intelligent, academically motivated, and community-minded young men and women who have demonstrated an appreciation of the laws, traditions, and values of the United States.
Arthur D. Vandroff Scholarship
The Arthur D. Vandroff scholarship is a $1,000 renewable scholarship awarded annually to one Sarasota High School senior with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, providing a maximum total award of $4,000. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and submit annual renewal documentation. To be eligible, students must be graduating seniors from Sarasota High School with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited 2- or 4-year college, university, or technical/vocational school beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. Renewal is based on an annual submission of a one-page letter describing the student's year in college and an official college transcript demonstrating at least a C+ average or better each year. Scholarship funds are sent directly to the student's postsecondary school upon proof of high school graduation.
Jump Start Scholarship
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is seeking high school seniors (Class of 2026) who are ready to 'Jump Start' their education beyond high school. This need-based scholarship covers tuition for 30 credit hours at the Florida state public college rate at a Florida Prepaid College Foundation approved institution in Florida, including Florida technical colleges, community colleges and state universities. Jump Start scholarship recipients will also receive an exclusive invitation to join the Education Foundation's Future-Ready Summer Bridge Program. Students are highly encouraged to attend this enriching experience designed to explore life after high school through hands-on learning, college prep, and career exploration. The scholarship awards 30 Florida Prepaid credit hours valued at up to $3,400 and is intended for students demonstrating financial need as determined by income eligibility guidelines.
Florida District Exchange Americanism Speech Contest
The Americanism Speech Contest is one of the Florida District Exchange Clubs' most honored traditions. Since 1946, this contest has been dedicated to providing area high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors with an opportunity to address themselves to the opportunities and challenges of this country's democratic institutions, express their patriotic thoughts and ideas, hone their oratorical skills and self-confidence, and compete for scholarships. The contest offers a $1,000 scholarship at the local division level, with the local winner advancing to compete for a $3,000 scholarship at the State District level. Eligible students enrolled in the Manatee or Sarasota County School Districts must submit their application and speech by the deadline. The local Division 8 speech contest takes place at Keiser University on Lakewood Ranch, with the first-place winner advancing to the State of Florida District Contest held in Destin, Florida. The Division 8 Exchange Clubs sponsor the Division 8 winner by paying for one room night at the conference hotel, Friday dinner and Saturday youth luncheon for the student and one chaperone. This scholarship opportunity is specifically designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to develop their public speaking skills while exploring themes of American democracy and patriotism. Any previous first place winner of the state district contest is not eligible to compete again.
Sarasota Masonic Lodge Student Scholarship
The Sarasota Masonic Lodge Student Scholarship is offered by Sarasota Lodge No. 147 Free and Accepted Masons to support graduating seniors or first-time college students under 25 who are seeking to better themselves and help their community. The scholarship provides $500 to qualified students who have graduated from or are graduating from specific Sarasota County high schools including Sarasota High, Riverview High, Booker High, Cardinal Mooney, Suncoast Polytechnical High, and Sarasota Military Academy. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate both merit and financial need. The scholarship is both merit-based and need-based, requiring an essay as part of the application process. Three awards are available annually, and recipients must apply online through the designated application portal. This local scholarship opportunity is designed to assist students in their pursuit of higher education while maintaining ties to the Sarasota community and embodying the values of service and self-improvement promoted by the Masonic Lodge.
Sandra K. Lacey Scholarship
The Sandra K. Lacey Scholarship is for deaf Sarasota County residents. The scholarship may be used for a variety of post-secondary education opportunities including certifications and degrees. Applicants must be Sarasota County residents with severe and profound hearing loss, which refers to a person who cannot detect sound at an amplitude of 71 or higher decibels. Applicants must include proof of hearing loss (e.g., audiogram, medical diagnosis) and Sarasota County residency (e.g., identification card, home or utility bill) when applying. The scholarship is supported by the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and administered through the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. The scholarship has no fixed deadline and operates on a rolling basis.
The Mark Wandall Foundation Scholarship
The Mark Wandall Foundation offers scholarships to graduating seniors and/or young adults (age 25 or younger) who are legal US citizens and residents of the state of Florida, seeking post-secondary education, and who have suffered the death of a parent, sibling, or guardian. This scholarship is specifically designed to support students who have experienced significant family loss as they pursue higher education at colleges, universities, or vocational programs. Scholarship values and distribution of funds will be determined after all scholarship applications have been received and reviewed. For the 2025-26 academic year, the foundation will award $8,000 in total scholarships. The scholarship is renewable, with students able to reapply every year for up to 4 scholarship awards maximum per individual. Recipients will be notified by May 15, 2026.
SCF Excellence Award Scholarship
The SCF Excellence Award is a scholarship for high school seniors in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties who plan to enroll at the State College of Florida in the upcoming Fall semester. The scholarship provides two years of in-state tuition and mandatory fees for up to 15 credits a semester (Fall and Spring) for up to 4 semesters. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 each semester to continue receiving the award. If eligibility is not met in one semester, it can be reinstated up to the final semester of initial eligibility. This scholarship is designed to support local high school graduates in accessing higher education at State College of Florida and achieving their educational goals.
Ronald D. Ciaravella Memorial Scholarship
The Ronald D. Ciaravella Memorial Scholarship is a merit and need-based scholarship program offered by Florida Foundation Limited, Inc. through the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Sarasota County, Florida who are entering an accredited college, university, or vocational school and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship provides a $10,000 award to help deserving students pursue their post-secondary education goals. Five awards are available annually for students who meet the academic and residency requirements. The scholarship is designed to assist students who wish to continue their education but require financial assistance to make their educational goals achievable.
Butterflies & Dreams Book Club Award
The Butterflies & Dreams Book Club Award is a scholarship opportunity designed to support African American graduating seniors from Manatee or Sarasota counties in Florida who are planning to attend a postsecondary institution and have been inspired by reading. This book award recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.50 and a commitment to higher education. Applicants must be graduating at the end of the 2025-2026 school year and provide evidence of acceptance at a postsecondary institution before the award is granted. The scholarship application requires submission of an official transcript, one letter of recommendation, and an essay. Recipients will be honored at the May Book Club meeting where they will be asked to share a few words about themselves. The award is offered through the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and aims to encourage and support African American students in their pursuit of higher education, particularly those who have found inspiration through reading and literacy.
Succulent Society Scholarship
The Sarasota Succulent Society, Inc. offers two scholarships of $1,000 each to support students pursuing education in botanical, horticultural, or related disciplines. The two scholarships available are The Phyllis Turner Environmental Scholarship and The Succulent Society Scholarship. Applicants submit a single application without specifying which scholarship they prefer, and the Society matches winning applicants with the appropriate scholarship. This program is designed to support both college students and graduating high school students who are focused on careers in botany and related fields. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to botanical studies through their college and career goals, personal and extra-curricular activities in botany-related areas, and valuable knowledge or experience gained from botany-related work. The scholarship requires written responses to three questions, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts.
Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund
The Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is designed to recognize and celebrate graduating high school seniors who demonstrate the characteristics of the Girl Scout Mission, Promise and Law, leadership to self and the community, and outstanding academic success. This scholarship supports young women who have been continuously active Girl Scout members for at least five years as they transition to college or post-secondary instruction. The scholarship is awarded one time, with payment made directly to the scholarship recipient. Recipients are honored at the Young Women of Distinction celebration in May each year.
RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Scholarship
The RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF) Scholarship Committee awards annual scholarships of $2,000 each to support students pursuing higher education. Half of the scholarships are available to members in good standing of RASM or to immediate family members from RASM (spouse, child, or grandchild), while half are available to the public. The scholarship is open to local high school seniors planning to attend an undergraduate college or university, students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs, or students pursuing graduate degrees. There are no limitations on the location of the college or university attended, as long as applicants are from the Sarasota or Manatee County area in Florida. Recipients are awarded in May to support their tuition for the upcoming fall and spring academic semesters. Between 18-22 scholarships are available each year. The scholarship evaluates applicants based on both merit and financial need. Applicants must complete an online application with essay responses, provide recent school transcripts, submit two reference letters from teachers, school advisors, or employers, and upload acceptance letters from colleges where they plan to attend. The scholarship is not renewable.
G. Duncan Finlay, M.D. and Heather G. Miller, PhD Health Careers Scholarship
The G. Duncan Finlay, M.D. and Heather G. Miller, PhD Health Careers Scholarship is offered through the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation to assist high school seniors in Sarasota County, Florida, pursuing post-secondary studies in human health degree programs. Monies for this scholarship program are provided through the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Auxiliary Endowment fund and the Heather G. Miller endowment fund. The scholarship is specifically designed for students from families with household income not exceeding $80,000 annually. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be working toward a specific human health degree curriculum such as nursing, pharmacy, medical school, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Scholarship recipients are determined using a point system based on financial need, GPA, personal interview, and volunteer hours. Awards are paid each semester directly to the student, and the scholarship is renewable. The selection process is managed by the G. Duncan Finlay, M.D. and Heather G. Miller, PhD High School Scholarship Committee of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
Matthew Carter Scholarship
The Gamma Xi Boulé Matthew Carter Scholarship Program provides a $16,000 scholarship to outstanding scholars with payments of $4,000 per year for four years. This scholarship recognizes exceptional academic performance and community engagement by students from Sarasota and Manatee County. The scholarship supports students pursuing college majors in business, finance, biological and life sciences, physics, chemistry, social science, mathematics, engineering, and other academic degree disciplines. Recipients must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA, leadership through work, school, and community service activities, and commitment to their chosen field of study. The scholarship is renewable annually for up to four years, providing sustained support throughout the recipient's undergraduate education.
Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship
The Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award available to senior soccer players in Sarasota County who will be receiving their high school diploma in the spring of 2026. This scholarship honors the memory of Andrew Monroe and supports student-athletes pursuing higher education. Three awards are available annually. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have participated in soccer and plan to attend a college, university, or technical institute. A letter of acceptance to a college, university, or technical institute must be provided by May 30th to be eligible. Recipients are required to submit a typed essay as part of the application process, which must be received by the deadline with no exceptions.
GFWC Woman's Club of Sarasota Scholarship
The GFWC Woman's Club of Sarasota Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors and current college students who are graduates of Sarasota County Schools. The scholarship is open to students with demonstrated financial need who are planning to attend or are currently attending a Florida college, university, or technical college. One or more scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded annually, with financial need being a key consideration in the selection process. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 or greater and demonstrate academic merit alongside their financial need. The scholarship requires a complete application package including transcripts in a sealed envelope, a personal letter from the student indicating financial need, up to two letters of recommendation, and a copy of the Florida college acceptance letter. Recipients will be notified by April 30th following the March 27th application deadline.
Suncoast Music Scholarships
Suncoast Music Scholarships will award up to $20,000 in music scholarships to 9th through 12th grade students who reside in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida. The scholarships are available through a competitive audition process open to all instrumentalists and vocalists studying music in a structured environment, including past applicants and winners. Awards for 9th, 10th and 11th grade students are to be used for expenses related to the study of music, such as paying for private lessons, instrument purchase or repairs, music camps, etc. Awards for 12th grade students are to be used for music education purposes, ideally as tuition for a structured and approved music program at a college or university, or for other music education expenses. Auditions require applicants to perform by memory a minimum of two pieces of music of contrasting styles and from different periods, with a total performance time between 7 and 10 minutes. Judging is based on Technique, Musicality and Presentation. Competition winners are required to perform at the winner's concert and have the opportunity to represent Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota at community outreach events.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Scholarships
Gulf Coast Community Foundation awards scholarships to assist students from Sarasota County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Boca Grande, Lakewood Ranch, and Longboat Key, Florida in pursuing higher education at accredited postsecondary institutions including universities, two- and four-year colleges, and technical schools. Scholarships are awarded from more than 60 different charitable funds administered by Gulf Coast, with each fund reflecting the individual interests and values of donors. These funds may be designated to support a particular field of study or to assist students from a specific community or school. Students complete a single application to be considered for all scholarship opportunities for which they qualify. Financial need, as calculated by Scholarship America, must be demonstrated for the student to receive an award. The program supports undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree pursuits at accredited institutions within the United States.
St. Andrew Scottish Scholarship
The St. Andrew Scottish Scholarship is a local scholarship offered by the St. Andrew Scottish Society for academically qualified high school seniors of Scottish descent or with current Scottish involvement who are enrolling in college. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic achievement with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA and standardized test scores of at least 1200 SAT or 25 ACT composite. To date, the St. Andrew Scottish Society has made awards totaling $192,500 to 166 students in the Sarasota and Manatee County area of Florida. The scholarship award amount typically varies between $1,000 and $2,000 per student, with the number of awards varying each year. Applicants must demonstrate their Scottish heritage through a family tree diagram or provide evidence of Scottish involvement through activities such as being a musician, dancer, or athlete who leads or regularly participates in Scottish heritage events for a minimum of 2 years. The application requires detailed information about academic achievements, life experiences, college financing plans, school and community service, employment history, and two character reference letters from both a school official and a non-school official.
Southern Scholarship Foundation
Since 1955, Southern Scholarship Foundation has helped thousands of students with outstanding academic abilities, good character, and financial need realize their dream of a college education. Qualified students attending Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University, Santa Fe College, Tallahassee State College, and the University of Florida are awarded scholarships in the form of rent-free housing, offering leadership training and personal development opportunities in the living and learning community. The scholarship provides room and board support to qualified students with minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and are under 25 years of age. The program offers 75-125 awards annually and is renewable based on maintaining academic standards and living cooperatively in the housing community.
Lindsey Maibach Scholarship Fund
The Lindsey Maibach Scholarship Fund provides financial support to high school seniors from select Sarasota County high schools who are planning to further their education at a community college or four-year college. This scholarship is specifically designed for students with a cumulative unweighted GPA between 2.40 and 2.90, offering opportunities to those who may not qualify for traditional merit-based scholarships. The scholarship recognizes students based on academic standing, essay quality, and involvement in school and community activities. Recipients receive $5,000 to support their post-secondary education, with scholarship funds sent directly to their chosen institution. The scholarship may be renewable each year if students meet the necessary criteria and funds remain available, providing ongoing support throughout their college career.
Retsy Lauer Visual Art College and Pre-College Scholarship
Two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each will be awarded to Pine View School students enrolling in either a pre-college fine arts summer program or an accredited art school, college, or university. The scholarship supports students in grades 10-12 who demonstrate artistic ability through portfolio submission and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Sophomores and juniors must be enrolling in a pre-college program at an accredited art school, college, or university in the summer of 2026, while seniors must be enrolling in an accredited art school, college, or university beginning in 2026. Applicants are required to submit a sample portfolio (film and/or video mediums are also accepted), an artist's statement, and essay(s) through an electronic application. This scholarship specifically targets students with demonstrated artistic talent pursuing visual arts education at the pre-college or college level.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 64
- Active Now
- 30
- Source Domain
- edfoundationsrq.org
Catalog Data
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