Each year, approximately 25 to 35 students from Collier County High Schools receive renewable annual scholarships from The Founders Scholarship Fund helping them defray the cost of attending colleges, universities, vocational schools, and professional programs across the country. Scholarship grants are made for one year at a time. If the recipient maintains a 3.00 GPA, the grant is renewed each year until the student graduates from a two- or four-year college or university. It is the student’s responsibility to inform The Founders Scholarship Fund of their grades and enrollment status. During any school year, approximately 100 students are receiving scholarships from The Founders Scholarship Fund. Since 1991, scholarship recipients have received either $2000 or $2500 per year. Starting with the 2021 scholarship recipients, the scholarship amount was increased to $3000 per year.

Scholarship candidates are recommended by their high school Guidance Counselors, after which members of The Founders Scholarship Fund Board interview the candidates. Students are selected for scholarship grants based upon their overall high school record, including extracurricular activities, academic performance, and the financial need of the candidate.

Scholarship candidates are recommended by their high school Guidance Counselors, after which members of The Founders Scholarship Fund Board interview the candidates. Students are selected for scholarship grants based upon their overall high school record, including extracurricular activities, academic performance, and the financial need of the candidate.

Who is eligible?

Collier County, Florida, high school seniors with a 3.00 GPA and financial need may apply. Participating high schools are notified by their counselors.

Founders Fund General Requirements

Selection is based on academic merit and/or financial need. The selection process is guided by the following.

• A 3.0 weighted GPA for the past two years of high school.
• A minimum composite SAT OF 920 or ACT of 19.
• Gross family income is limited to $75,000. There may be extenuating circumstances which allow the board to grant a scholarship when family income is above the stated ceiling. These circumstances include, among others, a large family at home, other children presently attending college, financially burdensome medical problems, parents or providers unemployed, or other extenuating circumstances that gave rise to financial hardship.
• A copy of page 1 of parents’ most recent 1040 tax form
• FAFSA. S.A.R (Student Aid Report) Pages 1 and 2 of FAFSA
• Two written recommendations should be submitted with the application. One recommendation from a teacher and another from an adult (other than family member) well acquainted with the student.
• Personal interviews with applicants will be held at their respective high schools through arrangements with their Guidance Counselors. (This may be virtual this year)
• Applicant evaluation of both extra-curricular activities and community involvement.
• Picture of applicant.

Scholarship grants are made for one year at a time. If the recipient maintains a 3.00 weighted GPA for the previous two semesters or terms, the grant is renewable each year until the student graduates from a two- or four-year college or university. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the Founders Fund informed and apprised of their grades and enrollment status. Checks are mailed to the college or university.

Apply here: https://www.thefoundersfundinc.org/scholarship-information/

The purpose of this award program is to encourage students to pursue a degree in environmental studies or a related field.  Funds may be used for the educational institution’s tuition, books, supplies and equipment, or technical materials.

Graduating high school seniors and college and post-graduate students with plans to pursue a career in science with an environmental or natural resources focus, environmental education, wildlife conservation, environmental law or public policy, environmental engineering, and conservation nonprofit will be given preference and are invited to apply for a Scholarship for Environmental Studies. Application deadline is March 31, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded June 2022.


Eligibility: In order to be eligible for a Scholarship for Environmental Studies, applicants must meet both of the following criteria.

1. Resident of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry or Lee County
2. Pursuing degree pertaining to environmental studies, including science, education, engineering, conservation nonprofit, and law.

Application Process: Applicants must complete an application form and submit the following documents:

1. A maximum one page single spaced essay describing personal and scientific goals, accomplishments and proposed scientific project/course of study. Identify the school(s) you will be attending and/or have applied to. Please provide as much detail as you feel is necessary. 
2. Three current letters of reference concerning scientific ability and character.
3. Current school transcripts of courses completed within the last four years.
4. A copy of college acceptance letter if not already enrolled.

Apply here: https://dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/student-scholarships

The Schulze Family Foundation is committed to providing assistance to students from middle-income families who do not receive federal grant assistance. We welcome applications from students who have distinguished themselves through school, community and/or church activities while showing strong academic achievement in high school. Forty-six (46) scholarships of $5,000 per year will be awarded for four consecutive years of full-time enrollment with satisfactory academic performance. 

Apply here: https://www.schulzefamilyfoundation.org/how_to_apply/college_scholarship_funding/college_scholarship_application_process/

Informational Flier

Invitation for juniors and seniors in Collier County to apply for their adventure scholarship! Below is a link to a video illustrating the type of adventure trip students might have. This opportunity helps build self-confidence, resilience, and independence!

Adventure Video

What: Gene Doyle Adventure Scholarship 

Why: The scholarship awards a student up to $5,500 for an outdoor adventure trip   

When: Structured trips are scheduled with one of the three programs. Dates, location, and activities vary.  

Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior or a College Freshmen, a Collier County resident, and between the ages 16 and 21 

How to Apply: Apply online at https://www.genedoyle.org/applications; or email this application to krisdoyle@comcast.net  

Make A Difference rewards exceptional young students for their commitment, compassion, and dedication to making Southwest Florida a better place to live. Throughout the years Make a Difference award recipients have achieved extraordinary feats, from touching the hearts of families of fallen first responders, to feeding children for a year, and providing awareness and support for mental health in our community. Many winners have gone so far as to create their own organizations to advance their mission of service. By recognizing and motivating these young leaders the Scheiner family hopes to make their commitment contagious.

Apply here: https://www.blslawyers.com/make-a-difference-awards.html

The Italian American Society of Marco Island annually awards a scholarship of $1,000 to a senior in Collier County who exhibits academic excellence. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the highest level of Italian language offered at their high school, and/or plan on enrolling in Italian Studies in College.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

·         Be of Italian ancestry/heritage.

·         Be a graduating senior in a Collier County High School.

·         GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

·         Continue his/her education at an institute of higher learning.

*Award Amount:

·         One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a senior of ITALIAN HERITAGE in COLLIER COUNTY who exhibits ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. 

Steps to apply:

·         Three (3) letters of recommendation on school stationery from Two (2) academic teachers, and One (1) club adviser who specifies the level of leadership and participation.

·         One (1) Official High school Transcript.

·         Write an essay on the following:

Candidate's statement explaining his/her Italian Italian heritage, the influence of Italian culture on his/her upbringing; academic achievements, plans for higher education and why he/she should be considered for this scholarship.

·         A candidate’s statement explaining his/her Italian lineage, the influence of Italian culture on his/her upbringing, academic achievements, plans for higher education, and why he/she should be considered for this scholarship.

·         Submit application and supporting documents by DEADLINE.

**Note: Applications that are incomplete and/or lack an OFFICIAL transcript will not be considered by the Scholarship Committee.

The award will be presented on the first Wednesday of April at the Italian American Society’s meeting on Marco Island.

Application packet must be postmarked on or before the deadline and should be mailed to:

Italian American Society of Marco Island
c/o Hon. Rae Chamberlain
125 Greenview Street
Marco Island, FL 34145

Available to a high school senior who is a child or grandchild of a Veteran

The American Legion Post 135 Scholarship offers a number of scholarships and other resources to assist young people in their pursuit of higher education. Each year, the Legion facilitates the awarding of millions of dollars in scholarships to high school students. There are opportunities for everyone, including kin of wartime veterans and participants in Legion programs.  

 Scholarship Eligibility Requirement:

·         High School Senior 

·         Grandchild of a Veteran

·         Must attend the following high schools BARRON COLLIER HS, GOLDEN GATE HS, GULF COAST HS, LELY HS, NAPLES HS, PALMETTO RIDGE.

 Preference Guidelines: 

1.    Child or grandchild of a Veteran 

2.    ROTC Membership

3.    Child or grandchild of American Legion Member (includes Sons, Auxiliary)

4.    Strong Community Service

5.    Need

  * Award Amount:

·          Six (6) $500 scholarships to be provided to deserving high school seniors.

  Steps to apply:

Additional requirements include:

·         Download and complete Collier public school application

·         Attach Official transcripts (most recent course work)

·         A personal statement in 100 words or more on the following:

Explain why you feel you merit consideration as an application for an award or scholarship. You may wish to include education goals and any unusual circumstances (financial, personal, etc). Supply information that may be of assistance in considering your application.

·         Attach Letter of recommendation from a non-related individual

·         Submit completed application and supporting document by due date

·         Student to complete CCPS application and mail application to: American Legion Post 135

 Questions, contact Anita Zimmerman, Secretary, American Legion Unit 135  anitazim@gmail.com  

Student to complete CCPS application and mail application to:

American Legion Post 135
2296 East Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34112

An applicant for a KIDSCAN Scholarship must have a link to Cancer, whether it is the student applicant who has/had cancer, or the student’s parent or sibling. Doctor’s proof is required or a death certificate if the applicant’s parent or sibling passed away from cancer. No other relatives with cancer, including grandparents, can be considered as immediate family members when applying for this scholarship.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

• KidsCAN Scholarships are awarded annually to 2 or more Collier County graduating high school seniors (from any high school) who are pursuing a higher education. This includes colleges and universities, trade and business schools, or other post-high school training.
• An applicant must have maintained a 3.0 GPA or above throughout his/her high school career. High School transcripts are required 
• High school transcript is required. Special cases will be taken into consideration if the student has/had cancer.
• An applicant must reside in Collier or Lee County for at least one full year including senior year.
• 50 hours of community service are required by an applicant at the time of application’s submission.

 Awards amount:

• The number of scholarship awarded vary each year. This fund generally awards scholarships in the amount of $500-$2,500.

Apply here: https://www.cancerallianceofnaples.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2022-Scholarship-Application-1.pdf

Available to a graduating female high school senior from Collier County.

The American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships believes that the more knowledge our young people gain, the better citizens they will become. That is why the organization is so committed to education. Investing in the education of our young people is investing in the future of our country. Scholarships are available to a female.

  Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

• Official Transcripts
• Tax / IRS documents of parent/guardian to show need
• An essay stating "Why you want or need the scholarship"

 *Award amount:

• Six (6)$500 scholarships will be awarded to deserving students. 

 Additional requirements include:

• Official Transcripts
• Tax / IRS documents of parent/guardian to show need
• An essay stating "Why you want or need the scholarship" 

Apply here: https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships/