Scholarship Information

Overview of Founders Scholarship Fund’s Scholarship

Each year, approximately 25 to 35 students from Collier County High Schools receive renewable annual scholarships from 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 3.0 GPA, the grant is renewed each year until the student graduates from a four-year college or university.

During any school year, approximately 100 to 120 students are receiving scholarships from Founders Scholarship Fund. Since 1991, scholarship recipients have received either $2,000 or $2,500 per year. Starting with the 2022 scholarship recipients, the per year amount has been increased to $6,000 bringing the total of the four-year scholarship to $24,000.

Students are selected for scholarship grants based upon their overall high school record, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and the financial need of the candidate.

Who is eligible?

Collier County, Florida, high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA and financial need may apply. Participating high schools are notified by their counselors.

Founders Scholarship Fund General Requirements

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

• A 3.0 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 $90,000. There may be extenuating circumstances which allow the board to grant a scholarship when family income is above the stated ceiling. These circumstances include a large family at home, other children presently attending college, financially burdensome medical problems, parents or providers unemployed, or other extenuating circumstances that give rise to financial hardship.

Application must include

• High School transcript
• A copy of pages 1-2 of parents’ most recent IRS tax form 1040
• FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Two Letters of Recommendation, one from a teacher and another from a non-related adult well acquainted with the student.
• Student Essay
• Photo of applicant

Personal interviews with applicants will be held at their respective high schools through arrangements with their Guidance Counselors.

Scholarship grants are made for one year at a time. If the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA for the previous two semesters or terms, the grant is renewable each year until the student graduates from a four-year college or university. It is the student’s responsibility to keep Founders Scholarship Fund informed and apprised of their grades and enrollment status. Checks are mailed to the college or university.