College and Financial Aid Information

Career and College Information

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity by providing information about college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT® and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®).

Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid is money to help pay for college or career school. There are four main ways to look for money to help pay for your post-secondary education: Federal Aid, State Aid, Institutional Aid (from the college or career school), and Scholarships.

Scholarships

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

IRSC Stars – The Indian River State College Foundation awards more than $1.9 Million annually to deserving IRSC students.

Education Foundation

Raise.me

Discover colleges and earn scholarships for academic and extracurricular achievements throughout high school.

These bite-sized scholarships are called “Micro-Scholarships”. When students add achievements to their Portfolio on Raise.me, they could be eligible to earn Micro-Scholarships towards partner colleges. These achievements can include good grades, participating in clubs, playing on a sports team, volunteering, or even starting a club. They can include AP or IB courses, honors classes, and college-level courses, too.

Scholarships 2022-23

Name	Organization	Category	Description	How to apply	Deadline	Amount
The Future is Now: Your Voice, Your Vote	DoSomething	Ages 13-25		The Future is Now: Your Voice, Your Vote \| DoSomething.org	October 14, 2022	$500
Heisman High School Scholarship	Wendy's	Seniors; Athlete	The scholarship recognizes and rewards both male and female high school athletes who are community-minded and driven to use their exceptional talents for the benefit of all	Heisman High School Scholarship (heismanscholarship.com)	October 18, 2022	$1K, $2K, $10K
Golden Doors Scholars	Golden Doors Scholars	DACA, TPS, or Undocumented students	GDS believe immigration status should not determine opportunity. Tenacity & hardwork should. The scholarship program offers financial aid as well as career readiness support, mentorship, and a diverse community.	Apply-now — Scholarship for Undocumented Students - Golden Door Scholars	October 23, 2022	Four Year tuition at GDS Partner School
Coca-Cola	Coca-Cola Scholarships Scholar Program	Seniors	Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Min. 3.0 GPA	https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/	October 31, 2022	$20,000
George W. Jenkins Scholarship	University of Miami	Seniors	Participation in school or community activities, a strong work ethic, and a history of overcoming significant adversity will be considered. 3.75 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale	www.miami.edu/jenkins	11/1/2022 Nominations Due; 11/7/2022 Essays Due; 11/15/2022 FAFSA & CSS Profile due	Full Tuition (for 4 years)
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards	Hispanic Heritage Foundation	Seniors; unweighted 3.0 GPA; Be of hispanic heritage (including Brazil, Spain, & Phillipines); US Citizen NOT required	the Youth Awards honors Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Engineering, Green Sustainability, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Public Service & Social Justice, and Technology.	Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards - Welcome	November 13, 2022	up to $4K
Most Valuable Student Scholarship	Elks National Foundation	Seniors	Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.	https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm	November 14, 2022	$4K-$50K over 4 years
The Cooke College Scholarship	Jack Kent Cooke Foundation	Seniors	Unweighted 3.5 GPA, Selected based on academic ability and achievement, leadership, perserverence, and unmet financial need	via Common App/ info at www.jkcf.org	November 17, 2022	up to $55K per year
AvaCare Medical Scholarship	AvaCare Medical	Semior, 3.0 GPA, US Citizen or have an alien reg. card	This scholarship is awarded annually to one submission that tells about an inspiring act of kindness. Must be pursuing a degree in the medical field such as therapy, nursing, medicine, nutrition, dentistry, health law	AvaCare Medical Scholarship \| AvaCare Medical	December 15, 2022	September 26, 1902
Burger King Scholars	Burger King Foundation	Seniors		https://www.burgerkingfoundation.org/programs/burger-king-sm-scholars	December 15, 2022
Equitable Excellence Scholarship	Equitable Foundation	Seniors; US Citizens or Legal Residents	Financial need is a MUST for this scholarship. Students will be selected based on academic record, work experience, an essay, leadership in community events, and unusual personal/family circumstances	Equitable Excellence℠ Scholarship Program (scholarsapply.org)	December 16, 2022	$2,500 to $20,000
Sleep Family Scholarship	Sleep Family	Seniors; 2.5 GPA; must have a medically recognized physical or mental disability	Our hope is that by removing certain financial obstacles, students with disabilities can focus more on school and the college experience rather than thinking about how they will cover costs to make ends meet	https://sleepfamily.org/scholarship/	December 31, 2022	February 8, 1904
Florida Eastern Star Grant Program	The Grand Chapter of Florida Order of the Eastern Star	Seniors	While GPA is, of course, important, the primary focus of the grant program is a student's desire for a career or vocation and a need for these funds.	Download application from the Florida Eastern Star Grant Program folder under the 2022-2023 files	January 1, 2023	Varies
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program	Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation	Seniors	Rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education.	https://www.reaganfoundation.org/education/scholarship-programs/ge-reagan-foundation-scholarship-program	January 5, 2023	$10K/year;up to $40,000
Ron Brown Scholarship	Ron Brown Scholarship Program	Seniors, Black/African American, US Citizen or Permanent Resident	Advancing higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. Looking for the most talented economically-challenged seniors who demonstrate an interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Must intend to attend an accredited four-year college or university.	Ron Brown Scholarship - Ron Brown Scholar Program	January 9, 2023	$10K/year;up to $40,000
Jackie Robinson Foundation Sholarship	Jackie Robinson Foundation	Graduating, minority senior; US Citizen, financial need	The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to not only address the financial needs of students who aspire to attend college but to guide them through the process of higher education.	https://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/	January 11, 2023	Varies
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship	MPOWER Financing		Qualifications for all scholarships include strong academic programs, community service, and recommendations.	Global Citizen Scholarship - MPOWER Financing	January 15, 2023	$2K-$10K
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship	APIA Scholars Program	Seniors, US Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent Resident; 2.7 GPA; Must complete FAFSA	Students of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage of financial need and the first in their family to attend college.	APIA Scholars 2023-2024 Scholarship Application (mykaleidoscope.com)	January 19, 2023	$2500-$20,000
FREF Scholarship	Florida Retired Educators Foundation	Seniors	The Florida Retired Educators Foundation (FREF) has established a fund to assist the many young people who are interested in teaching, but unable to fulfill this goal without financial assistance. Unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher Minimum test scores –SAT - 1000 or ACT – 22 Must attend an accredited Florida college/university Must teach in Florida, following graduation. A copy of the OFFICIAL FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL TEACHING CERTIFICATE must be sent to the State FREA Office. The scholarship requires recipients to teach in the State of Florida for one year for every year the scholarship was awarded. If not, they must repay any scholarship monies received.	https://www.frea.org/scholarships/	January 20 ,2023 Application Due; January 31, 2023 Supplemental Docs due	$1,000 per year;up to 4 years
Various	IRSC Foundation	Seniors		Via IRSC Workday or see School Counselor for How to Apply Flyer or View How to Apply Flyer under the 2023-2023 files	January 31, 2023	Various
Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship	LPGA Foundation	Seniors, Female, Minority Background, Playing golf at collegiate level		The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship - LPGA Foundation (smapply.io)	January 31 ,2023	$5K
Michelle Obama Award for Memoir plus 3 others	Penguin Random House	Seniors at a public high school	This signature program continues to empower and celebrate hundreds of young writers each year and underscores our unwavering commitment to identifying and nurturing new literary talent. Submit one original literary composition in English in one of the following genres of poetry, spoken word, fiction/drama or personal essay/memoir.	Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards (scholarsapply.org)	February 1, 2023 (or when 1000 applications received)	$10K
Arts for Life! Scholarship	Arts for Life!	Seniors	High school seniors who demonstrate academic and artistic excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music or the visual arts.	Arts For Life Award	February 6, 2023	$1,000
McDonald's HACER National Scholarship	McDonalds	Seniors; One parent of Hispanic heritage	The scholarship recipients are selected based on: academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, & personali qualities and stengths as portrayed in a personal interview	https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer.html	February 6, 2023	$25,000
Jimmy Rane Scholarships	Jimmy Rane Foundation	Seniors; 3.0 GPA; US Citizen/permanent resident	High school seniors with demonstrated financial need who exhibit academic excellence leadership skills and community involvement.	About \| Jimmy Rane Foundation	2/6/2023/Recommendation Deadline 2/13/2023	$500-$5,000/year; renewable
ACB Scholarship Program	American Council of the Blind	Seniors, 3.0GPA, legally blind	This program awards students with scholarships to help with post-secondary education financial needs such as tuition, fees, room and board and other additional costs associated with assistive technology.	ACB Scholarship Program \| American Council of the Blind	February 14, 2023	$2000-$7500
John E. Donahue, P.E., Walter B. England III, P.E., and Ray H. White, Jr., P.E. Memorial Scholarships	Florida Engineering Society	Seniors, 3.0GPA (on 4.0 scale), Interested in pursuing engineering as a major/career		Download application from the Florida Engineering Society folder under the 2022-2023 files	February 15, 2023	$1,000
Heroes' Legacy Scholarship	Fisher House Foundation	Seniors; 3.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale), had a parent who was active duty on or after September 11, 2001 (and passed away, became disabled, or received total and permament compensation rating of 100% from the Dept. of Defense)	The Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships program honors not only those who have fallen in battle, but all who have died or have become disabled through their active military service since September 11, 2001	Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship - Fisher House Foundation	February 15, 2023	$2,000
Scholarships for Military Children	Fisher House Foundation	Seniors; 3.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale); must have Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card, student's parent must be active duty, reserve/guard, deceased, or retired from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force	The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created to recognize the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community.	Scholarships for Military Children - Fisher House Foundation	February 15, 2023	$2,000
The Vegetarian Resource Scholarship	The Vegetarian Resource Group	Seniors	Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle.	College Scholarship Information (vrg.org)	February 20, 2023	1 @ $10K and 2 @ $5K
Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship	P.L.A.Y (Pet Lifestyle And You)	Seniors	We know there are plenty of young minds out there that are equally passionate about helping animals in need, so in an effort to encourage them and promote this cause P.L.A.Y. will be awarding our seventh annual $1,500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior (2022-2023) who best exemplifies our core beliefs.	The 2022 Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship by P.L.A.Y. (petplay.com)	February 27. 2023	$200-$1,500
TheDream.US National Scholarship	TheDream.US	Seniors; 2.5 GPA; undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2017.	We think of our National Scholarship as the “Pell Grant” for highly motivated undocumented students with significant, unmet financial need. While we consider your GPA, we place great emphasis on your demonstrated commitment to community service and your ability to overcome the barriers and challenges that undocumented students face each and every day.	National Scholarship - TheDream.Us	February 28, 2023	up to $16,500 for an associate’s or up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of our National Partner Colleges
TCCS Scholarship	Treasure Coast Community Singers	Seniors; Music Education majors		Download application from the Treasure Coast Community Singers folder under the 2022-2023 files	March 1, 2023 (available November 1, 2022)
The Brown Hudner Scholarship Foundation	Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation	Seniors; child of an active duty, reserve, honorably discharged, or fallen US Navy Sailor; 2.0 GPA, planning to pursue a degree in STEM or Health Science; family adjusted gross income of $112,000 or less		https://www.brownhudner.org/apply/	March 1, 2023	Average award amount $3,800
General Scholarship	The American Legion Department of Florida	Seniors, direct descendant of a veteran (w/ American Legion affiliation)	The American Legion, Department of Florida offers many scholarship opportunities for High School Students, which are focused on Veteran and Military influences.	See School Counselor for application	March 1, 2023	$500-$2,500
American Chemical Society Scholars Program	American Chemical Society	Seniors; Historically underrepresented groups		https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/scholarships/acsscholars.html	March 1, 2023	$1K-$5K/year
Life Lessons Scholarship	Life Happens	Seniors; Experienced the death of a parent/legal guardian	A college education is already a major financial challenge for most American families, but it becomes infinitely more difficult for a student when a parent dies, leaving little or no life insurance.Recognizing the character and perseverance that so many young people show in the face of such adversity, Life Happens sponsors the annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program for college students and college-bound high school seniors.	Life Lessons Scholarship Program – Life Happens	March 1, 2023
Community Impact Scholarship	The Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C.	Seniors. 3.5 GPA, US Citizen/Permanent Resident, Be at least 18 years old	Attorney Andrews’ experience as a personal injury lawyer has granted him a unique perspective on the importance of community. We need our communities today more than ever, and Attorney Andrews is taking this opportunity to recognize students who have sacrificed their time and energy to give back to their communities through acts of service.	Community Impact Scholarship \| Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. Scholarship (dfwinjurylawyer.com)	March 2, 2023	$2,500
General Scholarship	Amercian Legion Auxilary Post 318	Seniors; Female	Selection will be based on letters of reference, current classes, one short essay, one long essay "What a Veteran Means to Me", and your college/career plans.	Download application from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 318 folder under 2022-2023 files OR See School Counselor	March 7, 2023	$1,000 (5 winners)
Links Scholarship	Treasure Coast Chapter of The Links	Seniors; 3.0 unweighted GPA, financial need	The awards are intended to provide recognition and financial support for qualified students in St. Lucie, Indian River, and Martin Counties	See School Counselor for application	March 15, 2023	$1,000
Sons of Italy: Port St. Lucie Chapter Scholarship	Sons of Italy/Local Chapter	Seniors; Italian descent	This scholarship is designed to benefit worthy students of Italian descent that display academic excellence, leadership qualities and a financial need. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement, financial need and participation in school and community programs.	See School Counselor for application	March 15, 2023	$1500/year; up to 2 years
The Florida Foundation Scholarship	Grand Lodge of Florida Order Sons of Italy in America	Seniors; Italian descent	This scholarship is designed to benefit worthy students of Italian descent that display academic excellence, leadership qualities and a financial need. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement, financial need and participation in school and community programs.	osiaflorida.org/scholarsips or See School Counselor for application	March 15, 2023	$2,000
State Scholarship and National Scholarship	Horatio Alger Association	Juniors; Adjusted Family Gross Income of $55,000 or lower; 2.0 GPA or higher	the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs specifically assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. While many programs are directed primarily to recognizing academic achievement or leadership potential, the Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need.	State Scholarships – Horatio Alger Association Students	March 15, 2023	$10,000 (state) or $25,000 (national)
Various	St Lucie Education Foundation	Seniors; additional requirements vary based on scholarship		St. Lucie Education Foundation, Inc. - Scholarships (educationfoundationstlucie.org)	March 21, 2023	Varies
Education Scholarship Program	Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary	Seniors; 2.5 GPA,		Download application from the DAV Auxiliary folder under the 2022-2023 folder (must be mailed or emailed to dava@davmail.org)	March 24, 2023	$750-$2,500
Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship	The National Children's Cancer Society	Seniors; A childhood cancer survivor under the age of 25 and diagnosed before the age of 18; US Citizen	Over $2 million has been awarded to 227 childhood cancer survivors to help them fulfill their future dreams.	Download application from their site: https://www.thenccs.org/scholarship/ or download application from the Beyond the Cure folder under the 2022-2023 folder	March 31, 2023	$5,000
Mesothelioma.Com Scholarship	Mesothelioma.Com	Seniors; US Citizen; 3.2 GPA; Someone impacted by cancer (self or family member)	We know how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be. Through our work with mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, we recognize the mental, emotional and financial strain this disease can cause.	Mesothelioma.com Scholarship \| For Those Affected by Cancer	March 31, 2023	$4,000
Dominica-America Scholarship	DASCI	graduating senior in a public High School in Port St. Lucie or the St. Lucie County area, who is African American or of non-Hispanic Caribbean descent		Download application from the DASCI folder under the 2022-2023 folder (must be mailed in: Dominica-America Scholarship & Culture, Inc. (DASCI) PO Box 360246, Melbourne, FL 32936)	April 30, 2023	$1,000
The Spanish American Club, Inc Scholarship	The Spanish American Club, Inc	Seniors; One parent of Hispanic heritage		See School Counselor for application	May 1, 2023	$500 & $1000
American Muslim Alliance of Florida Scholarship	AMAF, Inc.	Seniors; 3.0 GPA; Open to ALL faiths and races		Download application from the American Muslim Alliance of FL folder under the 2022-2023 folder (or see your school counselor)	May 8, 2023	$500 & $1000
The Spirit of Dru Scholarship	Dru Project	Seniors	Scholarships are given to students who truly exemplify Drew's spirit and desire for unity, inclusion, and love.	thedruproject.org/scholarship	May 15, 2023 (available March 15, 2023)	$5,000
Actuarial Diversity Scholarship	The Actuarial Foundation	Seniors; at least one birth parent who is a member of one of the following minority groups (Black/African American, Latinx, Native North American, or Pacific Islander); min. ACT Math score of 28 OR min. SAT Math score of 620; intent on pursuing actuarial career	The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students. The scholarship award recognizes and encourages the academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students pursuing a degree that may lead to a career in the actuarial profession.	Actuarial Diversity Scholarship - The Actuarial Foundation	June 1, 2023	$1,000
Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarship	Baron & Budd Attorneys	Senior	Mesothelioma cancers, as well as other terminal cancers, have an impact well beyond the victim alone. How has receiving a cancer diagnosis for you or your loved one impacted your life? How did it impact you while your loved one was fighting their illness? What hardships did you or your family experience? How will this scholarship help you to reach your academic goals?	Baron & Budd - Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarships (baronandbudd.com)	July 12, 2023	$2,500
Spirit of Giving Scholarship	Wine Country Gift Baskets	Seniors	The Wine Country Gift Baskets Spirit of Giving Scholarship is our way of encouraging acts of kindness, service and giving so they remain an important part of our future.	Spirit of Giving Scholarship \| Wine Country Gift Baskets	July 31, 2023	$1,000
Education Foundation Scholarship Guide	St. Lucie County Education Foundation	Seniors	The St. Lucie County Education Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to senior students graduating from St. Lucie County public high schools.	https://slcscholarships.awardspring.com/	TBA	Various

Federal Aid

Federal Student Aid plays a central and essential role in supporting postsecondary education by providing money for college to eligible students and families. FASFA partners with postsecondary schools, financial institutions and others to deliver services that help students and families who are paying for college.

Each year, the FAFSA opens October 1st for seniors to complete at: https://fafsa.gov/

All seniors are to complete the 2022-2023 application if they are attending a university, college, technical college, or enlisting in the military.
- If you are planning on starting in the summer you will also complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA application
All seniors need to complete the FAFSA during the fall of their senior year.
Some colleges have priority FAFSA deadlines-Submit your FAFSA in October to try and earn the most money possible for college!
Many colleges will not consider you for merit aid unless you complete the FAFSA! Apply even if you don’t think you will qualify!

State Aid

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) State Programs, within the Florida Department of Education, administers a variety of post-secondary educational state-funded grants and scholarships, and provides information to students, parents, and high school and postsecondary professionals.

The FFAA (Florida Financial Aid Application) is a free application that could help seniors qualify for state grants and scholarships and also includes the Bright Futures Scholarship.

https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org
Application opens October 1^st for the Class of 2022
Seniors will submit the application in the fall but have until graduation to meet all requirements.

Institutional Aid

Institutional aid, unlike federal or state aid, is money from your college or university. It is often available to incoming students (seniors) as well as current students at the college.

The first step to applying for institutional aid is completing the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Many colleges and universities use this form to determine what need-based aid, grants, loans, or scholarships they may offer a student.

Check the financial aid websites of the colleges/universities you are applying to for information regarding priority deadlines and additional scholarship applications.

For example:

IRSC Financial Aid Website: https://irsc.edu/financial-aid/index.html

IRSC Foundation Website: IRSC Foundation – Scholarships