Opening Doors to Opportunity
Since 1985, the Community Foundation has offered both need- and merit-based scholarships with an aim to increase access to higher education and decrease the burden of debt for our area’s aspiring college students. Thanks to the generosity and vision of our donors, the Community Foundation hosts over 110 scholarships and our general scholarship application puts applicants into consideration for all of them.
- Applications open each spring for enrollment in summer and fall
- The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Committee reviews applications and matches potential candidates to scholarship funds based on a variety of criteria
- Several scholarships require interviews with external committee members
- Scholarship Committee makes awardee recommendations to the Board of Directors
- Board of Directors votes to approve scholarship funding
- Funding is distributed to the college or university of the recipient on an annual basis
Applications for scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year will open in spring 2023. Please check back in February for the latest dates.
- 2.5+ GPA
- Graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student from Palm Beach or Martin County
- Demonstrate financial need and/or academic achievement
- Incoming or enrolled full-time student at a college, university, or vocational/trade school
- Unofficial academic transcript
- Completion of three short essay prompts (see below)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Parent or guardian’s tax return
- FAFSA student aid report
Selected students will be invited to participate in our interview process, which is not an indication a decision has been made. Undocumented students are welcome to apply.
Education Goals: Describe your education goals in detail. What do you plan to study in college? What led you to choosing this course of study? What do you hope to accomplish while you are in school? (250-600 words)
Career Goals: Describe your career goals in detail. Do you have a specific job or field you know you want to work in? What kind of work are you passionate about? How do you think your work will contribute to our community, our country, or our world? (250-600 words)
Unusual Circumstances: Tell us more about you. What makes you unique? What obstacles have you and/or your family overcome? What motivates you to pursue your education? (250-600 words)
Contact Carolyn Kost, Scholarship Program Manager, at ckost@cfpbmc.org or (561) 340-4513 for help with the application process.
