Have a high school senior this year looking for college money? Brevard Schools Foundation has released its annual list of scholarships, and several of them are geared specifically to students in schools popular with beachside students.
The deadline to apply is March 24.
The foundation, started by the school district in 1987, receives grants and other private funding on behalf of Brevard Public Schools and distributes the funds to schools, students, teachers and special programs.
This year’s list includes 59 scholarships, for students interested in everything from surfing to music to engineering. For the first time ever, students can use one central online application for all of them. Linda Filippini, the foundation’s administrative assistant, said the online application asks students several questions about their school, where they live, activities and other pertinent information. “The system automatically filters that and lets them know what scholarships they qualify for,” Filippini said.
With college costs climbing, students need all the help they can get.
The average price tag to attend a state university in Florida this year is $15,410 for two semesters, including tuition, books, room and board, transportation and other fees and expenses.
If that gives you sticker shock, consider that Florida has the second-lowest state university tuition in the U.S., according to the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT. Many states charge twice that amount.
The scholarships administered by the foundation are available only to public school students in Brevard County. Here’s a look at some that include criteria specific to schools that commonly serve beachside students:
- The John Schopke Foundation Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student at Melbourne High who played a high school sport for at least one season in grades 10-12 and has a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- The Margaret Wagner Excellence in Music Scholarship is for students at Satellite High with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and a 4.0 in music or chorus classes. Students must also have been involved with music programs for at least three years. Awards are given for chorus, band and orchestra.
- The Laurie Ann Sargeant Scholarship for Science Research is open to students at Satellite, Merritt Island High or Cocoa Beach and Edgewood junior/senior high schools. Applicants must have participated in the Brevard Intracoastal Science Fair, plan to major in biological or physical science, have a minimum 3.5 GPA and show community service.
- The Brugman-Diecidue Family AP Scholarship for Careers in Engineering and/or Mathematics is for students at Melbourne or Satellite High, or Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School. Applicants must meet a series of criteria that includes specific Advanced Placement classes, at least six full-year AP classes and other qualifications.
- The Melbourne High School HOSA Future Health Care Student Scholarship is open to Mel High students who were members HOSA Future Health Care Professionals for at least one year during high school, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to major in healthcare studies.
More information and a link to the full list of scholarships can be found online at brevardschoolsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.
