SCPS Scholarships give you a shot at earning money for college and cutting down your education costs. These awards are open to students in Seminole County Public Schools, with more than 50 different options. Some scholarships welcome everyone, while others focus on certain schools or fields—like trade programs, nursing, the arts, engineering, or education.
If you’re an SCPS high school senior, you’ve got a lot of choices for scholarships. The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools and local donors hand out over $150,000 in scholarships each year. When you apply, you could get extra help for college and some recognition for all your hard work.
Overview of SCPS Scholarships
SCPS scholarships support students across Seminole County Public Schools. These awards help with college expenses and offer a range of options for different interests.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on a few main factors. Most scholarships are for seniors at any of the 10 SCPS high schools.
Some awards are just for students at specific schools—like Hagerty, Lake Brantley, Lake Mary, Lyman, Seminole, or Winter Springs. You usually need to show your achievements, whether that’s grades, activities, or your future major.
Some focus on fields like trade programs, education, nursing, the arts, or engineering. You might need to upload documents, like acceptance letters or certificates, when you apply.
Each scholarship comes with its own set of rules, so definitely read the requirements for the ones that fit your background and goals.
Types of Scholarship Awards
SCPS scholarships vary in amount and come from local donors and community partners. Each year, they hand out more than 50 scholarships, totaling over $150,000 for the graduating class.
Most awards are open to all seniors, but a few are specific to certain locations or programs. Some scholarships offer a one-time payment, while others can be renewed for another year.
They can help with tuition, fees, books, or other education costs. Special awards go to students interested in certain careers, like nursing, engineering, or the arts.
SCPS Scholarships Application Process
You’ll apply online, usually through portals like AwardSpring. Start by filling out the general application, which asks about your interests and achievements.
Be sure to upload any required documents, like letters or certificates. Deadlines matter—most big applications are due by mid-March each school year.
Some scholarships just need the general application, but others want extra forms or essays. Always check the instructions closely.
Visit the SCPS scholarship database and your school’s guidance website for current opportunities and step-by-step guides.
Maximizing Financial Aid and Opportunities
It’s smart to look at every possible source of help when you’re paying for college. You can mix need-based scholarships, federal student aid, local funds, and even support from companies in your area to help cover the bills.
Need-Based Scholarships and Federal Student Aid
Plenty of SCPS scholarships go to students based on financial need. To get considered, you’ll usually need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This form lets colleges and organizations see what kind of aid you might get. Need-based scholarships can help with tuition, housing, fees, and sometimes even books or supplies.
Check out national programs and those offered by your school. Even if your family income seems too high, it’s worth filling out FAFSA—some aid doesn’t have strict income cutoffs.
Key tips
- Submit FAFSA as early as you can
- Double-check what each application needs
- Keep copies of important papers
Local and External Scholarship Resources
SCPS students can tap into several local scholarships. The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools offers many, often tied to certain high schools or areas of study like nursing or engineering.
Use scholarship databases to look for more chances. National websites and local school pages update their lists often. When you apply, follow the directions exactly and don’t miss those deadlines.
Some programs want an essay or a recommendation letter, so give yourself plenty of time. It helps to make a table to keep track of your applications:
| Scholarship Name | Due Date | Requirements | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation for SCPS | 3/17/25 | Essay, Transcript | In Progress |
| Local Nursing Award | 2/10/25 | GPA, Letter | Submitted |
| Lockheed Martin STEM | 4/01/25 | STEM Interest | Not Started |
Community and Corporate Partnerships
Many companies help students through scholarship programs. Lockheed Martin, for example, offers scholarships for STEM fields.
Smaller businesses might help too, especially if you have a family member working there. Community foundations, civic clubs, and local banks sometimes sponsor scholarships as well.
These programs might ask for volunteer hours, club membership, or essays about community service. Company-sponsored awards can give you financial help and maybe even future job connections.
Ask your school’s guidance office for a list of corporate partners and local groups that offer support. You might find opportunities you didn’t know existed.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of scholarship options through SCPS. Each one has its own eligibility rules, deadlines, and steps. Some focus on specific areas or schools, while others are open to everyone. Here we are covering some FAQs about SCPS Scholarships.