CFPBMC Renewable Scholarships for First-Year College Students
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals.
CFPBMC Renewable Scholarships for First-Year College Students
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors and GED holders who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, and vocational/technical schools.
The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.
Scholarship Funds
Applicants will complete one application for consideration for all the scholarship funds under CFPBMC Renewable Scholarships for First-Year College Students.
Scholarship funds included in the CFPBMC Renewable Scholarships for First-Year College Students Application:
- Adele Wells Meyer Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Alcus Family Scholarship Fund
- Claire B. Schultz Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Community Foundation Scholarship Fund
- Cynthia Wells Chick Scholarship Fund
- Denise Lynne Padgett Scholarship Fund
- Don Dahlberg Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Edward T. Bedford Foundation Scholarship Fund
- George and Arlene F. Lepeska Scholarship Fund
- Jacob Branen Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Laurence E. Barreca Scholarship Fund
- Lawrence A. Sanders Scholarship Fund for Creative Writing
- Lawrence A. Sanders STEM Scholarship Fund
- Mickey Mandelblatt Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Oristano Scholar Fund
- Parr Family Scholarship Fund
- R. Bruce Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund
- The Gubelmann Family Foundation Scholarship Fund
- The Harman Family Scholarship Fund
- The Ryan Kollmer Memorial Scholarship Fund
Eligibility
Applicants will apply to CFPBMC Renewable Scholarships for First-Year College Students. One common application is completed to apply to any of the below funds. Applicants must meet the following criteria and the criteria of one or more of the scholarships listed:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (applicants to provide verification through U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card/Green Card, Employment Authorization Document, or Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate)
- Be a graduating high school senior or a GED holder who is:
- attending any public or private high school in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- OR
- a resident of Palm Beach County or Martin County or Okeechobee County
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll in a part-time or full-time course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college/university or vocational-technical school in the United States (unless noted otherwise)
- Certification programs must be through an accredited institution and be a minimum of one semester/term in length (or equivalent – 6-12 semester hours/credits, or equivalent), and applicants must be enrolled at the time awards are disbursed
- Part-time enrollment consists of a minimum of 6 credits per term/semester
- Minimum 2.0 GPA (unless noted otherwise)
- Children of Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties employees are not eligible for these awards
- Homeschooled students are encouraged to apply
Adele Wells Meyer Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior attending any public or private high school in Palm Beach County
- Be a resident of Palm Beach County
- GPA between 2.0 and 3.0
- Must demonstrate financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Alcus Family Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior attending any public or private high school in Palm Beach County
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college/university
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Claire B. Schultz Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Preference may be given applicants who are first-generation college students and/or those with demonstrated financial need.
- Preference to those with disabilities as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Community Foundation Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Preference for applicants demonstrating financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 32 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Cynthia Wells Chick Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Be enrolled in or have completed a JROTC program
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Financial need will be considered but is not required
- Preference may be given applicants who are first-generation college students and/or those with demonstrated financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 4 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Denise Lynne Padgett Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior attending any public or private high school in Palm Beach County
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a participant of high school women’s softball team for at least two years
- Self-declare as female
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 3 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Don Dahlberg Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior attending Jupiter Senior High School
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Financial need will be considered but is not required
- Be a participant of high school competitive sports
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Edward T. Bedford Foundation Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll in a four-year college/university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Preference for demonstrated participation in extracurricular interests including athletics, artistry, literacy, or music
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 10 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
George and Arlene F. Lepeska Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrated participation in extracurricular activities
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 2 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Jacob Branen Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Martin County
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Preference given to applicants who have overcome challenges and adversity
- Preference given to applicants with a learning disability that may have impacted their academics
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Laurence E. Barreca Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study on
Lawrence A. Sanders Scholarship Fund for Creative Writing
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Preference for applicants who pursue a degree or career in creative writing
- Must demonstrate financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Lawrence A. Sanders STEM Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Preference for applicants who pursue a degree or career in engineering (preferred), STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) or related field
- Preference for applicants demonstrating financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 2 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Mickey Mandelblatt Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior attending:
- Boca Raton Community High School
- Florida Atlantic University High School
- Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida
- Olympic Heights Community High School
- Saint Andrew’s School
- Saint John Paul II Academy
- Spanish River Community High School
- West Boca Raton Community High School
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (weighted)
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrated life challenges
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 3 award(s) of up to $4,000 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Oristano Scholar Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Maximum 3.3 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Preference may be given applicants who are first-generation college students and/or those with demonstrated financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 16 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Parr Family Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior attending Palm Beach Lakes High School
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll full-time at Florida State University or the University of Florida
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrated community-minded approach and leadership involvement or traits
- Recipients agree to communicating with the donor at least once in the fall and spring semesters while attending college/university
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $15,000 will be granted for undergraduate study only
R. Bruce Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior attending Glades Central High School or Pahokee High School
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrated participation in extracurricular activities
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
The Gubelmann Family Foundation Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Preference may be given applicants who are first-generation college students and/or those with demonstrated financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 1 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
The Harman Family Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 4 award(s) of $5,000 will be granted for undergraduate study only
The Ryan Kollmer Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Be a graduating high school senior or GED holder residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County
- Be a member of the high school’s band
- Preference given to applicants attending Palm Beach Gardens High School
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Preference for applicants demonstrating financial need
- Preference given to applicants with an interest in music
- This award is renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, based on satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and part-time or full-time enrollment
- An estimated 2 award(s) of $2,500 will be granted for undergraduate study only
Awards
If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an award ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. Up to 88 awards will be granted.
Applicants may receive ONE award per year from the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
Awards are renewable for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first (unless specified otherwise). Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance (maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in a part-time* or full-time course of study and continuation of the program by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
*Part-time enrollment consists of a minimum 6 credits per term/semester.
Students who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in fewer than four years may petition in writing and prior to their last year of enrollment for acceleration of award payments.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.
The scholarship is to be used for tuition and education-related expenses. Unused funds must be returned to the Sponsor.
Notification
All applicants will be notified in May.
Notifications are sent via email. When setting up your account, avoid using a school or work email. Instead, use an active, personal email address that you will continue to have access to.
Please make sure to add studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org as well as the program email address as safe senders in your email contact list.
Payment of Scholarships
Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
Payment is made in July.
Selection of Recipients
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:
- Academic performance
- Demonstrated leadership
- Participation in school and community activities
- Work experience
- A statement of educational and career goals and objectives
- Unusual personal or family circumstances
- An online recommendation
- Financial need
Financial need, as calculated by Scholarship America, will be considered but may not be required.
Selection of finalists is made by Scholarship America. Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties and an outside scholarship committee will review applicant data, including all essays responses, and select recipients. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.
Requirements
As part of your application, you must upload the following:
- A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display:
- Student name
- School name
- Grades
- Credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken
- Verification of U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency:
- U.S. Birth Certificate
- Issued by a state, county, or city vital records office
- Must show the student was born in the United States or U.S. territories
- Hospital certificates or photocopies are accepted
- U.S. Passport (Book or Card)
- Current or expired
- Serves as both identity and citizenship proof
- Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
- For individuals who derived or acquired citizenship through a parent
- Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
- For individuals who became citizens through naturalization
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
- For individuals authorized to work in the United States
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551; “Green Card”)
- For individuals approved to live and work permanently in the United States
- U.S. Birth Certificate
NOTE: If you are providing SAT or ACT test scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately. If you are uploading a college transcript, those scores are not required.
One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than three business days after the application deadline date.
Your application is not complete unless all required materials are submitted electronically.
See other scholarships from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties here: https://scholarshipamerica.org/cfpbmc/
