CFY SPC Scholarship | CFY Pinellas

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

CFY/St. Petersburg College (SPC) Scholarship Program

Once again in 2025, CFY is proud to partner with St. Petersburg College (SPC) to offer 15 scholarships to graduating Pinellas County high school seniors. These scholarships, awarded up to three years, provide financial support for students beginning their academic journey at SPC in the fall following their high school graduation. The CFY/SPC Scholarship covers any remaining tuition, books, and fees needed to earn an associate degree or eligible certificate at SPC, after other financial aid is applied.

Through this partnership, CFY continues to fulfill its mission of empowering youth by providing access to impactful educational opportunities. The SPC Scholarship Program extends our support to students who have participated in CFY-sponsored programs and are now advancing to their next chapter.

This program connects community sponsors with aspiring Pinellas County high school seniors seeking to further their education at St. Petersburg College. Students may only apply for one CFY Scholarship Program, submitting an application to more than one program will disqualify a student from all programs.

The annual application period runs from November 15 – January 23.

Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship?

Any high school senior who attends a Pinellas County High School, public or private, may apply for the CFY/SPC Scholarship which is only for students who plan to attend St. Petersburg College. Students attending a College/ University or Vocational/ Trade College are not eligible for this scholarship. Please apply for the CFY College/ University Scholarship Program or Vocational/ Trade Scholarship Program which are only for students who are intending to enroll at a College/ University or Vocational/ Trade College. Some exceptions may be made as determined by the CFY Scholarship Committee.

How do I apply for a CFY Scholarship?

Applications are to be completed online through the CFY website by selecting the appropriate area on the application for the CFY SPC Scholarship Program during the open application period. If an applicant is unable to access a computer to complete the application or otherwise requires special accommodation, a student representative/counselor must communicate this to the CFY office. The application includes essay questions and when prompted the applicant must complete to be considered.

Who makes the decision on the applications?

Applications are submitted to the SPC Scholarship Committee for a blind review process (all identifying information about the student and family removed.) Upon review of the completed application and essay, top applicants are determined by the committee and assigned to sponsors.

Will I be notified if I do not receive a scholarship?

Yes, all applicants will receive decision communication.

Why do I need to write a thank you letter to my sponsor?

Unlike other CFY fundraising/impact efforts, sponsors of the CFY Scholarship Program has chosen to make a donation that will directly impact an individual student, rather than a broader community impact. It is important to thank them for their support and the impact it will make and is making on your educational journey.

What must I do to receive this scholarship?

You must enroll in the fall term following your high school graduation.
Enroll in at least six credit hours beginning in the fall term following your graduation.
Complete the current Free Application for Federal Students (FAFSA) and Verification if selected.
Meet SPC Satisfactory Academic Progress.
CFY/ SPC Scholarship covers your tuition and fees after other possible financial aid has been applied, making this an exceptional opportunity.

How much Scholarship distributed?

Scholarship is issued directly by St. Petersburg College to the students account using the information provided on the Scholarship Disbursement Form, distributed upon award and due no later than July 31st of each year to students in good standing.

What are my responsibilities to receive this award?

Scholarships are awarded to cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees through your third academic year after high school graduation. The CFY/SPC Scholarship will cover any tuition, books, and fees after other possible financial aid has been applied. Students must enroll and complete the current FAFSA and verification. Scholarships are available over the first three years of schooling provided the applicant has met all criteria for first-year and second-year funding which is maintaining a 2.0 GPA and being continuously enrolled in at least six credit hours per term.

What can the funds be used for?

Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, and books only. It is the student’s responsibility to work with your school to apply funds appropriately.

What if I take a semester or a year off?

To avoid forfeiting scholarship funds, a written submission indicating you are taking time off must be sent to scholarships@cfypinellas.org. Scholarship commitments by CFY are good for three years following high school graduation and will be withdrawn and funds awarded to another deserving student in the next cycle.

What will happen if I change schools between semesters?

Since this approval for is for St. Petersburg College only it is nontransferable. A written (email) submission showing withdrawal must be sent to scholarships@cfypinellas.org remain in good standing with CFY. The student is responsible for requesting a refund from St. Petersburg College, payable to CFY to remain in good standing with CFY.

What will happen if I change schools between semesters?

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Need-Based Qualification

Applicants may choose to apply for Need-Based Qualification to be considered for additional support. While not required, completing this section in your application is encouraged, as qualifying students will receive an automatic point toward their overall selection score.

Eligibility is determined based on Income Eligibility Guidelines and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Need-based applicants will be verified through school administration and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

SPONSOR COLLABORATION

Breakfast at the Ballpark Series

Each spring, CFY invites Postsecondary Scholarship recipients and their sponsors to a special meet-and-greet and award ceremony held at BayCare Ballpark or TD Ballpark, the spring training homes of the Phillies and Blue Jays. These events offer an opportunity to deepen student/sponsor relationships, discuss plans for the future, and connect community changemakers to the next generation of leaders.

Special thank you to our hosts and sponsors for this unique opportunity to elevate the impact of this legacy program.