Education | CFY Pinellas

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Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship?

Any high school senior student who attends a Pinellas County High School, public or private. Please apply for the CFY Scholarship Program. 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 our website by selecting the CFY Scholarship, SPC Scholarship or Vocational/ Trades Scholarship. If an applicant is unable to access a computer to complete the application or otherwise requires special accommodations, 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 CFY 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.

How much money is awarded?

For CFY Scholarships are awarded to cover the cost of tuition (30 credit per year), books, room, and board only in increments of $5,000 and $10,000. Scholarships are payable over the first two years of schooling provided the applicant has met all criteria for first- and second-year funding.

For SPC 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.

For Vocational/ Trades Scholarships winners who will be attending Pinellas Technical College beginning the fall after their high school graduation. CFY will cover the cost of a program certification in the student's chosen course of study. Students who choose a different vocational/trade route other than Pinellas Tech College route will receive up to a $3,500 scholarship towards their education

How do I receive funds?

CFY Scholarship funds are issued directly to the recipient’s postsecondary institution using the information provided on the Scholarship Disbursement Form, distributed upon award and due no later than June 30th. Scholarships are then paid out in 2 increments in July prior to the start of the student’s first two years, each 50% of the total award.

SPC 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.

Vocational/ Trades Scholarship is paid out in one payment using the same format).

What can the funds be used for?

CFY Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, room, and board only. It is the students responsibility to work with the school to apply funds appropriately. Failure to do so may result in withholding of future funds. Any unused funds are to be returned to CFY.

SPC 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.

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

What will happen if I change schools between semesters?

To avoid forfeited scholarship funds, a written (email) submission showing withdrawal and indicating the new school must be sent to scholarships@cfypinellas.org. The student is responsible for requesting a refund from the current school, payable to CFY. Once the unused portion of the scholarship is received, we will redistribute the funds along with any additional remaining funds (if applicable) following the timeline described above/on the updated Scholarship Disbursement Form (July distribution toward fall semester).

What if my school says they did not receive the funds?

Please allow anywhere from 2-6 weeks from the check date for processing. Checks are issued using the information provided exactly as it is on the Scholarship Disbursement Form, so it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure correct school and personnel detail. If the school still states that the funds have not been received beyond a reasonable time frame, please email scholarships@cfypinellas.org with your name, the name of the school, and your student ID. We will respond via email with your check number
and date to be provided to the financial aid office for research.

Official transcript showing full time status and grade point average
A thank you letter to the donor including an update on what the first year experience has meant to your development
Fall course schedule