CFY Scholarship

APPLYING FOR A CFY SCHOLARSHIP

The Next Chapter of Student Success

Aligned with CFY’s commitment to elevating youth through impactful programming, the CFY Scholarship Program extends our support to many students who began their journey in CFY-sponsored programs and are now moving on to the next chapter of their education.

For more information, please review the CFY Scholarship Program FAQs below or contact us.

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ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

Richard O. Jacobson (ROJ) Scholarship Program

Since 2013, CFY has awarded over $2,200,000 in scholarships with the help of the Richard O. Jacobson (ROJ) Scholarship Program, named in honor of Mr. Jacobson, whose dedication to CFY and unwavering support of area youth played a vital role in the organization’s growth.

This program connects community sponsors with aspiring Pinellas County high school seniors seeking to further their education at local and national colleges, universities (St. Petersburg College and Vocational/ Trade Schools are excluded as there is a separate program for each).

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

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APPLICATION PROCESS

How You Can Apply

Applications must be submitted through the CFY website. Exceptions are only made in rare cases for students facing significant barriers to computer or internet access. To support applicants, CFY provides:

These resources are available in the application section of the CFY website. If you are part of a CFY-sponsored program, please refer to the Program List.

QUESTIONS?

Scholarship FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship?
Any high school senior student who attends a Pinellas County High School, public or private. Students attending St. Petersburg College or Vocational/ Trade College are not eligible for this scholarship. Please apply for the CFY SPC Scholarship Program or Vocational/ Trade Scholarship Program which are only for students who are intending to enroll at St. Petersburg College 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 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?
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. 
How do I receive funds?
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.
What can the funds be used for?
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.
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
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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Need-Based Qualification

Applicants may choose to apply for the 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.

PRESENTED BY

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DISCOVER HOW WE'RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Scholarship Recipients & Sponsors

View the numerous scholarship recipients and their sponsors throughout the years.

THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

Partners Helping Drive Your Success

THE PEOPLE MAKING AN IMPACT

CFY Scholarship Committee

Dawn Daugherty, Co-Chair / Brandy Halladay, Co-Chair

  • Bill Fisher
  • William Hancock
  • Hoyt Hamilton
  • Daniel Slaughter
  • Sean Overton
  • Michele Smith
  • Mike Walek
  • Chad Burgess
  • Chad Britts

Volunteers

  • Anna Gilman
  • Sandy Clayton
  • Sandra Hancock
  • Dr. Calvin Harris
Vocational Trade Scholarship

IMPORTANT DATES

Scholarship Applications Timeline

Donate Today and See the Difference Your Contribution Makes

Choose from a range of contribution options to help the youth of Pinellas county continue to learn and grow with the support they need.