One of the major benefits of a career in technical education, is the cost effectiveness so that students can graduate and start a career without debt. Whether you are eligible for federal and state grants or not, scholarships might be the solution for you to receive more aid. Finding scholarships and grants to help you pay for school can be a time-consuming project. However, it is time well invested when you are able to fund your education.
Students are not required to pursue scholarships independently, but we encourage applicants to invest time in acquiring additional sources of financial aid. You can do general searches from your browser’s address bar, or you can use search engines like Google, Yahoo or Ask.com. We do not recommend any site in particular. You will find plenty of scholarship information online!
Students can also search the internet for industry-based scholarships and additional grants. Examples are a tool manufacturer offering scholarships for automotive students or cosmetology students receiving grants from hair product manufacturers. Don’t forget to check out your local community resources. Sometimes scholarships are offered to members of the community by local clubs, businesses, private organizations, etc.
This information is provided as a reference tool for students to locate additional resources in their community & online. The agencies’ sites listed are not directly associated with First Coast Technical College in any way and do not have any connection to the grants we administer at our campus. Any and all communications, contracts, and / or agreements are private transactions between the student and the agency. FCTC is not involved in any way.
The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with First Coast Technical College, Goodwill Industries of North Florida and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to provide St. Johns County students with “the first of its kind in the state” enrollment opportunities at FCTC. The GET THERE program is a workforce initiative to short-term but high-value career and technical education programs. This initiative will provide low-income students with scholarships that will enable them to attend FCTC, obtain career certification, and enter the workforce.
St. Johns County’s plan is the first in the state to roll out and assist low-income students to enroll in rapid credentialing programs at First Coast Technical College. Students in grades K-12 will be exposed to career opportunities through year-round workshops held at First Coast Technical College. Upon high-school graduation, participating low-income students will be eligible to apply for the GET THERE FASTER Application, a 1-year Florida Prepaid College Foundation Plan. The approximate $3,600 plan’s value will cover most, if not all, of the tuition costs for workforce certification programs.
The GET THERE program is partially funded by a Florida Prepaid scholarship program. Additional funding is needed from employers and community members to continue the availability of this program in our community. Every donation to help a student attend First Coast Technical College will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
For more information on joining the employers who have already donated to this program, contact
- Arleen Dennison, College Advancement Coordinator
First Coast Technical College
(904) 547-3386
[email protected]
To donate directly, visit Goodwill Industries
- Wendy Hansford, M.Ed.
Get There Faster with First Coast Technical College
(386) 590-5859
[email protected]
Click here for the GET THERE FASTER APPLICATION
GET THERE Press Release
Message from Florida’s Chancellor for Career, Technical and Adult Education (CTE)
RESEARCHING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
All students are encouraged to submit through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) whether they think they will qualify or not. Most scholarships require FAFSA completion and may still approve funds to students who are not eligible to receive assistance. This is also true of other institutional or government funding that may come available. So even if you have a bachelor’s degree or your family does not qualify, APPLY… it could pay off in the long run.
Click How To Pay for College for resources.
View a helpful newsletter from the State of Florida on scholarships.
Additional resources are below:
SCAMS
NOTE: Be aware that there is the potential for Scholarship Scams!
Common warning signs:
- You have to pay a fee
- Money-back guarantee
- Credit card/bank account information required
- Offers exclusive information
Types of scams:
- Phony scholarship – promises cash if you pay a registration fee
- Phony scholarship matching service – pay a fee and they guarantee you will win awards
- Phony educational loan – pay a fee and receive a low-interest rate
- Phony financial aid seminar – a high pressure, poorly concealed sales pitch
STUDENTS RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND FCTC
Please refer to Letter to Scholarship Recipients.
STUDENT AID REPORTS (SAR)
How to view your Student Aid Report if you have an FSA ID:
- Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- Select the Log In button and enter your account username and password (FSA ID). Only you, the student should know or use your FSA ID>
- Select View or Print your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the My FAFSA page.
If you provided an email address on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, you will receive an email with a link to an online copy of your SAR.
If you did not provide a valid email address on your FAFSA form, the social security number you included in your FAFSA form did not match the one on file for you with the Social Security Administration or you didn’t sign your FAFSA form, you will receive either a SAR or a SAR Acknowledgement via postal mail. Typically, you will be able to access your SAR within two weeks of filing your FAFSA form.
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship
The Association has awarded over 110 scholarships to FCTC students which are up to $2,500 to students in eligible in career or technical education programs in a post-secondary environment.
Scholarship criteria include:
- high school completion
- enrolled in a CTE degree/certificate program in Fall which will lead to employment
- attend a not-for-profit post-secondary school
- demonstrate financial need; applicants must be Pell-eligible
- Under the age of 35, and
- United States citizenship.
The application deadline for the CTE Scholarship can be found on their website. To learn more about the CTE scholarship or to apply online, students should visit scholars.horatioalger.org.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
FCTC Career Navigator Program
Offers assistance to eligible students ages 16- 24 for tuition, books, supplies, uniforms & more. Contact our staff who are located in Building A of the Main Campus for eligibility information.
CareerSource of Northeast Florida
Individual training scholarships are available to help gain industry certifications that lead to careers in high-demand occupations. Residents of Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam or St. Johns Counties can apply if:
- Have graduated from high school.
- Are a US citizen or a permanent resident.
- Have been laid off from your job or have received notice that your job will be eliminated
- Are at a certain income level (including if you have been laid off and have taken a short-term or part-time job).
- Commit to a structured plan for career transition, working with one of our career coaches to decide whether training is the right step for you.
For more information, email [email protected] and put ‘ITA’ in the subject line, or call (904) 356-JOBS (5627).
Burkhart Family Foundation-Currently this scholarship is not accepting applications.
The Burkhart Family Foundation is a collaboration of friends and family that deeply believe skilled workers are the cornerstone of America. This scholarship is open for all ages and accepts applications throughout the year. Click here for a paper application or click here to apply online. For your proof of school or program acceptance, email [email protected] or call the FCTC College Advancement office at (904) 547-3386.
FCTC Education Foundation
Once a year, the FCTC Education Foundation opens a window for current students to apply for community based scholarships. Students are notified through their FCTC email account with application details and deadlines. Organizations and businesses that help the Foundation help our students through scholarships and student assistance are listed below.
P.E.O.
P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women CELEBRATE the advancement of women. Our local chapter sponsors a needs based grant of up to $3,000. Women are eligible for this scholarship if they have had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student sometime in her adult life. Additionally, she must be within 18 consecutive months of completing her educational program which will lead to employment or job advancement. A chapter recommendation must be submitted no less than 8 weeks prior to the start date of the term for which the grant is requested. For recommendation, students or potential students should email [email protected] and mention this scholarship or contact Carlyn Moyer, P.E.O. Projects, 301-651-8893.
| For All FCTC Students | Christopher Family Memorial Scholarship | Mr. and Mrs. Christopher instilled high values and morals to those who knew them. As a military family, they valued education, honor and service. This scholarship will be presented to a current FCTC student who demonstrates the same traits. |
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Fresh Starts Scholarship |
Thanks to the efforts of the Spanish Wine Festival, this scholarship is designed to assist students in transition facing major financial obstacles. | |
| For Adult Ed Students entering Career and Technical or Continuing Workforce Education | Ann Breidenstein Scholarship | This scholarship was created by friends of Ann Breidenstein honoring her three decades of leadership and fundraising for Learn to Read of St. Johns County, United Way and the Rotary Club of St. Augustine to name a few. As an active participant in so many organizations, her commitment for community centered around people having opportunities to reach their full potential in life through education, health and social programs. |
| For Adult Education Students seeking their GED or HS Diploma |  |
In partnership with the Historic St. Augustine Kiwanis Club, the FCTC Education Foundation offers General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Success Scholarships for students with financial need. Every $130 covers preparation classes and exam fees. Research shows that individuals with a high school diploma or GED will earn at least $400,000 more in their lifetime than those without a diploma. |
| For Automotive and Diesel Students |
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As a scholarship donor since 2009, Ancient City Auto Club members have supported FCTC student’s pursuit of excellence by preparing them for today’s workforce. Club members interview and select students in alignment with the FCTC Education Foundation scholarship process. For an application, please email [email protected] |
| For Automotive and Diesel Students | Phillip Genovar Automotive and Diesel Scholarship | This scholarship supports St. Johns County residents who are automotive and diesel students in memory of Phillip Bartola Genovar. Mr. Genovar, owner of Dixie Custom, was involved in many community organizations and was a founding member of St. Augustine Sertoma Club. The club is dedicated to SERvice TO MAnkind by providing financial outreach to local residents and outreach that helps other charities fulfill their goals. This scholarship is provided to individuals who are St. Johns County residents. |
| For Cosmetology Students | Dee Callum Memorial Scholarship for Cosmetology | Created in 2014 by friends, family and clients of Dee Callum, this scholarship is designed to honor Mrs. Callum’s memory by providing tuition assistance to a cosmetology student who aspires to serve clients with the same spirit and love for beauty that Dee brought to the profession. |
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Patricia Orsini Memorial Scholarship
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A scholarship has been established in memory of Pat Orsini with 100% of the donations collected benefitting a cosmetology student entering their new career. If sending electronic contributions, please go to FCTC Education Foundation DONATE NOW button and enter POMS in the Pay Pal Write a Note field. | |
| For HVAC Students |
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Technical Workmanship Scholarship for Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Taylor Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning and Carrier Enterprise established this scholarship in 2015 in honor of Mario “Butch” Taylor Jr., who believed in technical education and passed those skills on to those he worked with at Taylor Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning. |
| For Graduating High School Students |
Mary Garnett Scholarship
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Established in 2003 in memory of Mary Garnett, this scholarship honors a devoted educator at FCTC’s Putnam Center and is for graduating high school seniors entering First Coast Technical College. |
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HONORSGRADU |
Graduating high school seniors planning on attending an accredited college or university or trade school in the United States of America. Additionally, students must have met all of the requirements described on this website (https://honorsgradu.com/). Employees of Honors Graduation and their families are not eligible to participate. Submissions must be received before the deadlines in order to qualify for the scholarship program. Mailed applications must be postmarked by that deadline. | |
| For Dental Students |
St. Augustine Dental Society |
Local dental professionals from St. Augustine have made this scholarship available to St. Johns County prospective or enrolled students in FCTC’s Dental Assisting program. Their support for students entering the field has been deeply appreciated. |
| For Diesel Students |
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Michael Jarek Sonognini had a love for diesel technology and dreamed of starting a shop to customize “all things diesel”. He was planning on attending FCTC the summer after his high school graduation. Unfortunately, Jarek lost his life in an automotive accident a month prior to this graduation. In loving memory of Jarek, this scholarship was created to assist those who also share a love for diesel motors. While GPA is important, this scholarship is weighted towards those that are good working with their hands, who demonstrate financial need and who express a desire to be great in the diesel field. |
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For Students Living in St. Johns County
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Altrusa Betty Johnstone Scholarship Altrusa International of St. Augustine, Inc. scholarships are for students attending FCTC. The applicant must be a full-time student, U.S. citizen, resident of St. Johns County for at least one year and have received a high school diploma or G.E.D.Joey Robison Scholarship for Non-traditional Students This scholarship was named in memory of the son of Linda Robison, former governor of District Three, Altrusa International. Mrs. Robison is an avid supporter of higher education and believes Altrusa must give a hand up to individuals with not only educational needs but also a desire to change and improve the condition of their lives. This scholarship is awarded to St. Johns County residents who have been out of high school for six or more years. |
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For Female Students Living in St. Johns County
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Founded in 1892, The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine is committed to its mission of “women helping women” to support the Peña-Peck House Museum, give handcrafters a venue for selling their products, and provide scholarships for deserving women returning to school to prepare for new careers. This scholarship is available to female students 25 or older residing in St. Johns County and in financial need for school related expenses.
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For Emergency Assistance |
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The cost of education can create financial strain on already limited budgets. When an unforeseen expense occurs, students may be faced with discontinuing their education in order to provide basic necessities like food, transportation and shelter for themselves and their families. The Education Foundation can help remove these obstacles and keep students in the classroom. Generous donations from gas and food gift certificates and other needs allow more FCTC students to stay in school, complete their education and become employed citizens contributing to economic vitality of St. Johns County and the Northeast Florida region. |
SUPPORTERS WITH OPEN OR REVOLVING DEADLINES
FCTC has not had experience with all of these resources.
AGRICULTURE
- Beaches Go Green of Jacksonville Beach provides high school seniors and college students $2,500 scholarships. For details and to apply, visit www.beachesgogreen.org
AUTOMOTIVE
- Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA): SEMA distributes more than $100,000.00 annually to students seeking a career in the Automotive Industry. Roughly 50% of all applicants receive at least $1,000.00 in award money. Since 1984, SEMA gave over $1 million to more than 700 students. www.sema.org/scholarships
BOSTWICK HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
FIRE, PARAMEDIC AND EMT
- Florida Association of Rural EMS Providers (FAREMS)– residents of 33 Florida rural counties are eligible.
HOMELESSNESS
The @SchoolHouseConn) connects youth who have experienced homelessness with peer support networks, assists with legal advocacy, provides mental health resource connections, and much more. All youth who have experienced homelessness and are pursuing a postsecondary education program beginning in 2022 are encouraged to apply for the organization’s $2000 scholarship award.
NURSING
- Free scholarship search engine, over 200 scholarships in Florida: http://discovernursing.com/scholarship_search.aspx
- Licensed Practical Nursing students, loan forgiveness: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/FFELP/Nursing_Loan_Forgiveness/NursingLoanForgiveness.html
- Minorities: http://www.minoritynurse.com/financial/scholarships.html#listings
- http://medi-smart.com/finaid.htm
- http://www.gem-nursing.org/finregion.php?id=4
- FA Davis Company visit F.A. Davis Nursing Scholarships (fadavis.com) for information and deadlines
PUTNAM COUNTY RESIDENTS
ST. JOHNS COUNTY RESIDENTS
- St. Augustine & St. Johns County Board of Realtors…$1,000 scholarships to be awarded to graduating seniors from the St. Johns County School District and home-schooled individuals. Since 2000, they have awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to help them defray the cost of attending college or trade school. At the start of each school year, members reach out to St. Johns County high schools to publicize the $1,000-per-student scholarship program. To qualify, students must submit an application, transcript, essay and three letters of recommendations. Annual scholarships are awarded based on the education committee members conducting a blind selection process of all applicants. If you know of a graduating senior from the St. Johns County School District or a home-schooled graduating senior, tell them about this available scholarship. The deadline to submit an application set each spring. You can call the office to request an application package or go to the Facebook page and download the application. The application can also be obtained from the school counselor’s office. The application can be emailed, snail-mailed, or dropped off at 1789 Lakeside Ave. in St. Augustine.
- Garden Club of St. Augustine– for graduating high school or adult students who are US citizens and residents of St. Johns County.
- St Augustine Ketterlinus High School Alumni Association– for St. Augustine High School alumni.
- St. Johns County School District
WELDING
- American Welding Society – The future of the welding industry depends upon preparing the next generation to meet the challenges ahead through education. The Foundation offers educational programs to foster the growth, stature and professionalism of the welding industry-Foundation : Foundation : American Welding Society (aws.org)
