Grant Application
The College Fund provides funds to supplement the college scholarships of qualified students. Grants are up to $1,000 per school year ($500 per semester) for up to four years; however, retention in the program is dependent upon a review of student grades, course load, and financial need after each semester. Our sponsored students have attended colleges and universities throughout Florida and the nation.
Minimum Requirements for a Student Financial Aid Grant
To qualify for a Financial Aid Grant from the College Fund, a student must meet four criteria:
1. Be a U.S. citizen residing in Pinellas County,
2. (a.) Be a high school graduate with a grade point average of at least 3.00, or
(b.) Be a current or former college student who has
demonstrated the ability to complete at least 12 hours in
a single term (semester, quarter, etc.) in courses credited
toward graduation and with a grade point average of 2.0
or higher (although recent recipients have had a 3.0 or
higher).
3. Be a full time (i.e., taking or planning to take a minimum of 12 hours credited toward graduation* which cannot include
remedial courses**) undergraduate student in a regionally
accredited (e.g., Southern Association of Colleges &
Schools) college or university, and
4. Be a recipient of a Pell Grant.
*NOTE: Fewer hours are acceptable when pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (e.g., the RN to BSN program at St. Petersburg College).
**NOTE: If, when you get to school, you find you are required to take remedial classes and can no longer carry the 12 hours creditied toward graduation, you will not receive another grant check from the College Fund until you re-qualify by completing a full-time term of 12 or more hours credited toward graduation with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher for that term.
How to Apply
Students who meet the foregoing four requirements may request an application form in order to apply for the fall 2012 - spring 2013 school year. Simply print out and complete the Request for Application and mail it to:
The College Fund of Pinellas County, Inc.
P.O. Box 673
Clearwater, FL 33757
You may be contacted by telephone or email before an application is mailed to you.
When to Apply
In order to enhance their chances of being scheduled for an interview, new applicants (i.e., students who have not received a College Fund grant in the current or preceding semester) should submit their application as soon as possible after the spring 2012 college semester (or after 2012 graduation for high school students). Applications must be accompanied by a transcript which includes spring 2012 grades and a financial aid notice from the college for the fall 2012 - spring 2013 school year. Completed applications with required enclosures must be received not later than the fourth Friday in July 2012. Applications must be complete with accompanying GPA and financial aid documentation from the school in order to be considered at all. Our selection process will be used to select the new grant recipients on a best-qualified basis. The number of applicants selected will depend on the funds available for grants.
Questions?
Applications will be accepted only by US Mail sent to the address above. However, inquiries may be sent by e-mail to info@collegefundpinellas.org. Please check the Frequently Asked Questions before sending an e-mail inquiry.
