Frequently Asked Questions

CCF celebrated the 65 recipients of its scholarships for post-secondary education and training at all levels, from trade certificates to graduate programs, in May 2025. The $260,000 total awarded makes CCF one of the largest scholarship funders in Charlotte County.

CCF Scholarship Coordinator Carolyn Gorton, a longtime educator like Scholarship Committee Chair Deelynn Bennett in the Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS), announced the awards during a scholarship luncheon at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. DeShon Jenksins, Principal of The Academy, provided special remarks to inspire the audience of students, scholarship donors, and reviewers alike.

208 applications
20 volunteer scholarship reviewers
65 student recipients Split between traditional students (graduating high school (H.S.) seniors) and working adults (out of H.S. 2 + yrs.)
$260,000 in total scholarship support!

Do I apply for a specific scholarship or can I ask to be considered for a particular one?

Everyone fills out the same single application. Based on responses to the application questions, you will see which scholarships you might qualify for once your application is submitted. You do not apply for any particular award.

How are scholarship recipients determined?

Professional CCF staff will work with an independent committee of scholarship reviewers—community members with backgrounds in education—to determine recipients. If you’ve overcome obstacles or faced unusual circumstances, be sure to include those in your application. Maybe you’ve battled personal or health issues or are working significant hours on top of going to school—let us know!

What does the scholarship application involve?

You will be asked questions about yourself, your educational plans, and your financial situation. You will be asked to complete a brief essay, attach a resume or bio, and submit relevant academic transcripts. This information helps the selection committee to get to know you. Share your unique story: this is your chance to advocate for yourself, your education and your journey.

Is the process confidential?

Yes, your application will only be seen by reviewers bound by confidentiality and any information you disclose will be kept private.

If you are selected for a scholarship, we will want to celebrate you and share relevant information about your background—your goals and accomplishments—with our donors. We will also ask you to share what the scholarship means to you.

When will I know if I received a scholarship?

By early May 2025, we will notify you via the email you entered in the application. Please do not call or email prior to the notification date as we will not have updates.

Do I have to live in Charlotte County?

Our scholarships focus on people that either live in or work in Charlotte County. Some also require that you attend or graduated from the Charlotte County Public Schools.

Am I eligible if I have a GED or Certificate of Completion?

Yes, you are eligible for scholarships!

Are scholarships available for current college students?

Yes, and even for graduate school. The one application will determine what scholarships you are eligible for based on your current status.

May I receive scholarships from more than one fund?

Because we have more applicants than available awards, a recipient will only be awarded one scholarship from CCF.

If I am awarded a scholarship, how is it paid and when?

Checks are made payable to and mailed directly to the college/trade school after you have returned the required scholarship acceptance materials. The payment is issued in the summer for the Fall 2025 semester. Upon successful completion of the first semester, the second half of the scholarship award would be issued in January 2026.

What can these scholarships be used for?

These awards may be applied to expenses built into a college/trade school’s cost of attendance.

Do I have to maintain a certain GPA to receive the second semester scholarship payment?

You need to remain in good academic standing according to your institution. Any specifics for a GPA would be conveyed in your award letter.

Scholarships