Scholarships

The Public Education Foundation of Marion County is proud to once again offer “Teacher to Be” Scholarships to non-instructional personnel. If you are part of our MCPS family and are working to become a classroom teacher, this scholarship is for you!  The “Teacher to Be” Scholarship is open to all Marion County Public School non-instructional personnel who are enrolled in college, possess an AA or AS degree and are currently working on a bachelor’s degree with the goal of becoming a teacher.

The Public Education Foundation does not provide tuition reimbursement for instructional personnel or for certification exams.

The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and support outstanding employees who have the desire to become classroom teachers.

Non-instructional employees who are working toward their teacher certification and who have been working for the district for at least 2 years are eligible to apply.

Applications are online and must be submitted no later than August 21, 2020.

Please access the Teacher to Be application online.

Mildred Boynton and Alicia Boynton laid a foundation of caring for Marion County’s children.  From Head Start to the Marion County Family Visitation Center they played a pivotal role in structuring and motivating children to aspire to dream, set, and achieve positive goals.  This Scholarship will enable students to help reach their educational goal.

There will be 2 scholarships- $250 each awarded to a high school senior from North Marion High School and/or a high school senior from Vanguard High School’s ROTC program.   All applicants must meet the following criteria: Eligible applicants must have a 3.5 GPA or better. Applicants are required to complete a 300-word essay and they must obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or high school administrator from North Marion High School/ Vanguard High School.

Download the 2020 Boynton Academic Scholarship – Vanguard Military Cadet

Download the 2020 Boynton Academic Scholarship- North Marion High

2020 David Baillie Memorial Scholarship ($2,000)

The Ocala Lions Club provides sight, hearing, glaucoma, and diabetes screening by financially supporting eye exams and glasses for the needy, eye surgeries, hearing aids, and so much more. The David Baillie scholarship was established in memory of David Baillie, Jr., a long-time member of the Lions Club and a big supporter of the Southeastern Youth Fair.

Applicants for this scholarship must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in either agriculture, through the study of the biological or physical sciences, or veterinary medicine; at a college or university they choose.

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the field of agriculture through involvement in Future Farmers of America, 4H, The Southeastern Youth Fair, or through proven experience such as actual work in agricultural or animal care activities as well as the study of the biological or physical sciences at the high school level.

Some examples of work experience could include, on a family farm, at a veterinarian’s office, volunteering at an animal shelter or for an animal rescue organization.

Download the 2020 David Baillie Memorial Scholarship Application

Ft. McCoy Elementary School is dedicated to their student’s success.  This scholarship is available for students who have attended Ft. McCoy School for the entirety of Kindergarten to fifth grade, or the entirety of sixth through eighth grade.  Ft. McCoy School is proud to give back and offer the opportunity to help in furthering education of their students.

Requirements to apply:

• Attended Ft. McCoy Elementary K-5 or Ft. McCoy Middle School 6-8
• Graduate of Marion County High School
• Completed a minimum of 20 hours of community service done during Junior and Senior years.  (verification of community service must be provided)
• Applicant must be attending a 2 year college, 4 year college or Technical college
• Scholarship money will be paid directly to the institution
• Student must maintain a full time enrollment status with the institution for a full academic year
• Student needs to be willing to attend an in person interview
• Student should complete an essay following the essay guidelines
• Must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Current transcript
• 2 letters of recommendation (1 from school personnel and 1 from a community leader)

Download the Fort McCoy Scholarship 2020 

Download the Fred Smiley 2020 Application

Submit completed applications to:

Cassandra Boston

Federal Grants & Programs office

306 NW 7th Ave,

Ocala FL 34475

Grace Force / Marion Soil & Water Conservation District
Scholarship Program

The theme for this years scholarship essay is “Where would we “BEE”  without Pollinators?”

“Pollinators form the foundations of a healthy and sustainable future for food and the environment, but in recent years, they have shown concerning signs of decline. It’s important that we work to help them prosper by enhancing native pollinator habitats and protecting against pollinator declines.”

Download the 2020 Grace Force Marion Soil and Water Conservation District Scholarship Application

A good teacher is vital to the growth of a student’s education. Yet, the contributions of an educator often go unrecognized.  The Influential Educator Scholarship offers the chance for a Marion County Public School senior to highlight an educator (or educators) who have made significant impact on their life.

One MCPS high school senior will be awarded a $500 scholarship for their post-secondary education.

Applicant must:

• Submit a completed application (link below) to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County
• Provide a copy of high school transcripts
• Provide a copy of the applicant’s Student Aid Report from the FAFSA
• Complete an Essay (See below for essay requirements)

Please write a 500 word essay on the following topic: The Impact of an Influential Educator

• The essay should reference how an influential educator can impact students’ lives.
• The essay should include words of gratitude to a specific influential educator.
• The essay will consist of a cover page, to include:
  • the name and telephone number of the student
  • the name and school location of the influential educator written about in the essay
• The scholarship committee plans to share the essays with the student’s influential educator named in their application.
• The committee prefers the writer use 12-point Century Gothic font, or similar font with double spacing between the lines.

Download the 2020 Influential Educator Scholarship Application

Jim and Joanne Yancey dedicated their lives to help make their community a better place to live and work. Jim was a 7 time letterman at the University of Florida as a member of the football and golf teams. He is inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was a class A PGA Professional and a certified Greens Superintendent. He was the Head Golf Professional at Ocala Golf Club for over 25 years where he was known for his Junior Golf Programs and for teaching multiple PGA Tour Players.

Joanne was a member of the Garden Club in Ocala for over 40 years. Her passion for beautifying her yard and her community go hand-in-hand. She was devoted to the City of Ocala for over 40 years, serving in multiple capacities including the Building and Zoning Board. Her dedication to high school sports and amateur golf was well-known, particularly for organizing the Henry Camp Invitational Golf Tournament every spring since 1970.

This $500 scholarship is to be awarded to a senior who is seeking an education in Sports Management, Agriculture or is pursuing competitive golf in college. The candidate must be a leader in their school and community.

Download the Scholarship application at 2020 Jim & Joanne Yancey Scholarship Fund Application

Joshua Rossignol was an awesome young man who was kind-hearted, hilarious, passionate, generous, and overall just loved life. He was so warm and kind that he made you feel like you had known him forever, even if you had just met him. He could also make anyone laugh, even in the toughest of situations.  Josh was a talented and passionate cook and it had always been his dream to become a chef and open his own restaurant.  He was pursuing his degree in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University when he passed away at the age of 21.  In his honor, his family and friends created the Joshua Rossignol Memorial Scholarship to help others achieve their dreams of becoming a chef. This year (1)  $1500 scholarship will be awarded to a Dunnellon High senior & (1) $1500 scholarship will be awarded to a Marion County senior seeking an education in the culinary arts who has demonstrated leadership in their school and community.

Download the 2020 Joshua Rossignol Memorial Scholarship Application

Lamar Luffman Sr. was an active member of the Agricultural Community in North Marion County. He was brought up in a family where working hard on the farm was a way of life.  After graduating Anthony High School in 1957 he worked for the local telephone company but continued to stay close to his farming roots.  He worked with the Anthony Elementary PTA and later was elected to the Marion County Council PTA.  His passion for children ultimately led him to a position on the Marion County School board where he served in that capacity for over 16 years.  He was always a champion for the children and his love of Agricultural programs inspired many in Marion County.  The Lamar Luffman Memorial Scholarship was established by his family to celebrate Lamar’s passion & contributions.

Applicants for this scholarship must be attending North Marion High School and pursuing an undergraduate degree in either agriculture, through the study of the biological or physical sciences, or veterinary medicine; at a college or university they choose.

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the field of agriculture through involvement in Future Farmers of America, 4H, The Southeastern Youth Fair, or through proven experience such as actual work in agricultural or animal care activities as well as the study of the biological or physical sciences at the high school level.

Download the 2020Lamar Luffman Sr. Memorial Scholarship Application

Marilyn Hughes, a life-long educator began her teaching career in 1963. She taught at schools in Florida and California until 1985 when she joined the staff at Stanton Weirsdale Elementary. There she held positions as a teacher, Elementary Learning Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator and Assistant Principal. She served as Assistant Principal until her passing in 2016.

Mrs. Hughes earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. In 1983 she received her Master’s Degree in Reading Education from California State University. Her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership comes from Nova Southeastern University.

Marilyn Hughes made a difference in the lives of many after teaching and serving as an educator for over half a century.  The Marilyn Hughes Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor the life of Mrs. Hughes and to continue her legacy of excellence in education.  This annual scholarship for $200 will benefit a high school senior who attended Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary school for at least one complete school year, a school where Mrs. Hughes was an integral part of the faculty for over thirty years.

Download the 2020 Marilyn Hughes Memorial Scholarship Application

John McLaughlin spent his life fine-tuning his love and talent for music. Music was John’s passion. John always said, ‘If you do something that you love you never have to work a day in your life,’ and he lived his life to the fullest.John was an incredible musician who entertained people through Florida for more than five decades. Every song was a story and every story was accompanied by a song.

The McLaughlin Musical Scholarship will help continue to spread John’s love and passion for music by awarding a $500 scholarship to a graduating student who plans to Major or Minor in Music.

Download the McLaughlin Musical Scholarship 2020

Niko Malidelis was a senior at North Marion High School, preparing to enter the Fire College after graduation when a tragic automobile accident cut his young life short. His family reached out to their network of friends to help establish the Niko Malidelis Fire College Scholarship. This $300 scholarship will be offered to seniors who will become a fireman and demonstrate economic need and initiative.

Download the 2020 Niko Malidelis Fire College application

Papa John’s has 6 core values:

Focus: keep the main thing the main thing.

Accountability: do what you say you are going to do when you say you’re going to do it.

Superiority: we expect excellence in everything we do, PAPA- people are priority always.

Attitude: if you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.

Constant Improvement: we never stop trying to surpass our previous best.

With that in mind, we are looking for two (2) seniors who wish to further their education, are driven to pursue their dreams, and have the ability to overcome adversity. These are students involved in their school, athletics, and are giving back to the community. Papa John’s believes that people are our greatest assets.

The two (2) $750 Papa John’s scholarships are available to graduating seniors at each of the Marion County Public High Schools.

Download the 2020 Papa Johns Scholarship Application

James M. Frazier was an active Phi Delta Kappa member and past president of the local Florida Springs chapter. He used his unfailing enthusiasm for PDK and education to inspire others to get involved. It was his dream to help as many young people as possible achieve their goal of a career in teaching.

The Jim Frazier Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a deserving applicant who meets the following criteria: eligible applicants must be students or employees of the Marion County Public Schools and must have a desire to be a classroom teacher. Eligible applicants include high school seniors intending to major in education, Marion County Public School employees who are enrolled in an undergraduate teacher education program, or teachers who are seeking additional certifications. The recipient is selected by the scholarship committee of the Florida Springs Chapter #1434 of Phi Delta Kappa in Ocala, Florida.

Download the 2020 PDK Jim Fraizer Memorial Scholarship

The Southern Sportsman Whitetail Foundation provides 4 – $1,000 scholarship to students who will be pursuing careers in one of the four areas: agriculture, military, law enforcement, or as first responder.  Please review the application based on your career interest. 

AGRICULTURE

Applicants for this scholarship must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in either agriculture, through the study of biological or physical sciences, or veterinary medicine at a college or university they choose.

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the field of agriculture through the involvement in Future Farmers of America, 4H, or the Southeastern Youth Fair, or through proven experience such as actual work in physical sciences at the high school level.

Some examples of work experience could include work on a family farm, at a veterinary office, volunteering at an animal shelter or for an animal rescue organization.

Download the 2020 Southern Sportsman Whitetail- Agriculture Science application

MILITARY

The Southern Sportsman Whitetail Foundation provides expenses for travel, lodging and food for hunting trips to Georgia and locally in Florida for disabled veterans and other disabled people who could not go hunting by themselves. The funds are raised through a banquet held in August and A golf tournament which is held in March.

Applicants must be pursuing a degree from one of the military academies to become a commissioned officer or plan on a career in one of the armed forces as a non-commissioned officer.

Applicants must be involved in some military organization, such as ROTC, Young Marines or some other service organization. The applicant must show student achievement, wellness, leadership and diversity.

Download the 2020 Southern Sportsman Whitetail- Military application

LAW ENFORCMENT

Applicants for this scholarship must be pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.

Download the 2020 Southern Sportsman Whitetail- Law Enforcement application

FIRST RESPONDER

Applicants for this scholarship must be pursuing a career as a First Responder.

Download the 2020 Southern Sportsman Whitetail- First Responder application

Suncoast Credit Union Scholarships (2) $2,000

Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is a proud supporter of public education. Since 1990, the Foundation has provided more than 600 scholarships totaling nearly $1 million to students pursuing higher education. Scholarships are available to high school seniors who live in the counties served by Suncoast Credit Union and who demonstrate a need for financial assistance, possess leadership abilities and achieve high academic performance.

This year, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is partnering with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County to offer (2) $2,000 scholarship awards to high school graduates in the Class of 2020.  Class of 2020 high school graduates in Suncoast Credit Union’s 21-county service territory have the opportunity to apply for financial support to continue their education, thanks to a $116,000 investment in scholarships by the Tampa-based credit union’s Foundation.  Additional student requirements can be found on the Suncoast Credit Union Scholarship application.

Download the2020 Suncoast Credit Union Scholarship Application

Walter Wade was a Navy veteran who served our country for 20 years (1973-1993). He loved the Navy and his duty posts included, San Diego, Honolulu, San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, Long Beach, Commander Sixth Fleet in Italy and Sardinia during the Gulf War, and finally teaching ROTC at the University of Mississippi. He achieved the rank of Quartermaster Senior Chief Petty Officer. He entered the Navy with an Associate in Arts degree from Centralia College, WA, and then took advantage of evening extension classes offered to active military through Columbia College, MO and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government. When he retired from the Navy, he continued traveling on cruises all over the world because he truly loved being at sea, and he worked as a volunteer at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA for 10 years as a gift shop assistant responsible for receiving and inventory. He moved to Ocala in 2013 and enjoyed the community and the weather immensely. Even though he had no children of his own, he was always an advocate for young people continuing their education beyond high school no matter how many years it took to graduate.

Walter loved cooking, reading, interior design, attending the symphony, dance performances, and visiting museums around the world. The Walter William Wade Memorial scholarship is dedicated to the arts and to our military men and women who have proudly served our country.

Criteria: This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to 1 Marion County high school senior who meets the following criteria:

1. Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelors Degree in any of the following specialties:
 MUSIC
 DANCE
 ART
 THEATRE
 MUSEUM STUDIES
 CULINARY
 INTERIOR DESIGN

2. At least one parent OR grandparent who has served a minimum of four years active duty in any of the U.S. military branches.
Applicants are required to submit a 300 word essay, three letters of recommendation from teachers and a DD Form 214 certifying their parent’s or grandparents military discharge.

Download the 2020 Walter William Wade Memorial Scholarship application

A committee of North Marion High School Alumni has established a scholarship fund to benefit 12th grade students from North Marion High School as they graduate high school and continue their education at a college, university or vocation/technical school. Scholarship winners will be determined based on their academic performance, school and community activities, character and the need for assistance.

Scholarship amount to be awarded is $1,000. 

Download the 2020 Winners Circle Scholarship Application

Donations to help provide funding for the Colt Alumni Winners Circle can be made online on the Foundation donation page or checks can be mailed to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County at 1239 NW 4th Street, Ocala FL 34475 – with a note to indicate the donation is for the Colt Alumni Winners Circle Scholarship.  All donations are tax deductible. 

To Parents/Guardians of 8^th Grade Students in Marion County Public Schools – Your Child May Be Eligible for a College Scholarship

Take Stock in Children helps students from low-income families achieve academic and personal success by providing them with volunteer mentors and college scholarships.  Take Stock is a statewide program, funded locally through the Public Education Foundation.  Students attending Marion County Public Schools are selected through a competitive process during their 8^th grade year.  Upon high school graduation, students who have completed all of the requirements of the Take Stock program will receive a 2 year college tuition scholarship through the Florida Prepaid Foundation.

• For more information on eligibility and the application timeline, please review the Eligibility Guidelines
•  Download the Scholarship Coversheet and Application for 2019.

Applications must be submitted to the child’s Middle School Guidance Department by October 21, 2019. 

The Ocala Film Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to leading our 
community in creative and cultural discovery through the medium of motion pictures. We seek to discover and encourage independent artists worldwide and to build a community among those artists and their audience. By increasing awareness, accessibility, and a broader appreciation of the cinematic arts within our community, we endeavor to support the educational, cultural, and economic well-being of our region.

The Silver Springs International Film Festival is the presenting partner of the Ocala Film
 Foundation. The Festival is an international cultural event created to elevate awareness of
 Ocala/Marion County, Florida’s Silver Springs State Park and the area’s contributions to
 cinema, as well as the cultural landscape of Florida. Through the Festival, our goal is to offer 
scholarships to area students interested in the media arts and provide (and upgrade) necessary equipment for our Marion County schools through classroom grants. The Festival will also serve to encourage filmmakers to utilize the areas’ pristine natural resources and unique culture and character.

2018-2019 Ocala Film Foundation Scholarship Application