HOW WE HELP
Scholarships
Students and families at all income levels could qualify for various types of aid, so LEAP encourages all families to fill out federal and Florida financial aid forms, like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Each year on October 1, the federal FAFSA application opens so students can apply for financial aid for the next school year. It’s recommended that you fill out the form as early as possible so you take advantage of all possible options, however, the application is open all the way through June the following year. For Florida financial aid, the deadline is May 15th the following year. Some colleges also have deadlines for certain aid programs, so if you have a college or two in mind that you are considering, we recommend reaching out to their financial aid offices directly.
Students and families at all income levels could qualify for various types of aid, so LEAP encourages all families to fill out federal and Florida financial aid forms, like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Each year on October 1, the federal FAFSA application opens so students can apply for financial aid for the next school year. It’s recommended that you fill out the form as early as possible so you take advantage of all possible options, however, the application is open all the way through June the following year. For Florida financial aid, the deadline is May 15th the following year. Some colleges also have deadlines for certain aid programs, so if you have a college or two in mind that you are considering, we recommend reaching out to their financial aid offices directly.
Federal & State Financial Aid
Why fill out the FAFSA?
Each year, Florida students leave $300 million in Pell Grants on the table by not completing the FAFSA. A Pell Grant in 2022-23 could provide up to $6,895 per year in support.
Six out of 10 Florida high school seniors who complete the FAFSA qualify for a Pell Grant, one of the largest forms of federal aid available to low-income students.
Completing the FAFSA early can give financial aid departments at colleges other ways to get you more monetary help.
There are many resources available to help students fill out the FAFSA – and we always recommend checking in with your high school’s counselors.
State governments and many colleges and career schools use your FAFSA information to award you other types of aid.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PELL GRANTS
Work-Study: Qualifying for work-study gives you an opportunity to work part-time while going to school and helps you pay for your schooling.
Florida State Aid: The State of Florida offers financial assistance to students through grants, like a grant for students whose parents didn’t go to college. See all state of FL financial aid opportunities including the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
It is important to remember, that in order to be qualified for Florida State Aid, you still need to complete both the federal FAFSA form AND the Florida applications.
More than 50% of Florida college students qualify for Pell grants, which is free money to pay for college.
*Source: U.S. Government
Scholarships
There are endless scholarship opportunities available, if you know where to look. Below, we’ve rounded up local resources, along with some of the largest national scholarship search tools, to help you find the money you need for college.
Featured Florida Scholarship
Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Florida’s flagship scholarship, covering a large portion of tuition at state colleges and universities. Awards are based on GPA, coursework, test scores, and service/work hours.
- Apply by: August 31 after high school graduation (via the Florida Financial Aid Application, FFAA).
Apply Tampa Bay Scholarship Search
Not sure where to start? Use the Apply Tampa Bay scholarship database to find opportunities that fit your background, career interests, or field of study.
Search Apply Tampa Bay today
Scholarships from LEAP Partner Organizations
Community Foundation Tampa Bay – multiple donor-funded scholarships for high school seniors and adult learners.
Hillsborough Education Foundation – scholarships for Hillsborough County students
Pinellas Education Foundation – scholarships for Pinellas County students.
St. Petersburg College & Hillsborough College – institutional scholarships awarded after FAFSA completion.
University of South Florida & University of Tampa – merit-based and need-based awards for admitted students.
National Scholarship Databases
Local scholarships are a great start, but you don’t have to stop there — thousands of national scholarships are available to students across the country. By using trusted search engines, you can discover awards that match your academic interests, career goals, and personal story. These tools open the door to opportunities you might not find through local programs alone.
BigFuture by College Board
A nationwide database with thousands of scholarships and internships. Students can filter by GPA, test scores, major, and background to build a personalized list.
Search BigFuture Scholarships
Kaleidoscope
A platform that partners with foundations and organizations to host scholarships, fellowships, and grants. With one profile, you can apply to multiple awards — making it simpler to stay organized. Explore Kaleidoscope Opportunities