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Your Guide to Local Scholarships in Okaloosa and Walton Counties: Free Money for College is Waiting!




College costs can feel overwhelming, but there are dozens of local scholarships right in your backyard that many students never even apply for! If you're a high school senior in Okaloosa or Walton County, Florida, this comprehensive guide will help you discover opportunities that could put thousands of dollars toward your education.


Major State and Regional Programs


Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $5,000


Perfect for: Florida high school graduates with strong academics and test scores

Deadline: August 31 of your graduation year


Why apply: This is Florida's flagship merit scholarship program, and you should apply regardless of what other scholarships you're pursuing.


More info: www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) Scholarships


Amount: 60-credit hour Florida Prepaid scholarship (approximately $5,200)

Perfect for: Students who applied early (6th-10th grade) with financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA


Special note: If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, this program was designed for you


Contacts:

STEM and Athletics Scholarships


For STEM Students


Peter Beczkiewicz Memorial Scholarship


Offered by the Emerald Coast Science Center, this scholarship provides $8,000 (paid as $2,000 over 4 years) to Okaloosa County seniors pursuing STEM degrees with a minimum 3.0 GPA.


The application deadline is in the Spring, and interested students should contact scholarship@ecscience.org for more information.


This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students planning careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields.

For Student Athletes


Taylor Haugen Scholarships


These scholarships offer $1,500 each (6 total scholarships available) for student athletes with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA (4.0 weighted), community service involvement, and Christian faith.


The scholarships are distributed across counties: 3 for Okaloosa County (including 1 Niceville-specific), 1 for Walton County, 1 for Bay County, and 1 for Santa Rosa County.


The application deadline is March 15, 2025. Visit taylorhaugen.org for complete details and application instructions.



Community Foundation Scholarships



Fellows Foundation Scholarships


Amount: $1,000-$10,000 (varies by field)

Perfect for: Students from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, or Walton County pursuing healthcare or ministry degrees


Deadline: May 1


Website: fellowsfund.org

Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation


Amount: $1,000 (multiple scholarships available)


Perfect for: Seniors with 3.5+ GPA pursuing PR, communication, marketing, or journalism


Deadline: March 17, 2025


Website: www.ecpro.org


Rotary Club Scholarships


Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club


  • Amount: Varies (includes Kay Stokes Memorial, W.E. Morgan III Memorial)


  • How to apply: Available from Rotary Club members


  • Deadline: April 15

Destin Rotary Club


  • Amount: Up to $2,500 annually for up to 4 years


  • Perfect for: Seniors living in the Destin area with a minimum 2.5 GPA


  • Deadline: April 11, 2025


  • Website: destinrotary.com

College-Specific Opportunities



Northwest Florida State College Foundation


Amount: Varies (300+ scholarships available annually!)


How to apply: Through RaiderNet student portal


Contact: (850) 502-2895


These scholarships cover a wide range of majors, backgrounds, and financial situations, making them accessible to many students.

Pensacola State College


Amount: $500-$1,500 (various endowed scholarships)


Perfect for: Northwest Florida residents


Website: pensacolastate.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com

PSC offers numerous scholarships specifically for local students, with many focused on particular fields of study.

University of West Florida


Notable scholarships include:

  • W.E. Combs Scholarship (for Okaloosa County high school graduates)

  • Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

  • Eglin Federal Credit Union Scholarships (for members/dependents)


UWF offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships specifically for students from the Panhandle region.





 
 
 

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