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Scholarships

Scholarship applications are now closed for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Student Government awards scholarships annually during the Fall semester of each academic year. The awards from these scholarships are split in half, where the first half is disbursed during the Fall semester and the second half is disbursed during the Spring semester. 

Please see below for the list of scholarships offered by the Student Government.

If you have questions, please contact Robin Robertson at 620-1284 or via email at sgscholarships@unf.edu

Competitive Scholarships

Competitive Scholarships are scholarships that are allocated and distributed by Student Government. The applications are reviewed by the SG Scholarship Committee, and the committee will select the award recipient(s) for each award.

  • Celeste Watkins Distinguished Leader Scholarship

    Open to undergraduate and graduate applicants.

    Award:

    Six recipients will be awarded $1,000 each. Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term. 

    Requirements:

    • Must submit a typed resume and letter of recommendation from a faculty member, staff member, or mentor. 
    • Must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative UNF GPA. 
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 credit hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University. 
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees). 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt. font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. 

    Must be in a leadership position role in any of the following:   

    • Any UNF student-lead organization under Academic or Student Affairs.
    • Any of the UNF Student Alliance for Inclusion and Diversity (SAID) organizations. 
    • UNF Community-Engaged Center Programs.
    • A member or volunteer of UNF Student Government's branches or agencies.

    Must provide typed answers to the following questions:

    1. Why are you involved in Leadership? 
    2. How have you served the students at UNF?
    3. Whether you have participated in any volunteer activities at UNF and your associated experiences. 
    4. How your contribution toward the mission of UNF has been distinctive and worthy of this scholarship?

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarships for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • E.K. Fretwell First Generation Scholarship

    Open to undergraduate and graduate applicants.

    Award:

    Four recipients will be awarded $1,000.   Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term.

    Requirements:

    • Must be considered a First Generation student, where neither parent has earned a Bachelor's degree. 
    • Must submit a typed resume.
    • Must provide a typed personal statement addressing the challenges you face as a first-generation student. 
    • Must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative UNF GPA
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University. 
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline.
    • All scholarships are based on credit hours and based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition, and fees 9 (with differential fees.)
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. 

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Everett Malcom Wellness Scholarship

    Open to undergraduate and graduate applicants.

    Award:

    Two recipients will be awarded $2,000.  Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term.  

    Requirements:

    • Must provide a typed essay expressing the importance of how food security will help you complete your studies at UNF.
    • Must be classified as a Florida Resident for tuition purposes. 
    • Must have a 2.5 minimum cumulative UNF GPA.
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). 
    • Must be in good standing with the University. 
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline.
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees.) 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Time New Roman, 1-inch margins.

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Martin P. Garris Humanitarian Scholarship

    Open to undergraduate and graduate applicants.

    Awarded to a student who has dedicated their time to fighting indifference, intolerance, and injustice, and whose goals are consistent with the goals of the University of North Florida - Excellence, Focus, Accountability, and Relevance.

    Award:

    Two recipients will be awarded $2,000. Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term. 

    Requirements:

    • Must provide a letter of reference attesting to your character from a relevant organization or UNF faculty or staff member.
    • Must provide a typed resume and an essay describing how your humanitarian interest has affected your experience at UNF.
    • Must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative UNF GPA. 
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF. 
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University. 
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees). 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt. font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. 

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

    Open to undergraduate and graduate applicants.

    Award:

    Four recipients will be awarded $1,000 each.  Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term. 

    Requirements:

    • Must qualify as a non-traditional student. A non-traditional student is defined as any person who delays college enrollment after high school, works full-time while enrolled, is considered financially independent for financial aid purposes, has dependents other than a spouse or is a single parent, does not hold a high school diploma (may have GED or other completion certificate), and/or any combination of these.
    • Must provide a typed resume and an essay describing 
      1. How this scholarship would facilitate the completion of your degree 
      2. What your goals are after completion of your degree?
       
    • Must have successfully completed 6 credit hours at UNF without a break of more than one semester. 
    • Must have a minimum UNF cumulative GPA of 3.0.
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 undergraduate hours or 3 graduate hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF. 
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 
    • Must be in good standing with the university. 
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships are based on credit hours and based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees) 
    • All applicant essay

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Graduate Scholarship

    OPEN TO GRADUATE APPLICANTS ONLY 

    Please type all information below.  
    All fields are required; incomplete applications will not be considered.  
    Contact Robin Robertson for assistance at (904) 620-1284.

    Award

    • Seven recipients will each be awarded $2,000 ($1,000 for the Fall and Spring terms).

    Requirements

    • Must be accepted in a graduate-level major, degree seeking as opposed to post-baccalaureate.
    • Must provide an essay describing how you will use your graduate degree to impact the local and global community. 
    • Must provide a typed resume.
    • Must provide a letter of recommendation from mentor.
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 credit hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
    • Must have a minimum UNF cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University.
    • Must submit application and other required documents by the deadline.
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins.
    • As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied. 

     

    Instructions

    Attach a resume, letter of recommendation from a mentor, and a typed essay describing how you will use your graduate degree to impact the local and global community. 

    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format:
      • Limit of 1-2 pages
      • Double-spaced
      • 12 pt. font, Times New Roman
      • 1-inch margins

    Submit this application with required attachments in Perch Portal by 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 25, 2023.

  • Pamela Chally Swoop to Finish Strong Scholarship

    Open to undergraduate and graduate applicants.

    Award:

    Seven recipients will be awarded $1,000 each term. Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term. 

    Requirements:

    • Must be a junior or senior (minimum of 60 hours) and have declared a major. 
    • Must provide a letter of recommendation from the Dean, department chair or faculty member of the student's college. 
    • Must provide a typed essay describing how your UNF college experience, within your major, has prepared you for life after college. 
    • Must submit a resume. 
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.
    • Must have a minimum UNF cumulative GPA of 3.0.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 Undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees). 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. 

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Dawn Knipe Involved in the Nest Scholarship

    Open to undergraduate and graduate applicants.

    Award:

    Three recipients will be awarded $1,000 each.  Half will be disbursed in the fall term: half will be disbursed in the spring term. .

    Requirements:

    • Must be involved in an active Registered Student Organization recognized by the Osprey Student Involvement Center. 
    • Must get an active membership verification by the Registered Student University Organizations leadership. 
    • Must submit a typed essay (1-2) pages describing their involvement in their organization as well as the positive impact it has had in their career.
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 hours each term, Fall 2023 and spring 2024, at UNF. 
    • Must have a minimum UNF cumulative GPA of 3.0.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University. 
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees). 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Time New Roman, 1-inch margins.

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

Decentralized Scholarships

Decentralized Scholarships are scholarships that are allocated by Student Government for other departments to distribute. The applications may be submitted on Perch Portal.  The departments themselves determine the selection process and decide on the award recipient(s) for each award. Any questions about these scholarships should be directed to the corresponding department directly.

  • Student Affairs Scholarship

    Department:

    Office of the Vice President of Student and International Affairs

    Award:

    Award amount will be determined by the VP of Student Affairs Office.

     

    To apply for this scholarship, please contact the VP of Student Affairs Office at (904) 620-2600 or visit them at the Student Union, Building 58 East, Room 2309.

    • Must submit an application to the VP of Student Affairs, which can be found in their office.  
    • Submit an essay describing how this scholarship will assist you in completing your degree.
    • Must have a  GPA of 2.5 or above if an undergraduate.
    • Must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credit hours in the current term and demonstrate being on track to graduate in four years or a graduate student with a GPA of 3.0 or above and enrolled in at least six graduate credit hours at UNF.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University.
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees).
    • All application essays must adhere to the following format 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Times New Roman, 1-inch margin.

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied. 

    Please contact the VP of Student Affairs Office at (904) 620-2600 to inquire about the scholarship form. You can also learn more information about the scholarship and submit it in Building 58E (Student Union), Room 2309.

  • Cindy Alderson Veteran's Scholarship

    Department:

    Military and Veterans Resource Center

    Award:    

    One recipient will be awarded $2,000. Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term. 

    Requirements: 

    • Must be a Veteran with an Honorable Discharge.
    • Must submit an application, resume, personal statement, and DD214.
    • Must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative UNF GPA.
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University.
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline.
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees). 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt. font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins.

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Student Accessibility Center Scholarship

    Department:

    Student Accessibility Center

    Award:   

    One recipient will be awarded $1,500.  Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term. 

    Requirements:

    • Must have a minimum UNF cumulative GPA of 2.75.
    • Must be registered with the Student Accessibility Services.  
    • Must submit a resume. 
    • Must provide a typed resume
    • Must provide an essay describing how your educational experience at UNF has prepared you for life after college. 
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 credit hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University.
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate instate tuition and fees (with differential fees).
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. 

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez International Student Scholarship

    Department:

    International Center

    Award:

    Two recipients will be awarded $2,000 each.  Half will be disbursed in the fall term; half will be disbursed in the spring term. 

    Requirements:

    • Must be an international student attending UNF for one semester prior to applying for the scholarship. 
    • Must provide typed responses to the following:
      1. What aspects of your nationality and culture have you shared with the UNF community?    
      2. Have you attended International Student Events on Campus? If so, how did it enrich your experience at UNF? 
      3. How could UNF improve its International Student relations? 
       
    • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate credit hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.  Exceptions to the course enrollment requirement may apply if the student's final semester is Spring 2024.
    • Must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative UNF GPA.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University.
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition, and fees (with differential fees).
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins.  

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • UNF Preschool Student-Parent Scholarship

    Department: 

    UNF Preschool 

    Award:

    Award amount will be determined by the UNF Preschool.

    Requirements: 

    • Must qualify as a non-traditional student.
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 undergraduate or 3 graduate credit hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, @ UNF.
    • Must have successfully completed 6 hours at UNF or be a current transfer student enrolling at UNF without a break of more than one semester.
    • Must demonstrate financial need.
    • Must have a child currently enrolled with the UNF Preschool.
    • Must provide a typed essay answering the following questions.
    1. What are your hopes, plans, and aspirations? 
    2. Why are you pursuing this degree? 
    3. What keeps you going when obstacles arise? 
    • Must meet any additional criteria established by the Director of the UNF Preschool.
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with University. 
    • Must submit an application and other required documents by the deadline. 
    • All scholarships are based on credit hours are based on Fall 2023 undergraduate, in-state tuition and fees (with differential fees). 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format:1-2 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. 

    As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied.

  • Women's Center Student Parent Scholarship

    Department:

    Women's Center 

    Award:

    Award amount will be determined by the Women's Center.

    Requirements:

    • Must qualify as a non-traditional student.
    • Must provide an essay discussing obstacles you have had to overcome as a student parent.
    • Must be an enrolled UNF student with a minimum of 6 undergraduate or 3 graduate credit hours each term, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, at UNF.
    • Must have successfully completed 6 credit hours at UNF or be a current transfer student enrolling at UNF without a break of more than one semester.
    • Must demonstrate financial need.
    • The GPA requirement is 2.5 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students. 
    • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Must be in good standing with the University. 
    • All applicant essays must adhere to the following format: 1-2 pages double-spaced, 12pt font Times New Roman, 1-inch margins.

     As a condition of receiving this award, the recipient cannot receive any other SG Scholarship for the academic year in which they have applied. 

Scholarship FAQs

Q: When are scholarship applications posted?

A: Scholarships will open August 27th, at 8:00 am. 

Q: How many scholarships may I apply for?

A: Students may apply for as many scholarships as they would like if they meet the eligibility requirements, but they are limited to receiving one award if they are selected as a recipient.

Q: What qualifies you as a non-traditional student?

A: A non-traditional student is typically someone who delays college enrollment and does not enroll immediately following high school completion, works full time (32 or more hours per week) while enrolled, are considered financially independent for purposes of determining eligibility for financial aid, has dependents other than a spouse (usually children, but may also be caregivers of sick or elderly family members), is a single parent (either not married or married but separated and has dependents), or does not have a high school diploma (completed high school with a GED or other high school completion certificate or did not finish high school).

Q: When will the awards be distributed?

A: The scholarships will be distributed sometime in November. 

Q: What is the deadline for the scholarships?

A: The dealing to submit applications is September 25th, at 8:00 am. 

*Please note that any application packets that are missing documents, including the application page, will be disqualified. Each scholarship requires a different set of attachments, so be sure to visit the scholarship listing pages to see what you need to include in your application packet.

For any other specific questions, please call contact Robin Robertson at (904) 620-1284 or email sgscholarships@unf.edu