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Home > South Florida Fair > About > Scholarships > Apply For A Scholarship

Apply For A Scholarship

South Florida Fair Scholarships

Each year, the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. proudly awards over $80,000 in scholarships to students who are eager to continue their education. Our mission is to support young individuals, particularly those who may not otherwise have the opportunity, as they pursue studies at an accredited college, university, or trade school.

The 2027 Scholarship Awards Ceremony will take place in January on the Deck and Drive Stage.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Kayla Cawley at (561) 472-8496 or email at Scholarships@southfloridafair.com


Application Deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
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Eligibility:
1. Applicant must have completed his or her junior year of high school. Students attending public, private, charter, virtual, technical, and homeschool programs are eligible.
2. Applicant must be a full-time resident of Florida, and reside in one of the following counties: Broward, Hendry, Martin, Okeechobee or Palm Beach.
3. The following categories are ineligible to apply: Advertising and Promotional Agencies, Sponsors, Trustees, Directors, Staff of the South Florida Fair and their relatives.
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Applications/Awards/Rules:
1. Applicants will complete a single application and will be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible.
Note that some scholarships have academic, geographic or area of study specifications.
2. The Scholarship Committee reserves the right to assign awards and amend scholarship amounts.
3. Scholarships must be used within 5 years of date of award or will be forfeited.
4. Scholarship Awards will only be paid directly to an accredited college, university, or trade program.
5. Scholarships of less than $3,000 will be paid in a single, lump sum payment unless otherwise specified by the donor.
Scholarships over $3,000 may be paid over multiple years.
6. Scholarships are non-renewable.
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Before You Apply:

1. Review the application first to ensure you have all the information and documents to complete it.

2. Gather the required application materials to be submitted with the application.

A. Two letters of recommendation. These can be teachers, principals, work supervisors or others familiar with you that are not members of your immediate family.

B. Most recent high school transcripts.

C. Essay response. Review the prompts and prepare an essay of no more than 300 words.

D. A recent school photo or headshot (.jpg or .png format).

3. If submitting a manual application, a completed Scholarship Application Form is required. Online submissions will not require this form.

4. Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute for the application.

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Submit Your Application Below:

2027 South Florida Fair Scholarship Application
Presently Employed
(e.g. May/27)
Are you currently dual enrolled:
Merits/Award (Check all that apply):
How do you plan to finance or pay for your education? (Check all that apply):
Scores (if available):

Please complete all sections below.
List years, months and/or high school grades participated for each activity:
Additional credit will be given if the applicant is, or has been, a participant in the South Florida Fair’s activities. Activities may consist of judging events, exhibits, livestock and agriculture activities, volunteering or any other Fair related activity. Membership in 4-H or FFA is NOT required.

(Sports, Band, Clubs, Performing Arts etc.)
(Livestock, Yesteryear Village, Fair events etc.)
UPLOADS:
Letter of Recommendation 1
Letter of Recommendation 2
High School Transcript
Recent school photo or headshot Must be a .jpg or .png

Essay Prompts (choose one - 300 word or less):

• What experience or challenge most influenced your education or career goals and what did you learn from it?

• What is something about you that cannot be found on your transcript or application, but is essential to understanding who you are?

• Tell us about a problem you have noticed in your school, family, or community. What would you do to improve it, and why does it matter to you?

Personal Essay Response
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I hereby authorize South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. to obtain my school records for publishing and distribution to the South Florida Fair Scholarship Committee only. I have read and understand the facts attached to this application and consent to its terms and conditions. I hereby certify that all statements I have made herein are true and correct. This program may be changed or terminated at any time at the South Florida Fair’s absolute and arbitrary discretion.

I agree to the terms and conditions
Please Hold These Important Dates:
  • Applicants invited to participate in an interview will be notified by: November 21, 2026.
  • Applicant Interview (if selected): December 12, 2026.
  • Scholarship Ceremony during the South Florida Fair (if awarded): January 17, 2027.
Submit
Adobe PDF
Paper Scholarship Application
Data Chart

Amount of Scholarship Number Awarded Terms of Scholarship Award
$2,500 1

Paid in increments: $1,000 the first year and $500 for the next three years to the educational institution. For a student in financial need and in good academic standing.

Sponsored by the Avellana Family Scholarship

$1,500 1

For a student exhibiting academic excellence. The Bonlarron Family Scholarship

$1,500 1

For a student pursuing a degree in nursing. The Elizabeth Gilbert Bowling Family Scholarship

$2,500 1

For a student exhibiting academic excellence. The Burkhardt Family Scholarship Fund

$2,500 1

For a student pursuing a degree in Agricultural Studies.

The Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Agricultural Studies

$2,500 1

For a student exhibiting academic excellence. Kahlert Family Scholarship

$1,000 1

Paid to a student in the Glades area (Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay)

and exhibiting academic excellence. The Kelsey-Naylor Family Foundation, Inc.

$2,000 Each 2 For a student exhibiting academic excellence residing in Palm Beach County. Applicant must be pursuing a degree in Agricultural studies. Sponsored by Palm Beach County Farm Bureau & Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau

$1,500

1

For a student pursuing a degree in Agricultural Studies. Performance NAPA Scholarship

$2,000

1

For a student pursuing a degree in fine arts. The Virginia Pruitt Fine Arts Scholarship

$2,000

1

For a student exhibiting academic excellence. The William H. Pruitt Scholarship

$1,500

1

For a student pursuing a degree in Agricultural Studies. RC Hatton Farms Scholarship

$2,500

1

For a student in financial need and in good academic standing. The Vymlatil Family Scholarship

$2,000

1

For a student exhibiting academic excellence.

Past Chairs of the South Florida Fair Board Scholarship

$1,000 1

For a student in financial need and in good academic standing majoring in Humanities. The Dr. J. Montague Cook Scholarship

$1,000 1

For a student exemplifying volunteerism and service. The Darline McGehe Scholarship

$2,000 1

For a student in the equestrian community. Francine Bell Shorr Memorial Scholarship

$2,000

1

Bill Sneed Memorial Scholarship

$2,500

1

The Craig and Lisa Elmore Scholarship

$1,000

1

For a student showing community impact. Rhonda's Promise Legacy Scholarship

$1,000

1

For a student pursuing a degree in a "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field.

Urban League of Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast Scholarship

Ranging from

$1,000 to

$4,000

Minimum of 15

For a student exhibiting academic excellence. Scholarships ranging from

$1,000 - $3,000 will be paid in a lump sum to the educational institution;

scholarships over $3,000 will be paid annually over a 4 year period.

Florida Power & Light
Scholarships Sponsor

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