Polk Education Foundation Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Application Process

The Polk Education Foundation (PEF) offers numerous scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors in Polk County, Florida, aiming to support their pursuit of higher education. This article provides a detailed guide to understanding the requirements, navigating the application process, and maximizing your chances of receiving a scholarship.

Understanding the Application Process

The PEF scholarship application is an online process with specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure eligibility. It's crucial to approach the application with meticulous attention to detail.

Initial Steps

Device Compatibility: The application is designed for computer use, not phones or mobile devices.
Starting the Application: Do not use the "PREVIEW" button to start. Click "BEGIN" to enable data entry.
Student ID and Password: Begin by entering your student ID number (with or without the "5300" prefix) and creating a unique password.
Personal Information: Double-check all personal information pulled from the school district's student record system, especially the address, as award letters will be sent there.
Volunteer Hours and Test Scores: Ensure all volunteer hours, work hours, and updated test scores are submitted to your school and entered into the student records system before starting the application. This information is used to determine eligibility for specific scholarships. Don't wait until the last minute to submit this information! The computer program screens using your personal information, and if a scholarship requires a minimum amount of volunteer hours or test score and you have them, but they are not in the system, you will not be allowed to apply for that award.

Scholarship Selection and Eligibility

Strategic Scholarship Selection: Avoid checking every scholarship listed. Carefully read the “Scholarship Criteria” to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements set by the donor. Donors prefer applicants who have taken the time to understand the specific requirements of each scholarship.
Required Extras: Be aware of any "extras" required, such as additional essays, reference letters, or college acceptance letters, and gather these materials in advance.
Incomplete Applications: Incomplete applications or missing documentation will disqualify your submission.

Application Completion and Submission

Saving Your Work: Save each page as you complete the application to avoid losing information. The application automatically closes after 45 minutes of inactivity unless you hit the SAVE or CONTINUE buttons.
Essay Preparation: Type and proofread your essays in a Word document before copying and pasting them into the application, as spell-check is not available within the application itself.
Finalizing the Application: Do not finalize the application if you intend to work on it later. Save your work and use your chosen password to return and make further edits.
Submission Deadline: Complete the online application by noon on the indicated deadline.
Final Review: NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE ON THE APPLICATION AFTER YOU PRESS “FINISH & SUBMIT”!
Signatures: Sign the application, and if you are under 18, obtain your parent or guardian's signature as well. If you are 18, indicate your birthdate to verify your age.
Hard Copy Submission: Make a copy of the application for your records and submit the other copy to your counselor by their due date, along with all required attachments.
Student Aid Report (SAR): Attach a copy of your SAR (Student Aid Report) obtained by completing the FAFSA.
Assembly: Please do not use a paperclip, use one staple to attach your application package.
Unrequested Documents: Do not include any certificates, forms, awards, etc. that are not requested. They are never used for consideration.

Troubleshooting

Incorrect Information: If any of the "non-changeable" information is incorrect, contact your counselor to update it before submitting the final application. The application pulls your records each time you log in, so corrections will appear after they are made.
Application Issues: If you encounter any issues, DO NOT SUBMIT the application. Report the problem to your scholarship contact, who can then contact the PEF.

Key Requirements and Eligibility

Several requirements must be met to be eligible for PEF scholarships. These requirements ensure that recipients are on track for graduation and demonstrate academic proficiency.

Academic Requirements

Graduation Status: Be on track to graduate from a Polk County public or charter school system, the Adult Schools or Ridge and Traviss.
Test Scores: Have passed both the FSA Reading and Algebra I or Geometry EOC. Alternatively, an ELA concordant score of 36 on CTL Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing is acceptable.

Required Documents and Information

Signed Application: A signed application (live signature required).
Work and Volunteer History: Gather dates of work history (if applicable) and types of community service or work hours (if applicable) already submitted to your school and entered into the student record system.
Student Aid Report (SAR): Attach a copy of your SAR (Student Aid Report, obtained by completing the FAFSA).

Post-Award Procedures

Announcement and Notification

All scholarship recipients are announced at senior award ceremonies. Recipients will receive a package of information after all senior award ceremonies are over.

Fund Disbursement

Required Paperwork: Paperwork must be submitted to the PEF before funds are distributed for a student.
Thank You Note: Distribution of funds will not happen until the proper form and a copy of the thank you note written to the recipient’s sponsor are on file.
Fund Holding: Funds can be held at the PEF for up to five years until a student needs and requests them for school.
Renewal Information: It is the student's responsibility to follow up each year, IF REQUIRED by the donor, with any information to renew (usually a transcript). That requirement would be noted in the award package.

Take Stock in Children Program

Founded in 1995, Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program that offers more than just financial assistance. It supports underserved students in staying in school, earning a high school diploma, graduating from college, and entering the workforce. The program includes:

A college tuition scholarship
Volunteer mentors
A case manager

Students in the program sign performance contracts agreeing to maintain good grades, exhibit positive behavior, and remain drug and crime-free. All funds raised are matched dollar for dollar by Florida Prepaid Project STARS program to purchase scholarships for current and future Take Stock students!

Sponsoring a Scholarship

Individuals and organizations can sponsor a scholarship for Polk County High School graduating seniors in their club or business name, or in memory of a loved one. Donors determine the criteria and the amount for the award. Scholarships can be designated for certain schools or groups of recipients. By creating an endowed scholarship, you will have a perpetual scholarship awarded each year with no other investment needed. Currently a $12,000.00 donation equals a perpetual $500 scholarship.

Success Stories

The impact of PEF scholarships is evident in the success stories of past recipients.

T.J. Kasie

T.J. Kasie, a graduate of Winter Haven High School, received the Grant Lacerte Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Music and the Winter Haven Women's Club Scholarship. These scholarships allowed her to enter college with an eagerness to explore and find her place in the world post-high school graduation. Kasie graduated from Florida State University with two degrees and three certificates and is pursuing a master's degree in mental health counseling. She plans to work in low-economic areas to provide resources to children in search of help and eventually own a private practice offering various therapies.

Madyson

Madyson, a first-generation college student, received a scholarship from the Polk Education Foundation (PEF) that made her college career possible. She majored in Marine Biology at the University of West Florida (UWF) and had several research opportunities, including studying abroad in Indonesia. Madyson completed her master's degree at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and received a prestigious honor awarded by the National Sea Grant College Program called the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, allowing her to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program in the Washington DC area.

Read also: Educators in Polk County

Read also: Opportunities at Polk State

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