Scholarship Opportunities in Indian River County

Indian River County offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing higher education. These scholarships are provided by local foundations, organizations, and Indian River State College, with the goal of supporting students in achieving their academic dreams.

Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County

History and Mission

The Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County was founded in 1964 by Dan K. Richardson and members of the Rotary Club as a chapter of Scholarship America's Dollars for Scholars program. The foundation's vision and mission are centered on helping local students realize their dream of going to college by providing need-based scholarships.

Since making its first awards in 1965, the Scholarship Foundation has provided $16.3 million in scholarships to 3,187 accomplished and deserving Indian River County students. In 2013, the organization changed its name to Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County.

Funding and Support

The Scholarship Foundation is supported solely through the generosity of the residents and businesses of Indian River County. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.

Board of Directors

The foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that raises funds, sets policies, reviews scholarship applications, and interviews student applicants and their families.

Scholarship Application Process

Scholarship qualifications and applications are available online each year after November 1 and must be submitted by the January-February deadlines.

Recent Awards Ceremony

At its 60th Annual Awards Ceremony on May 12, 2025, the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County awarded $798,800 in new need-based scholarships. The ceremony was held at Sebastian River High School's Performing Arts Center.

Forty-seven local students received 104 scholarships to study at 22 colleges and universities in 6 states and Washington, DC. This included three recipients already in college and eleven high school seniors who will receive their AA degrees from IRSC this year. Individual awards range from $4,000 to $30,000 and are tailored to each student's financial need. Awards are payable over the 2, 3, or 4 years each recipient is expected to take to achieve their undergraduate degree.

Appreciation to Donors

The Scholarship Foundation expresses appreciation to its donors, friends, and the community for their generous financial support, which has provided college scholarships for the community’s future leaders and reduced the financial strain on their parents and guardians for 60 years.

Important Dates

Spring 2026 Check Pick-Up: Starting December 26, 2025, those who have completed their paperwork may pick up their checks between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday-Friday, until February 1, 2026. Any checks not picked up by that date will be forfeited. The office will be closed for the New Year's holiday on January 1, 2026. Spring renewal paperwork should be submitted through the web portal prior to December 22.
Class of 2026 Applications: The foundation is accepting applications for the Class of 2026. The deadline for completing an Eligibility Form, the first step in the process, is January 14, 2026.

Anniversary

The Scholarship Foundation celebrated its 60th Anniversary at Northern Trust on February 27, 2025.

Read also: Crafting Perfect Thank You Notes

Indian River State College Foundation Scholarships

Indian River State College (IRSC) offers scholarships for students through its Foundation. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, artistic talent, athletic achievement, community involvement, and more.

General Information

Each year, the Indian River State College Foundation awards over $3.5 million in scholarships to students. The application process is rolling, and priority is given to early submissions that best meet the scholarship criteria. Scholarships are distributed until all funds are awarded.

The program aims to remove financial barriers and help students take their next step with confidence.

Eligibility

Scholarships cover tuition for eligible graduates from public and public charter high schools in the IRSC service area and apply to associate degree and career training programs.

Institutional Scholarships

These scholarships support students in fine arts programs or pursuing bachelor’s degrees at IRSC. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA and apply through the Foundation Awarded Portal.

Read also: Foundation Scholarship Details

Featured Scholarships

Baccalaureate Academic Scholarship: Covers up to 15 credit hours for A.A./A.S. graduates with a GPA of 3.0+ admitted to a bachelor’s program.
Fine Arts Scholarships: For students in art, music, dance, theater, or technical theater programs. Awards are based on talent.

External Scholarships

Many organizations across the region invest in IRSC students. Each program has its own application process and deadlines.

Examples include:

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program: A lottery-funded program rewarding Florida high school graduates for academic achievement.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: Provides grants to women pursuing education while supporting dependents.
Michael Abt Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship: For graduating seniors from any Indian River County public high school (GPA 2.0+).
Karen Mashburn Environmental Scholars Program: Awards $10,000 to one undergraduate or graduate student completing an internship with Friends of the Everglades. Deadline: March 16.
Link Foundation Distinguished Scholar Award: Prestigious scholarships for River students in STEM fields with GPA 3.3+.

Indian River County 4-H Foundation

Overview

Established in 2008, the Indian River County 4-H Foundation is a nationally chartered, private, non-profit organization. The IRC 4-H Foundation is dedicated to promoting, supporting and funding the 4-H community.

Annual Flagship Fundraiser

The Indian River County 4-H Foundation invites all supporters of the 4-H Program to attend their Annual Flagship Fundraiser. In the past, it was held on October 11, 2025.

Erin Foster Arena Memorial Senior Achievement Scholarship Award

The IRC 4-H Foundation Erin Foster Arena Memorial Senior Achievement Scholarship Award is a merit-based scholarship award offered by the Indian River County 4-H Foundation. It can be applied to any qualified higher education.

Application Review Process

Upon submission of scholarship applications, the Indian River County 4-H Foundation Award Committee reviews applications and decides to whom they will extend interviews. Interviews may take place at the Indian River County Administration building.

Past Scholarship Recipients

In 2020, the Indian River County 4-H Foundation awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19, including:

1st place recipient Emma R.
1st place recipient Meghan F.
2nd place recipient Hannah F.
3rd place recipient Elizabeth K.

Funding Request Form

The IRC 4-H Foundation provides a Funding Request Form. The submission of this form DOES NOT guarantee funds.

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