Selby Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by William G and Marie Selby Foundation

Introduction This scholarship is intended for students who live in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto counties and are preparing to begin a four‑year college program. It supports graduating high school seniors from those counties who plan to enroll full‑time at an accredited college or university and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Who may apply - Must be a graduating senior at a high school located in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto counties. - Must intend to attend an accredited college or university full‑time to complete a four‑year bachelor’s degree. - Students who plan to begin at a state college are eligible provided they are on a path to a bachelor’s degree; applicants planning only a two‑year degree are not eligible. - Students who are already enrolled in college (i.e., not current high school seniors) are not eligible. Selection criteria Scholarship decisions are made using the following factors: - Demonstrated significant financial need - Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 - Official high school or state college transcript - Letters of recommendation from teachers and community members that speak to the applicant’s capacity for personal growth - Essays describing personal values and future plans - A personal interview with community leaders Renewal policy Selby Scholarships may be renewed for up to four years. To qualify for renewal, students must: - Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA - Be enrolled full‑time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) at an accredited university Renewal is not automatic; students must reapply annually. The renewal application process is streamlined and occurs once per year with a mid‑July deadline. Applicants will receive an email in June containing a link to the renewal form. The form requests a short essay, confirmation of contact and school information, a current transcript, and an award summary for the upcoming year. Distinctive program benefits Two features set this scholarship apart: 1) Selby Scholar Match Mentoring Program (optional) — Scholars may be paired with local community leaders working in their field of interest. This mentorship can provide networking opportunities and practical career guidance. 2) Variable annual award amounts — Instead of awarding the same fixed sum each year, the scholarship amount is adjusted annually based on the student’s current financial need. This annual reassessment helps maximize support for returning students in later years when initial one‑time funds may no longer be available.