Who is eligible for the scholarship?

To be eligible for an award, an applicant must submit a completed application with the intent to establish residence within 180 days of the award or have already established residence within Hardee County. An applicant must graduate from an accredited post-secondary school with an undergraduate diploma or technical/vocational/industry certificate in the eligible years (2020,2021,2022 or 2023) for the current 2023 scholarship.

How much is the scholarship award?

An applicant will request reimbursement of all tuition and fees incurred in pursuit of the undergraduate degree or trade/vocational/industry certificate. Up to the total amount requested may be awarded by the committee payable in five annual installments if Hardee County residency is maintained for five consecutive years. The award amount is determined by the Committee and is limited by available funds, number, and size of requests.

When will I receive the scholarship funds? 

The scholarship funds will not be paid to any awardee until he or she has established and documented residency in the County for 365 calendar days. Any awardee who has not established residency within 180 calendar days after the date of written or electronic notice of the award will forfeit the scholarship. The Foundation will make the payments directly to the applicant awardee.

Do I have to live in Hardee County to apply for the scholarship?

No, you may apply for the scholarship before living in Hardee County.  However, benefits will not be paid until you have established and documented residency in Hardee County for 365 days. Any awardee who has not established residency by 180 days after the award date will forfeit the scholarship. 

Does my job have to be in Hardee County?

No, you can work in or out of Hardee County if you live in Hardee County.

What if I move any time after I have established residency?

If you move, you must notify the Foundation immediately, even if you move somewhere else within Hardee County.  If you move out of the County you will immediately lose the award and no future payments will be made. 

If my scholarship is forfeited due to the residency requirement, can I get the scholarship reinstated? 

Any cessation of residency during the 365-day period will immediately negate any proposed award. Once an award is terminated, a new application may be made, if the new application is made within the three-year period following receipt of an undergraduate degree or trade certificate. A new application does not imply receipt of an award. No fractional payments will be made for partial annual residency.