10 Scholarships for Middle School Students in Florida
If you’re a middle school student, securing scholarships early in your academic journey can provide valuable support for your education and open doors to future opportunities. Florida offers a variety of scholarships for middle school students, encouraging academic excellence, artistic talents, leadership, and community involvement. While some of these scholarships provide funds for college, others recognize your achievements in fields like art and community service.
Below is a curated list of 10 scholarships that Florida middle schoolers can explore to support their educational pursuits.
Scholarship Amount: Varies, typically up to $5,000
Application Deadline: Varies (multiple deadlines throughout the year)
Eligibility:
Florida residents currently enrolled in middle school
Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement
Maintain a minimum GPA as specified by each scholarship category
Step Up For Students is Florida’s largest scholarship program, dedicated to empowering students by providing financial assistance that supports their educational goals. While widely recognized for its high school scholarships, the program also offers opportunities for middle school students who exhibit outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. Scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens, allowing you to focus on studies and extracurricular activities. The program provides resources such as college readiness workshops, mentorship with local leaders, and access to a network of like-minded peers. By fostering a culture of academic excellence and civic responsibility, Step Up For Students helps middle schoolers develop essential skills. Collaboration with schools and community organizations ensures that students receive the support they need to excel academically and contribute to their communities.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility:
Florida middle school students who are passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation
Must submit a comprehensive business plan outlining their unique business idea, objectives, and implementation strategies
Demonstrate creativity, leadership potential, and the feasibility of the proposed business concept
The Young Entrepreneur Florida Scholarship, offered by Meraki Data Solutions, is designed to empower middle school students in Florida who exhibit a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. This scholarship aims to nurture the next generation of business leaders by providing financial support, mentorship, and valuable resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. Eligible students are required to submit a comprehensive business plan that outlines their unique business idea, objectives, and strategies for implementation. The selection criteria focus on creativity, leadership potential, and the feasibility of the proposed business concept.
Recipients of the Young Entrepreneur Florida Scholarship receive a monetary award to help fund their entrepreneurial projects, along with access to exclusive workshops and seminars led by entrepreneurs and industry experts. Additionally, scholars benefit from one-on-one mentorship sessions, which guide them through the intricacies of starting and managing a business. The program also offers networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with local business communities and fellow young entrepreneurs. By participating in this scholarship program, you will not only gain financial assistance but also develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $55,000 a year for college
Application Deadline: May 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility:
Currently in 7th grade and/or entering 8th grade in the fall
Since the beginning of 6th grade, earned grades of all or mostly As in school, with no Cs or below in core academic subjects
Demonstrate unmet financial need (maximum annual gross income of $95,000)
Reside in the United States and plan to attend high school in the U.S.
The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program is a prestigious five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-achieving 7th-grade students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need. You will receive up to $55,000 annually for college, along with comprehensive academic and college advising. The program funds educational expenses, specialized summer programs, internships, and extracurricular activities such as music and art lessons. You will benefit from mentorship, strategic planning, and goal-setting with Educational Advisers. Annual summer programs and year-round community activities foster a supportive network with high-achieving peers. With over 1,100 scholars served and a 96% college enrollment rate, the program prepares you for future academic and professional success.
Scholarship Amount: Varies by category, up to $1,500
Application Deadline: Varies (Typically March)
Eligibility:
Open to students in 6th through 12th grades
Must submit original artwork or writing as per category requirements
U.S. residents only
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize and celebrate the creative efforts of middle school students across the nation. Students from 6th through 12th grades can submit original works in categories such as visual arts, creative writing, journalism, and more. Each submission is evaluated by expert judges, and winners receive monetary awards up to $1,500. Top-tier winners may have their work published in the annual anthology. Additionally, awardees gain access to exclusive workshops, mentorship programs, and exhibitions, providing opportunities for growth and exposure. This prestigious program not only rewards creative talent but also enhances college applications and resumes, fostering a community of young artists and writers.
Scholarship Amount:
Bronze: $10,000
Silver: $25,000
Gold: $50,000
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility: Students under the age of 18 who are U.S. nationals
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes young individuals who have completed significant projects demonstrating extraordinary achievement in various fields. Established by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, this prestigious scholarship honors students under 18 who have excelled in areas such as STEM, literature, music, philosophy, and innovative "Outside the Box" projects. Applicants are required to submit detailed project descriptions, personal essays, and recommendations that showcase their creativity, dedication, and impact. The scholarship aims to support and encourage gifted students to further develop their talents. Winners receive financial awards that can be used to support their educational and personal endeavors, providing them with the resources needed to continue their work.
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Eligibility:
Students between the ages of 8 and 18
Reside in the United States or Canada
Demonstrate exceptional leadership, courage, and compassion through impactful community service or initiatives
Provide necessary documentation, including project descriptions, personal essays, and letters of recommendation
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Scholarship honors young individuals in the United States who have shown extraordinary commitment to making positive changes in their communities. Targeted at students aged 8 to 18, this scholarship recognizes acts of leadership, courage, and compassion that address social, environmental, or humanitarian challenges. Applicants must submit detailed descriptions of their projects or initiatives, along with personal essays and recommendations from mentors or community leaders that highlight their achievements and the impact of their work. Winners receive financial awards of up to $10,000 to support and expand their projects, as well as opportunities for mentorship and networking with established leaders in their respective fields. The scholarship aims to foster students’ personal and academic growth and inspire others to contribute positively to society.
Scholarship Amount: Varies, up to $3,000
Application Deadline: Varies; please visit the website for the latest deadline
Eligibility:
Middle school students
Demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community involvement
Provide necessary documentation, including academic records and personal statements
The Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship Fund, offered by Francisco Gellada Dance, is designed to support middle school students who demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community involvement. This scholarship aims to empower young individuals who work to promote fairness and equality within their schools and communities. Eligible students must showcase their dedication through initiatives, projects, or active participation in organizations that advocate for equity and inclusion.
Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, a personal statement detailing their efforts towards equity, and letters of recommendation from teachers or community leaders who can attest to their commitment and impact. Scholarship amounts vary, providing financial support to help students pursue educational and extracurricular activities that further their commitment to equity. Recipients of the Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship Fund are encouraged to continue their work in promoting inclusive and equitable environments.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $100,000 in prizes for top projects
Application Deadline: Typically in May each year
Eligibility:
Open to students worldwide aged 4 to 18, including elementary, middle, and high school students
Demonstrate innovation and problem-solving skills in a chosen challenge area
Provide necessary documentation, including project proposals
The Paradigm Challenge is a contest designed to engage middle school students in tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and collaborative efforts. This challenge encourages students to identify a significant issue within their community or a broader societal context and develop a comprehensive solution using STEM principles, entrepreneurial strategies, or creative arts. You will work individually or in teams to research your chosen problem, design actionable plans, and implement your solutions through projects or presentations.
Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal outlining their chosen challenge, the proposed solution, and the potential impact of their initiative. Selected participants receive scholarships of up to $100,000 to support their projects. The Paradigm Challenge fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills, empowering you to make meaningful contributions to your community.
Scholarship Amount: Winner is awarded $25,000, and the Top 10 Finalists receive $1,000
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility:
School students from grades 5-8
Demonstrate a strong interest and initiative in scientific research or innovation
Provide necessary documentation, including project proposals and description
The Young Scientist Lab Annual Challenge is a competition aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among middle school students. This challenge invites you to identify pressing scientific questions or real-world problems and develop creative, evidence-based solutions. You will engage in comprehensive research and experiment design, which will culminate in a detailed project presentation.
To apply, submit a project proposal or video presentation detailing the scientific problem, approach, and expected outcomes. No academic transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. The challenge gives you mentorship from 3M experts. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to pursue advanced studies and careers in STEM fields. For tips on how to win this competition, check out our blog here.
Scholarship Amount: Varies, up to $5,000
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
Eligibility:
Open to U.S. students in grades 6 through 12
Students work individually or in teams to create a documentary addressing an annual theme
The StudentCam Scholarship Program is dedicated to nurturing the creative talents of middle school students who excel in videography and digital media. This scholarship aims to empower young artists by providing financial support, resources, and opportunities to further develop their skills and pursue their artistic passions. Participants submit a video documentary that aligns with the annual theme. Some winning entries may be broadcast on C-SPAN, providing national exposure to young filmmakers. The competition aims to foster civic engagement and creative expression among students, encouraging them to think critically about key issues.
One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.