Scholarship Applications Now Open for Seniors in St. Johns County Public Schools
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (February 27, 2025)—The St. Johns County Education Foundation, operating as Investing in Kids (INK!), encourages seniors enrolled in a St. Johns County public school to review and apply for scholarships to support their education and career goals. Students can complete a merit and/or needs-based application through the online scholarship portal and apply for multiple scholarships at apply.ink-stjohns.org. Applications are now open and close on March 25, 2025.
“We take great pride in stewarding these scholarship opportunities,” said Cathy Newman, INK!’s Executive Director. “Many of these awards come from a place of deep love and respect. They honor loved ones who left an indelible mark on the community. They also allow students to explore further education while alleviating some of the financial burden. We encourage all St. Johns County families to take advantage of these awards.”
INK! oversees twenty scholarships totaling over $40,000 in awards for post-secondary education, including college, vocational, and technical education. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $6,000. The scholarship portal offers two application types: merit-based and needs-based. Students who meet free or reduced-lunch income guidelines should complete both a merit- and needs-based application. Only a merit-based application is required if the family income exceeds those limits. Each scholarship may have its own submission criteria, including letters of recommendation, grade point average requirements, school attendance, and enrollment in a specific program or specialty. Scholarships available to graduating seniors include:
Dr. Wayne Hartley Memorial Scholarship for The Academies • The Jack Hamilton Wheeler Memorial Scholarships • Tanner Gillespie Memorial Future Firefighter Scholarship • The Tucker McCarty Health Science Scholarship • The David Toner Scholarship • Rays of Hope Foundation Scholarship • The Marc Nathan DeBernardis Arts Scholarship • The MacDonald Family Education Scholarship • Lieutenant Colonel Sally MacDonald Memorial Scholarship • St. Johns County Jumpstart Scholarships
A new scholarship this year is The Marc Nathan DeBernardis Arts Scholarship, which honors Nease High School graduate Marc Nathan DeBernardis, and provides financial assistance to a graduating senior from Nease High School who plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the Fine Arts. “Marc was a talented artist with a passion for creativity and self-expression,” his family explained. “We hope that this scholarship will honor his legacy by supporting the next generation of artists and performers who have the drive and passion Marc demonstrated.”
ABOUT INVESTING IN KIDS: The St. Johns County Education Foundation, Inc., which operates as Investing in Kids (INK!), promotes success for all St. Johns County public school students and teachers by providing innovative programs, teacher support, classroom resources, and scholarships to benefit more than 52,000 students and approximately 3,200 teachers. INK! is a 501(c)3 education foundation with offices at 1 Christopher St. in St. Augustine. Photos to accompany this release may be found here. Learn more at ink-stjohns.org and follow along on Facebook @InvestingInKids and Instagram @INK_InvestingInKids
