Scholarships:
Ensuring Access to Education
The Miami Foundation is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and change-makers within our community. Our scholarships advance educational equity by providing financial assistance to students in need and celebrating academic excellence.
Students awarded scholarships in 2025
awarded in 2025
Schools receiving our scholars in 2025
More About Our Scholarship Opportunities
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!
Explore the opportunities available through our 9 public scholarships. Whether you’re passionate about science, arts, community service, or any other field, there’s a scholarship here for you!
For any questions, please contact our team at scholarships@miamifoundation.org.
Student Quick Links
Scholarships for Undergraduates
College Assistance Program (CAP)
CAP scholarships are awarded to Miami-Dade County Public High School graduates who have exhausted all avenues of financial assistance (federal, state, and institutional) but still have significant unmet needs to attend the college of their choice. Learn more about CAP, Inc.
The 2026-2027 CAP scholarship cycle is dedicated in memory of G. Holmes Braddock (July 23, 1925 – July 24, 2025).
The application deadline is May 24, 2026.
Venture Miami Scholarship Fund
The Venture Miami Scholarship Fund offers tuition assistance by providing gap funding for eligible City of Miami and Little Haiti residents who have been accepted into STEM or defined demand occupation programs at participating colleges, universities, and trade schools. These currently include Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, the University of Miami, Barry University, St. Thomas University, and Creative Hub Academy.
Click here to see if you are a City of Miami resident (not all Miami-Dade County residents are City of Miami residents).
Application deadline for COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES is May 24, 2026.
Creative Hub Rolling Deadlines:
Summer:
Application Opening:
January 6, 2026
Application Deadline:
March 15, 2026
Fall 1:
Application Opening:
May 11, 2026
Application Deadline:
July 5, 2026
Fall 2:
Application Opening:
August 1, 2026
Application Deadline:
September 13, 2026
Give Kids A Chance Scholarship
The Give Kids a Chance Scholarship was established by Brian McDonough, Esq. to support children of lower-income families. Scholarships are awarded to Florida high school seniors desiring to continue their education but need additional financial assistance to do so. Recipients are eligible for additional awards given they maintain full-time status.
Download the required Parental / Legal Guardian Form. You will need to complete and upload this form to your Give Kids a Chance Scholarship application.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Alan R. Epstein ‘Reach For The Stars’ Scholarship
The Alan R. Epstein ‘Reach for the Stars’ Scholarship, established by the Epstein family, serves as a tribute to the life of an exceptional young man, tragically lost in a car accident. This scholarship is awarded to Miami-Dade County high school seniors who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Ortega Foundation Scholarship
The Ortega Foundation established The Ortega Foundation Scholarship Program in honor of its founder Jose Antonio Ortega, Sr. Jose Antonio strongly believed in giving academically accomplished individuals the opportunity to pursue a college education. Scholarships are awarded to Miami-Dade County high school seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
The application deadline is March 29, 2026.
Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz Memorial Scholarship
The Aronovitz Family partnered with The Miami Foundation to honor the memory of the late Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz. Judge Aronovitz stood as an example for the community, excelling in his chosen profession and always thinking of those less fortunate than himself. Scholarships are awarded to Miami-Dade County minority students planning to continue their education through the university-level and pursue a career related to the legal field or social-justice issues.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Liberty Square/Lincoln Gardens Student Scholarship Fund
The Related Group established this fund to support students with high aspirations who currently reside in Liberty Square or Lincoln Gardens residential communities. Scholarship recipients may pursue post-secondary education through a college degree or vocational/trade certification program.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Opportunities for Law Students
Future Lawyers Scholarship
The Future Lawyers Scholarship established by international law firm, DRRT, will provide financial support to a first-year law student as they explore their interest in law school. The awardee will receive a $5,000 scholarship for three years of law studies along with an opportunity to intern and attend events at DRRT. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, must be a resident of Miami-Dade or Broward counties, and be admitted to an ABA-accredited law school.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund
The Kozyak Summer Fellowship (KSSF) continues the legacy of the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which for more than 15 years awarded $5,000 summer fellowships to minority and first-generation law students. These fellowships support students enrolled at Florida law schools or Florida residents attending law schools out of state.
KSSF provides financial assistance for unpaid internships with judges, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies offering opportunities that align with values of service, diversity, and fairness. Each fellow is paired with one or more mentors, gaining meaningful legal experience and building valuable professional connections.
In 2026, KSSF anticipates awarding 10–12 fellowships to outstanding students committed to making a difference in the legal profession.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Private Scholarships Through Our Corporate Partners
We’re proud to partner with leading companies to offer exclusive private scholarships! These opportunities are designed to support employees and their families, as well as residents of company-managed properties and their families. Thanks to these partnerships, we’re able to expand access to education and empower more students to achieve their academic goals.
Our current corporate-sponsored scholarships include:
- Grove at Grand Bay “Boost” Scholarship
- Gatehouse Management, Inc. Scholarship
- Cornerstone Group Scholarship
- Badia Spices Scholarship
College Costs Are Rising: Here’s What You Need to Know
As college sticker prices grow every year, scholarships have become a growing necessity for students pursuing higher education. The average cost of college has more than doubled since the start of the 21st century.
On average, it costs…
to graduate from an In-State, Public 4-Year College
to graduate from an Out-of-State, Public 4-Year College
Why Scholarships Matter
Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college because they provide “free money” that never has to be repaid, unlike student loans. They can significantly reduce the financial burden on families and help students graduate with little or no debt, setting them up for long-term financial stability. Scholarships open doors to top universities and programs that might otherwise be out of reach, regardless of a student’s financial background. By easing money worries, scholarships allow students to focus on their studies instead of working long hours, which can lead to better grades and a higher chance of graduating on time.
Meet Some of Our Scholars
Frequently Asked Questions
Our scholarships are available to students who demonstrate academic potential, financial need, and a commitment to their educational and personal growth. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and may include specific schools, fields of study, GPA requirements, or community involvement.
Applicants may be high school seniors, current college students, or adults returning to school. We encourage anyone pursuing higher education, technical training, or professional certification to review the available opportunities’ guidelines and apply for those that best align with their background and goals.
Award amounts vary by scholarship and available resources each year. Most scholarships range from $500 to $10,000 and may be a one-time payment or renewable based on continued eligibility and academic progress.
Yes! Students are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships for which they qualify. Please review each scholarship’s specific eligibility criteria and deadlines before applying.
Each scholarship fund has its own review committee made up of community volunteers, donors, and Foundation representatives. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need, and the strength of personal essays.
All scholarship applications are submitted through The Miami Foundation’s online portal at www.scholarships.miamifoundation.org
Students should create an account, complete the respective applications, and upload any required documents such as transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Be sure to review application deadlines carefully; late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Most scholarship decisions are announced between April and June. Applicants will receive an email notification whether or not they are selected for an award. Award timelines may vary slightly depending on the scholarship fund and review schedule. See each scholarship guideline for details.
While not all scholarships require a FAFSA submission, many do. Providing your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) helps the review committee better understand your financial need. We encourage applicants to complete the FAFSA if possible.
Students receiving renewable awards will be required to meet ongoing eligibility criteria, such as GPA or credit-hour minimums, and may need to submit updated transcripts or documentation annually.
Award recipients will receive an email outlining acceptance steps, which may include confirming the attending school, student ID information, and/or submitting enrollment verification. Please note that if this information is not submitted by the defined deadline, you will forfeit your award.
Yes! Some of our scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, not just tuition and fees. This means funds can often be used for expenses like books and supplies, transportation, housing, food, and other personal costs. Each scholarship has its own guidelines, so be sure to review the details for the specific award.
Yes. Scholarships may be used at accredited colleges, universities, or technical/vocational programs in the United States and abroad in some cases.
For technical or application support, please contact scholarships@miamifoundation.org.
We are happy to assist with questions about eligibility, required documents, or navigating the scholarship portal.
We Are Here to Help!
If you have any questions, please contact us at scholarships@miamifoundation.org