Education Foundation

Right now, a student is having a learning experience made better by the work that we do.
Investing in education now to impact our future.
One teacher can inspire the lives of many.
Innovation in and outside of the classroom.
Enhancing the quality of education for all.

Scholarships for Class of 2025 Seniors

Applications for the Class of 2025 will open on January 1st, 2025. Students can apply online here: https://edfoundationlake.awardspring.com/

The dealine to apply is March 1st, 2025 at 11:59pm. If you have questions about scholarships, please reach out to Kacey Edmondson or review the Guide and FAQs here. For more information on each scholarship, please review the information below.

Scholarship Timeline for the Class of 2025:

  • January 1, 2025 – Online Applications open
  • March 1, 2025 – Online Application deadline; site closes at 11:59pm
  • March 5-30, 2025 – Application reviews done by Selection Committees
  • April 7-18, 2025 – Scholarship award/deny notifications sent via email to applicants 
  • June 30, 2025 – Deadline for recipients to claim scholarship disbursement for Fall term; enrollment documentation required
  • December 31, 2025 – Deadline for recipients to claim scholarship disbursement for Spring term; enrollment documentation required

BILL HAYES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Lake County Schools planning to pursue a career in culinary arts or hospitality industry. Applicants will need to show proof of enrollment into a culinary arts program. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

DODGE FUND SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to two graduates from Eustis, Mount Dora, or Tavares High School: one applicant that focused on Performing Arts and another that focused on Visual Arts. Applicants must be actively involved in the Visual or Performing Arts while in high school but do not have to be pursuing a Fine Arts related major in college. Applicants should have a 3.0 or higher GPA. 

EDMOND AMATEIS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Lake County Schools who demonstrate a financial need, as determined by income eligibility guidelines established by USDA. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

FRANK PAULHAMUS SCHOLARSHIP (LAKE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT)

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate pursuing a career in the agriculture or environmental-related field. Applicants must submit a narrative detailing their educational or career plans in the field. 

GOLDEN TRIANGLE EAGLES EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to graduates from Tavares, Mount Dora, and Eustis High School. Applicants must be actively involved in the community and have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

HERBERT LEHNER CHARITABLE TRUST VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a Tavares High School graduate who demonstrates a financial need, as determined by income eligibility guidelines established by USDA. Applications should include a 250-word essay and a photograph. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Applicants should express a desire to pursue a career path in a vocational/CTE program. This scholarship is intended for use through Lake Technical College.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Eustis and Umatilla High School who has a 2.5 or higher GPA. Applicants should be ones that persevered through challenges they faced in high school and be able to show that they improved their scholastic attitude and grades. They should be actively involved in the community and now be college/university bound.

JERROD HALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Umatilla High School. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

KURT’S A/C AND HEAT VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Umatilla High School. Applicants should express a desire to pursue a career path in a vocational/CTE program; preferably HVAC but all trades will be considered. This scholarship is intended for use through Lake Technical College.

LAKES OF MOUNT DORA WOMEN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a female graduate from Eustis, Mount Dora, or Tavares High School. Applicants must be actively involved in their school/community and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

LAKE SUMTER LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to students who attend Leesburg High School, Wildwood Middle High School and The Villages Charter High School. Applicants will need to submit documentation supporting community involvement. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. 

LINDA KOHLMEYER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Leesburg or Tavares High School. Applicants must be actively involved in the community and have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

MIKE STONE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

This scholarship will be awarded to graduates from Eustis, Leesburg, Mount Dora and Tavares High School. Applicants must be actively involved in the community, an essay should be included describing applicant’s volunteer activities and why they feel it is important to volunteer. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

RAYS OF HOPE FOUNDATION VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of Lake County Schools planning on pursuing a vocational, technical, or trade school program. Scholarship can be used for tuition, required fees, and direct course-related expenses. The Rays of Hope Foundation’s goal is to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors seeking to pursue a vocational path.

SAMUEL SHEPHERD CIVIL RIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a minority student, preferably African-American, planning to pursue a law degree. Scholarship will be split into two payments with the subsequent payment contingent upon the recipient maintaining a 2.7 GPA while in college.

SCOTT STRONG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Lake County Schools. Applicants must be actively involved in the community and have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

TAMMY JERKINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Leesburg High School. A desire to become a teacher is preferred but not a requirement. Graduates who plan to attend a vocational or trade school program for a similar career path are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

TAVARES COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Tavares High School. All applicants for this scholarship must have attended all 3 Tavares Schools (Tavares Elementary, Tavares Middle and Tavares High). Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

UHS VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Umatilla High School. Applicants should express a desire to pursue a career path in a vocational/CTE program through Lake Sumter State College or Lake Technical College.

VILLAGES WORKING WOMEN SOCIAL GROUP SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a female graduate from Leesburg High School. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. 

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE FOR THE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Eustis, Mount Dora and Tavares High School. Applicants must be actively involved in the Visual or Performing Arts and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.