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Scholarships

While YAD’s 3 core principles consist of Charity, Social Justice, & Community Service, our most fundamental value is Education. Because of this, we fundraise throughout the year to be able to award out an annual scholarship to local students. In August of 2011, YAD awarded out our very first scholarships: First Place was for $350 & Second Place was for $150. As time progressed, we raised their amounts & finally condensed them into a single one for the full $500.

 

To secure the funds for these scholarships, YAD periodically does car washes, holds yard sales, & recycles aluminum cans throughout the year. Members also bus tables at local restaurants & events for tips. Our members take great pride in knowing that their hard work is benefiting other students to pursue their educations & in turn follow their dreams in the career fields of their choice. 

Y.A.D.'s Scholarships

Are you a recent Class of 2019 high school graduate, have previously graduated and will be attending or are currently attending a higher education institute? Do you live in Polk or a surrounding (Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Seminole, Sumter) county? Did you have a final, cumulative GPA of minimum of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale? Complete this application and write the short essay; turn in a copy of your last report card or schedule for the fall of 2019 and transcript (whichever applies). 

Requirements:

  • Graduating high school senior OR currently enrolled in college.

  • Current resident of Polk or one of it's surrounding counties (Desoto, Hardee, Highlands,Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Seminole, or Sumter)

  • 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale

  • Short essay entry

Maria Isabel Leadership Scholarship

After the passing of our founder Maria Isabel, the Barajas & Martinez families created the Maria Isabel Leadership Scholarship in her memory. This scholarship has stricter requirements as it falls within her own academic achievements & is for $1,000. Both families wish all applicants the best & congratulate all students who strive for a higher education in order to better our world.

Requirements:

  • ​Must be under the age of 25

  • Must be currently enrolled in college/university

  • Must be an ACTIVE member of an organization the works toward charity, social justice, or community service

  • Have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

  • Copy of official transcripts

  • Two letters of Recommendation (one from the organization)

  • Short essay entry

  • Be applying scholarship to an institute of higher education in Polk, Hillsborough, or Orange County

Whether you qualify or not, YAD hopes that you’ll share the information off our page so that news of these scholarships can reach as many potential applicants as possible. It’s important that our youth, our leaders of tomorrow, see that there are others who believe in them so much, that they’re working hard today to help them reach their goals. And to all who apply, we want to congratulate you for getting this far & truly wish you the best of luck as you continue to push forward.

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