Scholarships for CFK Students

The CFK Foundation was established to support The College of the Florida Keys' students, programs and services by providing scholarships to CFK students through the support of private donors and public agencies. Criteria for awards differ for each scholarship and may be based on financial need, grade point average, essay submissions, leadership, and character. Please see the lists below for available opportunities.

Spring 2025 scholarships are now available! Apply below.

How to Apply

Please note that actual SAIs, generated from the 2024-25 FAFSA, will be verified prior to awarding scholarship funds. This SAI estimator is NOT a substitute for the FAFSA.

Please note that actual SAIs, generated from the 2024-25 FAFSA, will be verified prior to awarding scholarship funds. This SAI estimator is NOT a substitute for the FAFSA.

  1. Go to CFK’s Scholarship Homepage https://cfk.academicworks.com/
  2. View the listing of current scholarships and sign in using your CFK student email and password to apply. (Be sure to read the full details listed as qualifications, requirements, and deadlines may vary).
  3. Complete the General Application (or update if you are a returning user).
  4. Apply for EACH scholarship separately! Students are encouraged to apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible.

Upper Keys Center Students

Scholarships available to students at the Upper Keys Center.

  • Ocean Reef Community Foundation Building Bridges Scholarship- Designed as a “last dollar” scholarship, it covers remaining expenses after federal, state, and other aid are disbursed. Funds can be applied to tuition, lab fees, and certain course-required expenses.
    • Priority consideration will be given to students pursuing credentials in career technical education and professional skills programs.

High School Seniors

Scholarships available to current-year high school graduates beginning classes at CFK in Summer or Fall semester following their graduation.

  • Board of Trustees Scholarship  for Monroe County High School Graduates – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards; Monroe County graduates ONLY; must satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • CFK Foundation Board of Directors Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for recent high school graduates; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.2.
  • DREAM STEM Grant Scholarship – Full in-state tuition scholarships and Dual Enrollment support for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students must be U.S. Citizens, satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students are also required to work 10-20 hours per week as a paid STEM Ambassador.

Baccalaureate Students

Scholarships available to students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at CFK

  • Board of Trustees Scholarship for Monroe County Bachelor’s Degree Students – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for students who graduated from a Monroe County High, Charter, or Home School seeking a Bachelor’s Degree ONLY; must satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • CFK Foundation Board of Directors Scholarship for Bachelor’s Degree Students  – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree ONLY; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.2.
  • Mary & Karl Haffenreffer Nursing Scholarship (BSN) – $2,000 awards ($1,000 Fall & $1,000 Spring); must be a Monroe County resident; satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.
  • DREAM STEM Grant Scholarship – Full in-state tuition scholarships and Dual Enrollment support for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students must be U.S. Citizens, satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students are also required to work 10-20 hours per week as a paid STEM Ambassador.

Other Multi-Year Awards

Multi-Year scholarships available to students pursuing various degrees at CFK.

  • Kiley Johnson Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Excellence – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards to support deserving students who demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurial pursuits; preference will be given to full-time students satisfying 12 or more credits per term and attending CFK's Upper Keys Center.
  • Jerry Wilkinson Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for Florida resident students pursuing an associate’s degree; preference given to full-time applicants.
  • DREAM STEM Grant Scholarship – Full in-state tuition scholarships and Dual Enrollment support for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students must be U.S. Citizens, satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students are also required to work 10-20 hours per week as a paid STEM Ambassador.
  • Edward B. Knight Rotary Club of Key West CFK Vocational Scholarship – $4,000 awards for students pursuing an A.S. degree, A.A.S. degree, or PSAV certificate; must be a Monroe County resident and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Game Changer Hospitality & Culinary Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for students pursing a hospitality or culinary degree; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Game Changer Hospitality Hawks Cay Experience Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for students pursing a hospitality degree; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students will complete a two-year career-oriented internship with Hawks Cay Resort or one of the College’s many partner organizations.
  • Russel F. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for full-time employees of Key West Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (all full-time employees eligible).

First Generation in College

Scholarships available to students whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree; must be a Florida resident.

  • Bank of America Dream Makers First Generation in College Scholarship – $500-$1000 awards; must satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for the award term.
  • Florida First Generation Matching Grant – $500-$1,000 awards; must satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for the award term.
  • Helios Education Foundation First Generation Scholarship – $500 awards; must satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term.
  • The Sue & Albert Seeker First Generation in College Scholarship – $500 awards; must satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for the award term.

Student Ambassadors

Scholarships for students serving as CFK Ambassadors or STEM Ambassadors; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0

  • Student Ambassador Scholarship (M. Pat Miller) – Up to $1,200 awards for CFK Student Ambassadors.
  • Student Ambassador Scholarship (Larry W. Tyree) – Up to $1,200 awards for CFK Student Ambassadors.
  • Student Ambassador Scholarship (Kawaler) – Up to $1,200 awards for CFK Student Ambassadors.
  • DREAM STEM Grant Scholarship – Full in-state tuition scholarships and Dual Enrollment support for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students must be U.S. Citizens, satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students are also required to work 10-20 hours per week as a paid STEM Ambassador.

Nursing and Health Sciences

Scholarships available to students accepted into CFK’s outstanding nursing and health sciences programs.

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship – Up to $1,000 awards; must satisfy a minimum of 7 credit hours for the award term.
  • Hemingway Look-Alike Society Nursing Scholarship – $2,500 awards; must satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for the award term.
  • Julie Eckard RN Nursing Scholarship (AS Nursing or BSN)- $2,000 award; must be a Monroe County resident, completed Nursing Fundamentals, satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term and maintain a GPA of 2.75.
  • Lower Keys Women’s Club Nursing Scholarship – $1,000 awards; must be a Monroe County resident, satisfy a minimum of 8 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Mary & Karl Haffenreffer Nursing Scholarship (AS Nursing) – $2,000 awards ($1,000 Fall & $1,000 Spring); must be a Monroe County resident; satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.
  • Mary & Karl Haffenreffer Nursing Scholarship (BSN) – $2,000 awards ($1,000 Fall & $1,000 Spring); must be a Monroe County resident; satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.
  • The James Robert and Eleanor Ryan Parce Scholarship for Nursing – $2,000 awards ($1,000 Fall & $1,000 Spring); must satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. While not a requirement, preference will be given to Monroe County residents and students desiring to pursue a career as a flight nurse.
  • Caregiver Scholarship – Up to $500 awards for students enrolled in the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program.
  • Judy Greene Memorial Scholarship – $1,350 award ($675 Fall & $675 Spring); must satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. While not a requirement, preference will be given to Monroe County residents.

Marine Science

Targeted scholarships for students with declared majors in the Marine Science field.

  • Key West Sea Turtle Club Scholarship – $1,000 awards for students pursuing the B.S. Degree in Marine Resource Management (BS-MRM); A.S. Degree in Marine Environmental Technology (MET); A.A.S. Degree in Diving Business & Technology; A.A.S. Degree in Marine Engineering, Management & Seamanship; and/or the related certifications; must satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours for the award term.
  • Captain Jorge Rodriguez Marine Scholarship – $500 awards for students pursing the B.S. Degree in Marine Resource Management (BS-MRM); A.S. Degree in Marine Environmental Technology (MET); A.A.S. Degree in Diving Business & Technology; A.A.S. Degree in Marine Engineering, Management & Seamanship; and/or the related certifications; preference will be given to full-time students with Florida residency.
  • Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys Scholarship – $1,000 awards for students pursuing the B.S. Degree in Marine Resource Management (BS-MRM); A.S. Degree in Marine Environmental Technology (MET); A.A.S. Degree in Diving Business & Technology; A.A.S. Degree in Marine Engineering, Management & Seamanship; and/or the related certifications; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for the award term and be Monroe County Residents.
  • DREAM STEM Grant Scholarship – Full in-state tuition scholarships and Dual Enrollment support for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students must be U.S. Citizens, satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students are also required to work 10-20 hours per week as a paid STEM Ambassador.

Hospitality

Scholarships for students enrolled in hospitality and tourism management courses at CFK.

  • The Lodging Association Hospitality & Tourism Management Scholarship – $327.66 awards; open to both degree and non-degree seeking students; employment in the hospitality industry NOT required.
  • Whitehead Family Hospitality Scholarship - $1,000 awards for students pursuing an A.S. Hospitality & Ecotourism Management degree or an A.S. Culinary Management degree; students must be Monroe County residents and qualify as Florida residents for tuition purposes with preference going to veterans and non-traditional students; must satisfy a minimum of 9 credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Game Changer Hospitality & Culinary Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for students pursuing a hospitality or culinary degree; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Game Changer Hospitality Hawks Cay Experience Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for students pursuing a hospitality degree; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students will complete a two-year career-oriented internship with Hawks Cay Resort or one of the College’s many partner organizations.

Law Enforcement

Targeted scholarships for students employed by local law enforcement agencies or who have been accepted into CFK training academies.

  • Russel F. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship – Up to 60-credit-hour tuition awards for full-time employees of the Key West Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (all full-time employees eligible).
  • Basic Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship – Up to $1,000 awards for students enrolled in the Basic Law Enforcement Academy or other related academies.
  • Hemingway Look-Alike Society First Responder Scholarship $2,500 awards for students accepted into the Basic Recruit Academies programs at CFK: Includes Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic Certificate, Law Enforcement Officer, and more. 

Non-Traditional Students

Scholarships for non-traditional students enrolled in classes at CFK. This may include students who are single parents, physically disabled, academically disadvantaged, homeless, not attending CFK directly after high school or sponsored/mentored through Samuel’s House depending on the scholarship.

  • RAVE Scholarship – Up to $1,000 awards for non-traditional students.
  • American Association of University Women Scholarship – Up to $1,000 awards for non-traditional students.
  • Key West Masonic Lodge No. 64 Scholarship – $500 awards for students enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.5; priority given to Monroe County Residents who are physically disabled or a single parent.
  • Dr. Richard Fitzgerald Scholarship – $600 awards for part-time students (up to 9 credit hours) who are U.S. Citizens, Monroe County Residents and have a mentor/sponsor through Samuel’s House.

Other

Scholarships for students with demonstrate financial need, students enrolled in specific programs or clubs, or students with specific interests. 

  • Need Based Scholarship – Provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate unmet need for the cost of their education and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements; award amounts vary.
  • Hemingway Look-Alike Society Literary Scholarship – $2,500 awards to encourage students’ literary talents; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for the award term.
  • Hemingway Look-Alike Society Veteran's Scholarship – $2,500 awards to veteran's, service members, and their dependents; must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for the award term.
  • VFW Post 3911 Ray Gutierrez Scholarship – Up to $1,000 awards for veterans, service members, or one of their dependents; must be a U.S. citizen and satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for each term.
  • Will P. Roberts, Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Up to $1,000 awards for students enrolled in a career technical education program (A.S. or A.A.S. degrees); must satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for the term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Please note that A.S. Nursing students are not eligible to apply.
  • Edith High Memorial Scholarship – $1,000 awards for full-time, degree-seeking students with financial need and $500 awards for part-time, degree-seeking students with financial need; must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Psi Beta Scholarship – $250 awards for students who have successfully passed a psychology course with a grade of “B” or better; must satisfy a minimum of 3 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25.
  • Hamilton Scholarship – $750 awards for degree-seeking students who demonstrate leadership, scholarship and motivation to succeed at CFK; must satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for the award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Computer Science Scholarship – $900 awards for full-time, degree-seeking students enrolled in any Computer Science course; must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Evelyn Kawaler Memorial Scholarship – Up to $1,000 awards for students who demonstrate financial need, scholarship, leadership and a philanthropic outlook and satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for the award term.
  • Ainsley Nicole Tibbett Memorial Scholarship – $2,000 award ($1,000 Fall & $1,000 Spring); must demonstrate financial need along with an interest in mental health initiatives and suicide prevention. Preference will be given to a full-time student (12 credits or higher) with Florida Residency pursuing a degree at CFK.
  • Joanne Foell Memorial Scholarship – $500 award for a Monroe County resident taking credit classes at CFK.
  • DREAM STEM Grant Scholarship – Full in-state tuition scholarships and Dual Enrollment support for students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students must be U.S. Citizens, satisfy a minimum of 12 credit hours for each award term and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students are also required to work 10-20 hours per week as a paid STEM Ambassador.
  • Groomes Family Legacy Scholarship – $500 award for a full-time student taking 12 credit hours who is pursuing an AS-Business Administration degree or a BAS-Supervision & Management degree at CFK.
  • Edward C. Hummell Scholarship – $500 award for degree-seeking students who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and satisfy a minimum of 6 credit hours for the awarded term.