2026 Tampa Bay Scholarship Celebration

Think Big Awards Scholarships to 112 Students from 39 Tampa Bay High Schools

Think Big’s Scholarship Program continues to expand as we celebrate the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year. We are excited to share that 112 students representing 39 high schools across Tampa Bay received scholarships totaling over $246,000.

These scholarships provide opportunities for deserving students to attend technical or trade school, community college, or a four-year university in pursuit of their chosen career path. Think Big has now awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships to over 350 students since starting the program with one recipient in 2020.

Tampa Bay Scholarship Celebration

Think Big’s Tampa Bay scholarship event was held on May 9th at Feeding Tampa, where more than 250 scholarship recipients, their families and friends of Think Big enjoyed an afternoon of celebration. Tampa Bay 28/ABC’s morning anchor Andrew Kinsey served as the event’s emcee, bringing high energy and inspirational words to attendees. Students were also treated to a special performance of “You Say” by vocalist Adrienne representing Arts Conservatory for Teens. A special thank you to Seacoast Bank for their generous sponsorship of the event.

Click here to see event photos

Student Highlights

Several prior Think Big scholarship recipients volunteered their time to help make the event a success and connect with this year’s scholars. As part of the event, two former Think Big scholarship recipients shared their powerful stories, insights and advice for the graduating class:

Da’Nae Turner (Class of 2022)

• Senior at FAMU
• Nursing Major
• President, FAMU Trio Scholarship Association
• Think Big internship at Tampa General Hospital
• “As a first-generation college student raised in a single-parent household, college was a completely new experience for me. I honestly didn’t know the first thing about navigating it. Through Think Big, I received a mentor who helped guide me through nursing school applications, difficult courses, and career exposure opportunities. Having a mentor in the same field you aspire to be in is incredibly valuable, because they understand the journey you’re trying to take and can help you avoid feeling lost along the way.”

Matthew Major (Class of 2024)

• High school dual enrollment with associate of arts degree
• USF class of 2026, bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in human resources
• USF Muma College of Business “25 Under 25”
• Internships at Hillsborough County and Amazon
• “More than anything, Think Big gave me exposure, mentorship, and access to people who guide you and help you see paths you might not see on your own. But it only works if you lean into it. For me, Think Big has been more than a scholarship. It’s been a support system, a network, and a foundation that shaped how I moved through school and into my career.”

Tampa Bay Scholarship Highlights

With over 500 applications, Think Big has awarded 112 scholarships to high school seniors representing 39 high schools throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. To earn a scholarship, students must first write an essay and then be interviewed by Think Big’s selection committee, which included 60 volunteers. Our thanks to the Hillsborough Education Foundation and the Pinellas Education Foundation for their partnership in promoting and administering the scholarships.

We look forward to sharing more scholarship highlights from our regions!