Think Big 2021 Scholarship Announcement

Think Big for Kids is excited to announce our 2021 Scholarship applications are open for seniors graduating in May of 2021.  Our scholarships are open to all current and former members of the Boys & Girls Clubs.  Think Big is proud to support a variety of career paths which is why we provide scholarships for students who plan to go directly to work and get on-the-job training, students who plan to pursue a technical trade certification and students who plan to attend a 4 year university.  Read below for more information about each of our scholarships as well as the deadline and link to apply.   

Think Big Expect More Scholarship

The Think Big Expect More Scholarship was established to offer financial assistance to a student who plans to further their education post-high school graduation at another educational institution.  This includes attending a community college, trade school or university for a certification, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.  We hope to encourage students to think big and expect more by pursuing education and training to meet their career goals and will award this scholarship to a student that demonstrates the core values of integrity, determination and passion.  The Think Big Expect More Scholarship opportunity offers students financial support of up to $5,000 to work towards completing their training, certification or degree at a school of their choice.

To Apply: If you attend school in Hillsborough County, please apply through the Hillsborough Education Foundation portal using this link.  If you attend school in Pinellas County, please apply through the Pinellas Education Foundation portal using this link.  The deadline for applications is January 15^th.

The SME Technical Trades Scholarship

The SME Technical Trades Scholarship was established to provide students interested in technical trades a full scholarship to receive the education and training needed to start a career in technical trade roles, such as electrical, masonry, carpentry, power plant services and many more industry trades.   The scholarship will award up to $5,000 for technical training through Hillsborough Community College, St. Pete College or Erwin Technical College.

To Apply: If you attend school in Hillsborough County, please apply through the Hillsborough Education Foundation portal using this link.  If you attend school in Pinellas County, please apply through the Pinellas Education Foundation portal using this link.  The deadline for applications is January 15^th.

The Perseverance Scholarship

The Think Big Perseverance Scholarship was established to offer financial assistance to students who plan to attend a two-year community college program and then transfer to complete their bachelor’s degree at a Florida university.   The Think Big Perseverance Scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates their character through determination, persistence, and passion.  This scholarship will provide support for students who have been accepted into a two-year community college program and intend to transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree after their two years are complete.  Upon completion of the two-year community college program, the Think Big Perseverance Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition (up to $15,000) for the remaining two years, equivalent to full-time student credit hours, at an in-state Florida university. This scholarship opportunity offers students the chance to complete their degree at a Florida university with no additional student tuition debt.

To Apply: If you attend school in Hillsborough County, please apply through the Hillsborough Education Foundation portal using this link.  If you attend school in Pinellas County, please apply using this link.  The deadline for applications is January 31^st.

JDP Electric Apprenticeship & Job Opportunity

The JDP Electric Apprenticeship & Job Opportunity was established to help a student begin their career path of becoming a licensed Journeyman electrician.  After graduation, the qualifying student will be offered a full-time job at JDP for the first year to gain experience and exposure to the field of electrical work.  An hourly wage plus overtime at time and a half will be offered.  Upon successfully completing one year as an Electrician’s Helper, the student will begin a four-year trade school program and will attend class two nights per week.  JDP will cover all academic expenses as part of the apprenticeship.  During this time, the student will continue to work for JDP and received required OJT (on-the-job-training) skills, training and supervision needed for the certification exam.  After passing their exams the student will receive their Journeyman electrician certification and will join the JDP Electric team with the ability to manage their own jobs and earn an approximate starting salary of $47,000 – $50,000 annually.

To Apply: Please apply online at http://tiny.cc/JDPScholarship. The deadline for applications is January 31st.

For questions or more information about applying to or sponsoring a Think Big Scholarship in the future contact Jaclyn McCormick at jaclyn.mccormick@thinkbigforkids.org.