JLMC Youth Non-Profit Scholarship Program

Applications Now Open!

The Junior League of Manatee County (JLMC) is proud to support the next generation of change-makers through our Youth Non-Profit Scholarship Program. Each year, JLMC awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in Manatee County who demonstrate exceptional dedication to nonprofit work and community service. Our goal is to empower emerging leaders who are committed to strengthening our community through meaningful, service-driven careers.

About the Scholarship

Each year, JLMC awards multiple $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who have shown a deep passion for giving back through nonprofit involvement.

These scholarships are:

  • One-time awards

  • Non-renewable

  • Funded annually through JLMC fundraising efforts

By investing in these students, JLMC is helping to build a brighter future for local nonprofits—and for the community they serve.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the JLMC Youth Non-Profit Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be a graduating high school senior residing in Manatee County

  • Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA

  • Demonstrate significant involvement in nonprofit or community service activities

  • Not be an immediate relative (child or sibling) of a JLMC active or sustaining member

Application Timeline & Requirements

Applications open: November 20, 2025
Deadline: January 31, 2026, 9PM ET

A complete application must include:

1. Each applicant must be a female, senior, student enrolled in high school and residing in Manatee County.

2. Each applicant must hold a 3.0 or higher grade point average (based on a 4.0 system). Current official high school transcripts must be attached to the application, along with two letters of recommendation.

3. Each applicant must agree to apply the scholarship funds to tuition or fees at a two-year or four-year college and carry at least 12 credit hours per semester. The funds will be assigned to and administered by the applicant’s college or university. Should the chosen applicant drop out of school for any reason, the remaining portion of unused funds will be returned to the Junior League of Manatee County.

4. Each applicant must have demonstrated extensive involvement in nonprofit and/or community service activities.

5. Each applicant must attach a 200-500 word essay describing how they have impacted the community through their volunteerism and how their educational goals will further their future community leadership development.

6. Applicants may not be an immediate relative of a JLMC active or sustaining member (e.g., sibling or child).

All submissions will be reviewed by the JLMC Scholarship Committee and recipients will be notified by mid-February.

Selection Process

The JLMC Scholarship Committee—comprised of 3–5 members—reviews each application holistically. Recipients are selected based on:

  • Academic achievement

  • Depth and impact of community service

  • Demonstrated leadership

  • Commitment to future nonprofit or service-oriented work

Award Ceremony

Scholarship recipients will be recognized and awarded their scholarship checks at the JLMC Fashion Show on April 10, 2026. Details will be shared with recipients and their families upon selection.