Efforts Application NOW OPEN 2026

Educational Funding For Our Residents To Succeed

The Efforts Scholarship is NOW OPEN - Click Here to Apply

Please gather all required uploads prior to starting the application process.

To qualify for the EFFORTS Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

·        Be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident alien, and a current resident of the Tampa Housing Authority Public Housing/RAD or Assisted Housing Program. 

·        Be an incoming freshman or a continuing full-time student pursuing an undergraduate degree or trade school certificate.

·        Be 16 to 19 years old at the time of the first award. 

·        Possess a 2.0 GPA or higher. 

·        Demonstrate a commitment to community service through either a minimum of 300 hours served as volunteer or a minimum of 100 hours if the student was employed full-time during the senior year.

The complete application package must include the following:

1.     Signed Affirmation and Release Form

2.     A current resume including work or community hours.

3.     One or more letters of recommendation from a community leader attesting to your community service involvement. 

4.     A personally written 650-750-word essay expressing the importance of stable and affordable housing in furthering your education after high school.

5.     An official high school or GED transcript, if a graduate, or the latest report card if still attending school 

6.     Signed application.

When is the application deadline?

Applications will be accepted until March 6th.

How are the winners determined?

A judging panel appointed by the EFFORTS Committee will evaluate the applications and select the recipients considering: 

• Community involvement
• Essay content
• Academic achievements and records
• Work or volunteer experience

Decisions of the judging panel are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be provided.