2026 Community Action Board Scholarship

2026 Community Action Board Scholarship
Achieving a higher education is an important life choice for young people and their families. Hillsborough County Department of Social Services and Hillsborough County Community Action Board (CAB) are committed to assisting eligible Hillsborough County students reach this milestone by offering scholarships up to the amount of $5,000 via Community Services Block Grant funds.

The number of scholarships awarded, and the amount awarded, depends on grant funding availability. Applications may be awarded to eligible students with all required documentation on a first- come, first-serve basis.

Please read carefully and be prepared to complete the application, including providing all required documentation. Documents are only received in-person at our Community Resource Center. The 2026 Community Action Board Scholarship deadline is March 17, 2026, or until we reach capacity, whichever comes first. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Incomplete applications are not accepted. First-come, first-serve selection criteria are completed applications, with no pending documents which include the Fall 2026 College Enrollment Letter.

Requirements for Application
This scholarship is for graduating high school students, GED recipients, post-secondary institution students pursuing an associate degree for the first time, an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, or specialty degree from an accredited institution, and planning to attend an accredited post-secondary college institution in Fall 2026. Post-graduate students do not qualify for this scholarship.

Eligible applicants must submit all required supporting documentation and meet all criteria listed below.

Dependent or Independent Student

Verification of the dependency status from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be required.

**If you’re a dependent student, you will be required to submit your and your parents’ information. Dependent student – the parent or guardian must complete and sign the scholarship application.

**If you’re an independent student, you will be required to submit your information (and, if you’re married, your spouse’s). Independent student – the applicant will be you, and you must complete and sign the scholarship application.

Below is a list of the required documents and the acceptable documents types for each. Please have all information ready to be uploaded before starting this application process.

Current Identification:

One from list below for each adult in household

· Driver’s license	· VA Identification card with DD214
· State ID	· Passport
· Immigration verification (green card)	· Certificate of Naturalization
· Military Photo ID	· Employment Authorization Card

One from list below for each minor in household

· Driver’s License	· Passport
· State ID	· Certificate of Naturalization
· Immigration verification (green card)	· Court/State/State Provider document for foster children/custody cases
· Birth certificate

Social Security Number Verification for all members of the household:

· U.S. Social Security Administration (SS card)

· Court/State/State Provider document for foster children/custody cases

Hillsborough County Residency:

Head of Household must provide 2 separate verifications of Hillsborough County residency from list below at current assistance address and all additional adults in the household must provide one verification of Hillsborough County residency from list below at current assistance address:

· Current Driver’s license	· Current cell phone bill statement
· Current State ID	· Current cable/internet bill statement
· Current Utility bill statement	· Current car insurance policy/bill statement
· Current Vehicle registration	· Current renter’s insurance policy/bill statement
· Current Mortgage Statement	· Current Homestead Exemption documentation
· Current Voter registration card	· Current DCF Award Benefit Letter
· Current education documentation	· Current Section 8/Housing Authority Award Benefit Letter
· Current SS Administration Award Benefit Letter	· Current HUD owner certification award statement
· Current VA Award Benefit Letter

Income Guidelines Gross income at or below 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (Click Here to review Federal Poverty Guidelines). Verification of income (Gross income for ALL household members for the past 30 days, from day of appointment:

· Employment pay statement	· Strike Benefits from Union Funds
· Social Security Administration Award Benefit Letter	· Foster Independent Living Programs payments
· Unemployment Award Benefit Letter	· Annuity/Insurance
· TANF Award Benefit Letter	· Education Assistance (allotted for living expenses)
· VA Award Benefit Letter	· Long term/Short Term Benefits (Employer disability)
· Alimony Documentation	· Rental income receipts or statements (Net)
· Workman’s Compensation	· Foster Independent Living Programs payments
· Pension/Retirement/Cost of living allowance	· Bank Statement (SSI, eBay, PayPal, cash deposits only)
· Other income

For non-verifiable income (Self-Employment: Odd jobs or paid in cash, Cash from a relative or friend, or No income): Self-Declaration form

Verification of Resources: Current award letters with benefit amount for: Food Stamps; Section 8/HUD/THA
Academic Record: Official school transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA of a 2.0
College Enrollment Letter for Fall 2026 Classes: Submission deadline for Fall 2026 Enrollment Letters is May 15, 2026. (An application is not approved until receipt of the enrollment letter.)

Essay Statement: Essays must be a full page, two (2) page limit, with 1-inch margins and typed in 12-point standard font (Times New Roman or Arial). Essay requirements are listes below depending on the applicant's current academic status.

High School/GED Students (Applicants starting first year in college)

Why should you be selected for the award?

What are your academic strengths and weaknesses?

What are your career goals?

What extenuating circumstances might prevent you from entering college?

Please include anything else that you would like to share with the scholarship review committee.

Currently college enrolled applicants (pursuing second year or above in undergraduate studies)

Describe your most meaningful achievements since entering college and how they relate to your field of study and your future career goals.

How will this scholarship help meet your financial needs while pursuing your post-secondary education?

What are your non-financial needs while pursuing your college education goals?

Please include anything else that you would like to share with the scholarship review committee.

Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, teacher/professor, academic advisor, or dean
Photo Talent and Release Form (click here for form)

Application Request
Applicant Contact Information
Applicant's Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth (Applicant must be in between the ages of 16-24)*

MonthDayYear
Date
Applicant's Residential Address (DO NOT LIST THE SCHOOL HOUSING ADDRESS)*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Applicant's Phone Number Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Applicant's Email*
example@example.com
Household Information
Is the applicant the student applying for the scholarship?*
Student's Name (if not the applicant)

First NameLast Name
Student's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Student's Relationship to Applicant
How many additional people live in the residential household address listed above?*
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant
Additional Household Member's Name

First NameLast Name
Additional Household Member's Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to Applicant

Community Service
List school/church/community activities in which you have participated(include leadership roles). To add more click Save and Add Row.

Honors Achievements and Special Recognitions
Indicate any honors or special recognitions you have received in high school or college.

Employment
If applicable, list all employers, positions, and years of employment for jobs you had to work during high school or college.

Required Document Uploads

Please upload all required documents for all household members here
Identification Verification

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Social Security Verification

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County Residency Verification

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Income Verification

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Resource Verification

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Academic Record (Transcript)

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College Enrollment Letter

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Essay Statement

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Letters of Recommendation

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Photo Talent and Release Form

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Confirmations, Review and Submit
Forfeiture of Scholarship:*

I understand if I (the applicant) does not continue enrollment in the educational institution on the application within the institution's official drop-add period for the 2026 Fall semester, the applicant's scholarship award is forfeited.
I understand if I (the applicant) changes their education institution after being awarded a scholarship, the scholarship will be forfeited and returned to the scholarship fund.

By signing below you are attesting the information provided is accurate and complete. *

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2026 Community Action Board Scholarship

Requirements for Application

Application Request

Applicant Contact Information

Household Information

Education Information

Community Service

Honors Achievements and Special Recognitions

Employment

Required Document Uploads

Confirmations, Review and Submit