Change Maker Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Duval and St. Johns Counties, Florida

Program Status: Active (2026 application closed; 2027 applications will open)

Beaches Go Green awards two $2,500 scholarships each calendar year to current high school seniors who are members of sanctioned Beaches Go Green Student clubs. Funds are used for continuing education (trade school, college, or university). Scholarships are awarded to qualified students who have demonstrated significant commitment to preserving, improving, or providing education on environmental or wildlife conservation or sustainability issues.

Eligibility

• Required: Current high school seniors
• Required: Members of sanctioned Beaches Go Green Student clubs in Duval or St. Johns Counties
• Required: Completed minimum of 50 non-paid volunteer hours of community service during the previous calendar year with organizations focused on improving, preserving, or educating on environmental, wildlife, or sustainability issues
• Note: Volunteering with domestic animals does not count toward the 50-hour requirement
• Required: Must enroll in continuing education (trade school, college, or university) at least part-time for the fall semester following award announcement

Award Criteria

Scholarships are awarded based on:

• Proven commitment to environmental & wildlife conservation
• Community service hours completed
• Special projects undertaken
• Impact of volunteer service on the organization
• Plans for future environmental initiatives
• Demonstration of how service and education have made their community healthier (aligned with BGG's motto: "Healthy Planet, Healthy You")

Award Details

• Scholarship Payments: Made directly to the educational institution's financial aid office for tuition
• One-Time Award: Each applicant may only receive this scholarship once; previous winners may not reapply
• Winner Requirements: Winners must provide school name, financial aid office mailing address, and student ID number to receive payment. Winners must be available to accept the award in person at their school's scholarship award ceremony.

Contact

Address: 320 1st Street North, Suite 701, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Application Process

Application Format: Online submission only (paper applications not accepted)

Technology Required: Google/Gmail account sign-in required to complete application and upload files

Application Timeline:

• Applications accepted: January 1 – March 31 at 11:59 PM EST each year
• Winners announced: On or before April 15 of the same year

Submission Instructions:

1. Create or log in to a Google/Gmail account
2. Access the online application portal (link available on website during application period)
3. Complete all required application fields
4. Upload required documentation
5. Submit before March 31 at 11:59 PM EST

Note: Specific narrative questions and required documents are not detailed in the available content. Applicants should refer to the online application portal when it opens on January 1 for detailed requirements.