Project Scholars Scholarships

Geographic Scope: South Lake County, Florida

Program Description:
The Project Scholars scholarship program seeks to identify and assist dedicated and deserving students who wish to further their education after high school by pursuing a degree at a college, university, or technical-training institute.

Award Details

• Number of Awards: Four $10,000 scholarships awarded each year
• Award Amount: $10,000 per student (typically $2,500 for fall term and $2,500 for winter term over four years)
• Funding Source: Festival proceeds from Pig on the Pond Festival presented by AdventHealth and the City of Clermont

Scholarship Types

• Three scholarships for any college or university
• One scholarship earmarked for students planning to attend Valencia College for an associate's degree or before transferring
• One Cheryl Fishel Memorial Scholarship designated for students who meet criteria and demonstrate the most community service

Eligibility

• Geographic Requirement: Students living in South Lake County
• Academic Level: High school graduates seeking higher education
• Institution Types: College, university, or technical-training institute

Program Features

• Mentorship Component: Each scholarship recipient is paired with a mentor (carefully selected community member, usually involved in the student's field of interest)
• Support: Financial support coupled with mentorship program to increase undergraduate success

Background

Pig on the Pond Festival has provided more than $400,000 in scholarships to deserving South Lake County students. The program recognizes that college affordability is a pressing issue and that challenges of higher education are not limited to finances.

Application Process

Submission Timeline:

• Application Registration Opens: December 1
• Application Deadline: March 1
• Note: Today is April 3, 2026; next deadline is March 1, 2027

How to Apply:

1. Apply online at the Community Foundation of South Lake's Scholarships Page
2. Complete application registration during the open window (December 1 - March 1)

Required Materials:

• Application form through Community Foundation portal
• (Specific required documents not detailed in provided content)

Administration:

• Scholarships are administered by the Community Foundation of South Lake
• Award recipients are selected based on dedication, merit, and (for Cheryl Fishel Memorial) community service