Seminole students urged to apply for $1,200 FSE scholarships

The Seminole County Supervisor of Elections office announced Monday that Florida Supervisors of Elections will award three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida college students preparing for careers in public service, business or journalism. Seminole County students who meet the eligibility requirements must submit their applications to the Supervisor of Elections office by Friday, March 6, 2026.

Supervisor of Elections Amy Pennock urged local applicants to take advantage of the opportunity. “This scholarship is a meaningful way to support students who care about leadership, civic responsibility, and making a difference. I encourage every eligible Seminole County student to apply.”

The scholarships are small but targeted: they are intended to help students who plan to enter fields that shape civic life and local policy. For Seminole County communities from Sanford and Oviedo to Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Casselberry and Longwood, fostering a pipeline of young professionals into public service and journalism can influence how local decisions are made and how community needs are represented.

Public health and social equity intersect with who serves in government and who reports on local issues. Students with lived experience of community health challenges are more likely to prioritize policies that address housing, transportation, environmental risks and access to care. Financial barriers often keep diverse candidates out of internships, campaigns and entry-level positions that lead to leadership. Modest awards like these can help cover textbooks, transit, or unpaid internship costs that otherwise limit participation.

The elections office said application details and contact information are available through the Supervisor’s office. Interested students should contact the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections office well before the March 6 deadline to confirm eligibility requirements and submission procedures.

Beyond the application itself, the scholarships are also an invitation. They signal that the county’s elections office sees value in recruiting and supporting future public servants and journalists. For students juggling classes, work and family obligations, even a small stipend can make the difference between pursuing a civic internship or passing on the opportunity.

Our two cents? If you meet the criteria or know someone who does, treat the deadline like a local election and get your application in early. Small steps toward public service add up, and this could be the nudge a Seminole County student needs to turn civic interest into a career.