Collier Scholars Common Application

Applying for scholarships has never been easier! By completing one online application,
you’ll be considered for 80+ scholarship opportunities.

We’ve increased total dollars awarded every year over the last five years.

That means more Collier County students and residents can achieve post-secondary educational success.

Are you next?

Apply for Scholarships

We have scholarships for students with a wide variety of backgrounds, GPAs, areas of study, and levels of education. The application is typically open from November – February of each year.

The Collier Scholars Common Application for the 2023-24 academic year awards will open November 1, 2022 – February 8, 2023. Please begin gathering the items needed using the drop-down list below.

For assistance with the application form, check out our video tutorial using one of the options below:

List of awards/recognition received in the past 1-3 years

  • List of volunteer/ employment/ extracurricular activities in which you have participated in the last 1-3 years
  • Unofficial academic transcript
    • If you are a HS senior or a recent HS graduate you MUST upload a transcript that includes final fall semester grades from senior year.
    • If you are a current college student you MUST upload a transcript that includes final fall semester grades from current academic year.
    • If you earned your GED, please upload your certificate.
    • If you do not have GPA or transcript available, you will need to provide details on why you are not able to provide information
  • Two letter(s) of recommendation from within the past year written by professional or academic contacts (please do not use family members or friends) that include the following:
    • Applicant’s work ethic and dedication
    • Applicant’s potential in chosen career field
    • Applicant’s educational and/or career goals
    • Insightful and not too brief
    • Personalized letter that provides details unique to applicant
  • Up-to-date resume
  • Answers to the following essay topics:

1. Personal Statement

  • Tell us your story–write a short autobiography including information about your family, background, interests, and what you hope to do in the future.
  • Describe a person, event or activity that has shaped who you are as a person.
    • Why or how has this been significant to you?
    • What lessons have you learned from this?
  • How will receiving this scholarship help you achieve your goals or dreams?

2. Academic/Career Goals

  • Why do you want to go to college?
  • What are your academic and career goals?
  • Is there a specific institution you wish to attend? If so, why?
  • Has something or someone significantly influenced your choice of study/career/major?
  • Discuss any circumstances that have encouraged you to pursue your education.

3. Community Impact

  • How have you made a difference in your community?
  • How will you make a difference in your community and beyond in the future?
  • What does leadership mean to you?
  • How will you be a leader in your community in the future?
  • Page 1 & 2 of the most recent 1040 tax form (2 year’s prior taxes—for the 2023-2024 academic year application, use 2021 taxes)
    • Needed to verify household adjusted gross income
    • Applicants considered “dependent” for financial aid (FAFSA) purposes will need to submit parent(s)/guardian(s) tax returns
    • Applications considered “independent” for financial aid (FAFSA) purposes will need to submit their own tax returns

If you need help determining your dependency status, please visit the Federal Student Aid website

  1. Gather your information using the list in the previous drop-down
  2. Complete the Collier Scholars Common Application
    By submitting the Collier Scholars Common Application, we will take the information provided to see which scholarships you qualify for. With one application, you’ll be in the running for consideration to more than 150 scholarship awards.

No incomplete or late applications will be accepted after the posted deadline.

Pro tip: File your FAFSA. Information from the FAFSA is important for scholarship and other opportunities.

  1. Consider applying for other scholarships
    The Scholarship Connector search engine connects you to many scholarships that are NOT provided by the Community Foundation. These scholarships require a separate application. Click here to search for scholarships using the Scholarship Connector.
  2. Check your email and the Scholarship Portal
    We will communicate decisions and needs by the email provided in your application and/or through the Scholarship Portal. Scholarship committees comprised of trained volunteers will review applications.

If your contact information changes at any point, please log back into the scholarship portal to update your profile.

  • Use this step-by-step tutorial that walks you through filling out and submitting the Collier Scholars Common Application.
  • How do I find the cost of my institution?
    • Colleges typically share an estimate on their websites (usually under financial aid or admissions)
    • You will receive specific amounts for yourself once you are accepted and complete the financial aid process with your college/university
  • How do I know if I am eligible for a certain scholarship?
    • After you submit Collier Scholars Common App, the opportunities you are eligible for will appear on your dashboard in the application portal
    • You will also know if you need to answer any supplemental questions for specific scholarships
    • The system will also show if you have been selected for an award
  • If I have applied previously, do I need to reapply?
    • You should re-apply every year to be considered for additional scholarships
    • Many opportunities are open to current college students
    • Some scholarships are renewable—renewals are a completely separate process and take place during the late spring/early summer after new scholarships are awarded
    • Use the same login every time you access the portal for any activity (do not create a new account each year)
  • Who should write my letter of recommendation and how many do I need?
    • Ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your work ethic, passions, goals, and accomplishments
      • Guidance Counselor, teacher, supervisor at work, coordinator where you volunteer
    • The Collier Scholars Common App requires two letters of recommendation
    • Other scholarships may require more or less letters, so you will need to refer to the listing page on Scholarship Connector or contact the organization to confirm with them
  • Do I have to write an essay?
    • The Collier Scholars Common App requires 3 essay responses
    • You can use these essays as templates for other college or scholarship essays
  • Why do you need my parent/guardian information?
    • Personal and financial information from parent/guardian is required for applicants who are considered dependent for FAFSA purposes
  • Does the check come to me or does it go directly to the school?
    • Scholarship payments are sent directly to the institution you attend after we verify your enrollment
  • Can I get an application in Spanish or another language?
    • Application form can be translated through Google translate
    • Responses to questions must be in English

Watch this step-by-step FAFSA instructional video to help with common questions you may have when completing the FAFSA application. This video is for high school students beginning college Fall 2023 – Summer 2024. This is a resource provided by Champions For Learning.

Video (English language)

Video (Spanish language)

Start your Collier Scholars Common Application

Start your Collier Scholars Common Application

Login to our secure scholarship portal to begin your application. Students who have already applied, or who have been awarded, can login to see the status of their scholarship applications, renewals, and awards 24/7
Apply Now

To learn more, please contact

Laura Bidireanu

Director of Education/Scholarships
239-307-4515
[email protected]

To learn more, please contact

Deb Olson

Scholarship Coordinator
239-307-4519
[email protected]