Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Godbold Foundation

Here’s a clearer, teacher-friendly version you can share with students.

Overview
- The Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships are funded by the Godbold Foundation (Tierra Verde, FL). They provide up to $25,000 total — typically $6,250 per year for four years — for in-state undergraduate study at a public university in Florida, South Carolina, or North Carolina. Up to 10 scholarships are awarded each year.
- Application window: December 1 – March 4.

Who should apply
You should consider this scholarship if you:
- Are a current high school senior.
- Live in and attend a public or private high school in one of the eligible areas:
- Tampa Bay, FL: Pinellas or Hillsborough counties
- South Carolina: the cities of Florence or Marion
- North Carolina: Avery County
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Have experienced and overcome significant life obstacles (this is a key part of the selection).
- Intend to enroll full-time as an in-state student at a public university in your state of residency (the scholarship does not cover out-of-state schools).
- Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required).

What you must submit (prepare these before starting)
- Complete the FAFSA and download your Student Aid Index (SAI) — you will upload this.
- Two letters of recommendation (PDF format).
- High school transcript that includes fall semester grades of your senior year. Important: do not upload a transcript unless it shows those fall grades.
- Any essay or question responses required by the application describing the obstacles you’ve overcome (read the application to confirm).

Selection and renewal
- Number of awards each year: up to 10.
- Award amount: $6,250 per year (total up to $25,000 over four years).
- Renewable if you remain a full-time undergraduate and stay in good academic standing.

Practical tips from your teacher
- Preview the application before you begin — know the questions and the file formats required.
- Finish the FAFSA first so you have your SAI ready.
- Request recommendation letters early; tell recommenders the deadline and what to address (resilience, leadership, character).
- Double-check your transcript before uploading to make sure it includes fall senior grades.

Contact and web resources
- Website: www.sunshineopportunityscholarships.com — read the full application instructions there.
- Scholarship administrator: nancy@sunshineopportunityscholarships.com

If you want, I can help you outline your responses, review your essays, or format your recommendation and transcript PDFs before you submit.