Ralph H and Ruth Frank Gross Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Community Foundation of Broward County

Fort Lauderdale Alumnae Panhellenic awards scholarships to students who combine strong academics with a commitment to service. These awards reflect our belief that character grows through helping others and that education creates opportunity. Below is a clear summary of the Ralph H. and Ruth Frank Gross Memorial Scholarship and the requirements for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Important dates and award amount
- Application deadline: 11:59 p.m., April 30, 2026 (for the 2026–2027 academic year).
- Award range: $500 to $2,500 per recipient.
- Eligible programs: college, university, or vocational education in Florida. Graduate students are not eligible.

Brief background
This scholarship was established in memory of Ralph H. and Ruth Frank Gross to honor their belief in the value of education. It is intended to help government employees and their families—often serving quietly in public roles—improve their lives through further education.

Who may apply (basic eligibility)
You must meet all of the following:
- Demonstrate financial need and not already receive any other scholarship or grant.
- Be a resident of Florida.
- Plan to attend a college, university, or vocational institute located in Florida, either full- or part-time.
- Agree to avoid tobacco products, illegal drugs, and alcohol abuse for the duration of the award.
- Agree not to join a social sorority or fraternity for the duration of the award (membership in honorary, academic, or professional Greek organizations is permitted).
- If your employer offers tuition reimbursement, you may be ineligible for this award.
- If you are a graduating high school student, you must have a combined SAT score of 1100 (Critical Reading + Math) and submit official high school transcripts.

You must also meet at least one of the following government-related conditions
- Be a current full‑time employee of a governmental entity in Broward County.
- Be a retired or former employee who worked full‑time for a governmental entity in Broward County continuously for at least five years.
- Be a former employee who was disabled as a result of job-related duties, having worked full‑time for at least five years for a Broward County governmental entity.
- Be the spouse (or former spouse for at least five years), or the child, of a person who currently works full‑time for a Broward County governmental entity, or of a person who meets one of the employee conditions above, or of a person who was killed in the line of duty after at least five years of full‑time service with a Broward County governmental entity.

Application notes (what you should prepare)
- Official transcripts (high school transcripts required for graduating seniors).
- Proof of Florida residency.
- Documentation showing employment status or relationship to the qualifying employee (pay stubs, retirement paperwork, disability documentation, marriage/divorce records, birth certificates, or death-in-line-of-duty documentation where applicable).
- Any additional items specified on the application form.

If you meet these criteria and want to continue your education while serving or supporting someone who serves the public, this scholarship may be a good fit. Prepare your materials carefully and submit the application by April 30, 2026. If you’d like, I can help you review your application materials or suggest how to present your financial need and service commitments clearly.