Collier community foundation

Gather these items before you apply
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
One letter of recommendation is required and must be from the current academic year written by professional or academic contact (please do not use family members or friends). The letter should include the following topics:
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
Most recent taxes from two year’s prior (for 2026 application it would be taxes from 2024)
Page 1 & 2 of the most recent 1040 tax form (as noted above)
Needed to verify household adjusted gross income
Applicants considered “dependent” for financial aid (FAFSA) purposes will need to submit parent(s)/guardian(s) tax return
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

Answers to the following essay topics:
1. Personal Statement

Tell us your story–share about your family, background, and personal interests.
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?
Share what you hope to do in the future
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?