scholarships

Are you a student?

We here at the Heart of the City Foundation are passionate about encouraging and empowering students who love Jesus Christ—we believe it is vital that we support the future influencers of our church, city, and world. If you are or someone you love is a student—Weekday School, The Christ School, undergraduate, graduate, or vocational/technical school—we would love to receive your application for a scholarship.

To apply, you will need two recommendation letters—one from an academic mentor, one from a spiritual mentor. We’d like your recommenders to answer two questions in one paragraph: what is their relationship to you, and what are up to three qualities they wouldn’t want us to miss about you! You will also need to email (heartofthecityfoundation@fpco.org) or snail mail (address in the footer) your official transcript to us.

Deadline to apply was April 1st, 2024.

Thank you to everyone who applied! You’ll hear a decision from us soon.

Our Scholarship funds

 

Jesse “Jack” b bookhardt Jr music scholarship

This scholarship fund was started in memory of Jesse "Jack," who was very involved with the music program at FPCO until his unexpected death on a youth chorus trip.

  • Music

emma caldwell scholarship

Jack Caldwell started this scholarship fund in 2006 in loving memory of his mother, Emma Caldwell, who was a teacher at Howard Middle School for many years.

  • Need-based

  • Undergraduate

jim & diane cook scholarship

This scholarship fund was started in honor of an FPCO member’s beloved mother and father, Jim and Diane Cook, who ministered to her in meaningful ways until her last breath.

  • Need-based

  • Undergraduate or Vocational/Technical

  • Must have been a participant in FPCO’s After School Outreach Ministry

  • Must have been a recipient of governmental or church financial support

  • Must have a specific goal in pursuing further education

 

ann wilson divine scholarship

Former board member Russ Divine and his brother Bill started this fund in 2014 in loving memory of their mother, Ann Wilson Divine, who was an educator and had a true love for learning. They felt like it was the greatest way they could honor her. This scholarship is dedicated to lifting up students who are studying English, literature, creative writing, and education. 

Our readers, writers, and educators pour so much love and life into our communities—whether through sharing their art, empowering other artists to gift us their talents, or educating the next generations. We’re proud to grant this scholarship to deserving students each year, to continue the legacy of learning Ann Wilson Divine left to her sons and to us.

  • Undergraduate

  • English, Literature, Creative Writing, Education

  • GPA of at least 3.5

  • Full-time Student

  • Loves Jesus Christ

  • Demonstrate high moral character

  • Demonstrate involvement in their community, school, and church

See video about Ann Wilson Divine here.

glenn c fuller scholarship

Glenn C Fuller loved his work as an aerospace engineer. Passionate about his work and the subjects of math, science, and engineering, he always excited to share his knowledge and encourage others in their math studies. His daughter, Dianna Morgan, says, “He also enjoyed fixing things. . . anything! And he loved helping us solve challenging math problems.” And he especially loved spending time with his beloved family. 

Dianna and her family started this scholarship fund in 2010 in honor of her father, Glenn. Glenn’s family felt that establishing this scholarship fund to empower students who are pursuing careers in math, science, and engineering—areas of study that he so delighted in—was the perfect way to lovingly honor his memory, investing in future generations of engineers, scientists, and mathematicians.  

  • Graduating high school senior

  • GPA of at least 3.0

  • Undergraduate

  • Mathematics, Science, Engineering

general scholarship

This scholarship fund is for any student pursuing further education.

stacey guetzloe weekday school scholarship

In 2006, Doug Guetzloe started this scholarship as a Christmas gift to his wife Stacey, who has served as a Weekday School volunteer, committee chairperson, and member of the Advisory Board. The Weekday School has meant a lot to them over the years, with all three of their children having attended and having been shaped by the Weekday School. They want to invest in the education of children as well as encourage others to support the school they love.

  • FPCO Weekday School student

  • Need-based

Hames Family Scholarship

This scholarship fund was started in 2005 because of Cliff Hames’s belief in the importance of education. He believed that everyone should get the chance to pursue an education.

  • Graduate of Orange County Public Schools

  • Undergraduate in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina

hester scholarship

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate

  • GPA of at least 3.0

  • FPCO member

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

 

sarah boon hill scholarship

This scholarship is for a full-time undergraduate student who demonstrates courage, perseverance, and a will to succeed. The student who receives this scholarship must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and preferably have been a part of FPCO’s youth ministry. The student who receives this scholarship must also have at least one recommendation from an active FPCO member.

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate

  • GPA of at least 2.0

  • Preferably have been a part of FPCO’s youth ministry

  • Demonstrates courage, perseverance, and a will to succeed

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Irene Lester Miller was a school teacher with a huge heart for her city—she wanted her life to be a ministry to the city, not only in her present, but also in our future. Her desire was to serve her entire community in whatever ways she was able. In all things, she believed in excellence, and as an educator, she encouraged her students to strive for excellence as well. In their studies. In their faith. 

Former Heart of the City Foundation Board Member Donald Brown remembers, “She would get up early in the morning and get her Wall Street Journal, and by 10 o’clock she would be calling her investment advisors, asking questions about what was in the Wall Street Journal. I knew I had to get up before her so I could answer her questions.” With a hearty laugh, he adds, “She never said goodbye. You were talking to her on the phone and when she got through what she wanted to say, she’d just hang up. She was a sweet, sweet lady. Very, very special.”

Irene was the first major donor to the Heart of the City Foundation, giving essentially all she had when she passed away. One of her passions was for future students to continue to be encouraged towards excellence, and this scholarship was established as a part of her legacy.

  • Unrestricted

carl j & nancy w owsley scholarship

  • Undergraduate

  • GPA of at least 2.5

  • FPCO member

beryl & betty windsor educator scholarship

Beryl and Betty Windsor were educators in Orange County, Florida for many, many years. They both had an undeniable passion for young people, always wanting to encourage them in their learning, and they were especially compassionate towards the students who struggled. They strived to lift up every student.

As a way to further pour into future generations of educators, Betty often welcomed educator interns from the University of Central Florida into her classroom as well. She so enjoyed the opportunity to mentor them as they learned to lead and encourage their own classrooms of incredible students. 

This scholarship fund was started by Beryl and Betty’s family in their honor, to raise up future generations of educators with the same spirit that Beryl and Betty nurtured throughout their careers and lives. 

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate or Graduate

  • Education

  • Intending to become an educator

  • FPCO member or have at least 1 recommendation from an active FPCO member

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church


glen r & rita b pierson scholarship

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate, Graduate, or Vocational

  • GPA of at least 3.0

  • Member of the Presbyterian Church USA

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

dr james porter jr scholarship

This scholarship fund was started by family and friends in memory of Dr James Porter Jr in 1992.

  • Undergraduate, Graduate, or Independent Study

  • Healthcare field

  • Unweighted GPA of at least 3.0

  • FPCO member for at least 1 year

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

  • Demonstrates leadership qualities

 

general w e “joe” potter scholarship

This scholarship fund was started in 1990 by friends and family in memory of General W E “Joe” Potter, so that every FPCO member can have a chance to pursue further education.

  • Need-based

  • Undergraduate or Graduate

  • GPA of at least 3.0

  • FPCO member

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

  • Demonstrates leadership qualities

teresa jefford scholarship

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate

  • GPA of at least 3.0

  • Special Education

  • Loves Jesus Christ

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

annie bell Johnson nursing scholarship

Annie Bell Johnson started this scholarship as a legacy gift when she passed away in 2009. She left this scholarship to empower students in the field of nursing, to pour into future generations.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and her master’s degree in nursing education from the University of Colorado, she went on to become an incredible nursing educator. She devoted herself to her family, to her work in which she touched so many lives, and to her church, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando.

Her grand niece, Emily Dunaway, shared in Annie Bell’s obituary, “Annie Bell always had the warmest smile at our gatherings and such sweet eyes that always let me know how much she cared about being there and spending time with all of us.” Annie Bell was also as scholarly as she was spiritual and kind, enjoying a wonderful collection of the greatest poets and writers.

  • Undergraduate or Graduate

  • GPA of at least 3.0

  • Medical Field, preferably Nursing

  • Loves Jesus Christ

  • Active member of FPCO

  • Demonstrates leadership qualities

kricket johnson veterinary scholarship

Boyd and Frances Johnson started this scholarship fund in 2006 after losing their beloved Yorkie, Kricket—aka “Kuddly Kricket of Kamelot.” They wanted to commemorate the grief of losing their furry family member as well as encourage the love and care for all of God’s creation. This scholarship is also given in honor and loving remembrance of their Chihuahua, Kupcake, and Donna Welchel, who cared for Kupcake after the Johnsons were no longer able.

Kricket and Kupcake, like many furry family members, provided constant companionship and unconditional affection, blessing their family with a glimpse of God’s love. This scholarship fund is devoted to empowering students who are studying veterinary science or who are in a vet-tech program.

  • Undergraduate, Graduate or Vet-Tech

  • Veterinary Science

  • GPA of at least 3.5

  • Loves Jesus Christ

kathleen h kraft & kenneth h kraft jr family scholarship

This scholarship fund was started by Kathleen and Kenneth Kraft in 2013.

  • MBA with a Concentration in Finance, CPA program, or Medical School, Law School, or Engineering Program

  • GPA of at least 3.5

  • Resident of Orange County, Florida (or of contiguous counties), or Lancaster, Virginia

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates a deep sense of personal responsibility

lee family scholarship

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate

  • Unweighted GPA of at least 3.0

  • Loves Jesus Christ

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

 

lucille & robert mccutchen christian ministerial scholarship

This scholarship fund was started in 1994 by Lucille McCutchen in memory of her husband Robert McCutchen.

  • Need-based

  • Graduate or Professional School

  • Theology

  • Intends to enter into Christian ministry

  • FPCO member

allison wolfe scholarship

  • Need-based

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate or Technical School

  • Unweighted GPA of at least 2.5

  • Graduated from the public school system

  • Loves Jesus Christ

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

robert a robertson Memorial scholarship

This scholarship fund was started in 1995 as a legacy gift by Robert A Robertson, better known by his friends and family as “Bob” or “Robbie.” Bob was an influential and generous member of FPCO and HOCF. For 58 years, he served FPCO and HOCF in many capacities—as a deacon, an elder, and the financial chair as well as the President of the Trustees at HOCF. One of his strong beliefs was that education is vital to creating equal opportunity and a better world, empowering those who have little to rise as future leaders.

  • Student of the Infant Child Care Center, the Weekday School, or The Christ School

Elizabeth masden sefcik memorial scholarship

After the passing of their daughter Elizabeth in 1996, The Christ School founders Joe and Eugenia Sefcik started this endowment and scholarship in her beloved memory. Elizabeth was born with a severe chromosomal disorder, expected to live a very short life. The few short weeks Joe and Eugenia had with Elizabeth were a blessing, and the blessing of her life was something they wanted to share with other children.

  • Need-based

  • Student of The Christ School or potentially the Infant Child Care Center

david swanson pastoral scholarship

  • Graduate

  • Theology

  • Intending to enter into full-time pastoral ministry through ordination

  • GPA of at least 3.0

  • FPCO member, preferably a student who grew up in the church

  • Loves Jesus Christ

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

jack & marion wilson music scholarship

This scholarship fund was started in 1992 in memory of Jack and Marion Wilson.

  • Full-time

  • Undergraduate or Graduate

  • Music Ministry/Worship

  • GPA of at least 2.5

  • Demonstrates high moral character

  • Demonstrates involvement in their community, school, and church

  • Must have 1 recommendation from an active FPCO member

Congratulations, 2023 heart of the City Foundation Scholarship recipients!

Ava Albachiaro

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Clemson University

Parker Bell

Kathleen H. & Kenneth H. Kraft Jr. Scholarship

University of Florida

Melissa Bell

Lee Family Scholarship

Florida State University

Jay Brackett

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of Florida

Avery Britt

Dr James Porter Jr Scholarship

Auburn University

Cole Brockman

Emma Caldwell Scholarship

Valencia College

Meseret Brockman

Lee Family Scholarship

University of North Florida

Alice Bryan

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Samford University

Ann Elizabeth Bryan

Teresa Jefford Scholarship

Florida State University

Brianna Burchell

Allison Wolfe Scholarship

Florida State University

Jack Burden

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Davidson College

Taylor Chamberlain

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Florida State University

George Clendenin

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

High Point University

Charles Clendenin

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Baylor University

Briley Coleman

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

University of South Carolina

Emily Costar

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Baylor University

Kate Costar

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Clemson University

Amanda Dukes

Lucille & Robert McCutchen Christian Ministerial Scholarship

Reformed Theological Seminary

Luke Easterling

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Grace Easterling

Teresa Jefford Scholarship

Valencia College

Jackson Elling

Dr Glen R. & Rita B Pierson Scholarship

Reformed Theological Seminary

Emma Fetter

Hames Family Scholarship

University of Florida

Tanner Fox

Lucille & Robert McCutchen Christian Ministerial Scholarship

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary

Landon Gimenez

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Florida Atlantic University

August Gimenez

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of Florida

Katie Grace Hanks

Glenn C Fuller Scholarship

University of Florida

Miles Herron

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

University of Florida

Thomas Hewitt

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of Florida

Reagan Hiatt

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Auburn University

William Kietzman

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Florida State University

Mary Caroline Kolar

Jesse “Jack” B Bookhardt Jr Music Scholarship

Jack & Marion Wilson Music Scholarship

Sara Kolar

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Wake Forest University

Jack Krantz

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Rollins College

Taylor Lemons

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of South Carolina

Marla Leonce

Jim & Diane Cook Scholarship

Middlebury College

Caleb Losch

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of Florida

Ashlyn MacNichol

Ann Wilson Divine Scholarship

University of Central Florida

Annalea Nichols

Lucille & Robert McCutchen Christian Ministerial Scholarship

Reformed Theological Seminary

Claire Oswald

Annie Bell Johnson Nursing Scholarship

University of Florida

Conoley Paffrath

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of Mississippi

Marley Parks

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of Florida

Savannah Partlow

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Florida State University

Annabelle Peebles

General W. E. “Joe” Potter Scholarship

Whitworth University

Mason Pullum

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Florida State University

Emma Grace Ramb

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Alexa Rossi

David Swanson Pastoral Scholarship

Reformed Theological Seminary

Mallory Smith

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

University of Florida

Sarah Sproles

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Queens University of Charlotte

Emma Summer

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Florida Southern College

Ethan Taylor

Sarah Boon Hill Scholarship

Hester Scholarship

Carl J. & Nancy W. Owsley Scholarship

Florida State University

Alexandra Thorp

Sarah Boon Hill Scholarship

Hester Scholarship

Carl J. & Nancy W. Owsley Scholarship

Santa Fe College

Kate Tipping

Irene Lester Miller Scholarship

Florida State University

Cody Tipping

Allison Wolfe Scholarship

University of Central Florida

Stephanie Towle

Heart of the City Foundation General Scholarship

Oklahoma City University

Benjamin Willsey

Lucille & Robert McCutchen Christian Ministerial Scholarship

Reformed Theological Seminary