The UCF College of Community Innovation and Education is proud to award scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students annually. Through the generosity of many donors, scholarships provide financial assistance to students, allowing CCIE to reward academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and enrich students' college experience. There are dozens of scholarships available to help you pay for tuition, books and other expenses. Don’t wait — start your research and apply for scholarships when the application window opens!

$107k
Available in College Scholarships

(2025-26 Disbursement)

56
Available Scholarships

(2025-26 Disbursement)

Scholarship Application Window
January 28 to March 23

Spotlights

Discover how scholarships open doors for students across the college — empowering them to pursue their passions, advance their careers and create meaningful change in their communities. Their stories highlight the profound impact of donor generosity and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Alyssa Harbin headshot

"Having supported myself through my bachelor's and master's degrees, this scholarship allows me to focus more fully on my coursework and research as I work toward improving elementary mathematics education and preparing future teachers."

Alyssa Harbin '23MEd

Alyssa, a first-generation college student in the Mathematics Education PhD program, is dedicated to strengthening the pipeline of future mathematics teachers. The Lester N. Mandell Scholarship has given her the freedom to deepen her research and academic work. With five years of experience as a fourth-grade teacher and a transformative master’s journey at UCF, she is now preparing for a career as a college professor who will guide the next generation of math educators.

Courtney Dunn headshot

"I am incredibly grateful to have been selected to receive this scholarship. As a student in the counselor education master's program, it is important not only to excel academically but also to remain engaged in my community. This scholarship ensures that I will graduate as a well-rounded and effective counselor."

Courtney Dunn '24

Courtney is a first-generation college student in the Counselor Education master's program. Being a scholarship recipient means she gets to focus on her academic and professional development in counseling. Dunn, who earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with dual minors in criminal justice and human services, recently received the Dr. Kenneth E. "Pete" Fisher Endowed Scholarship. As she works toward her goal of becoming a licensed counselor with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, she also remains engaged on campus through volunteer service, leadership and research.

Antonella Quiroz headshot

“As a full-time graduate student working full-time, this award significantly eases the financial burden of higher education, and it allows me to focus on my academic and professional development. It reinforces my commitment to giving back through service and brings me one step closer to achieving my long-term goal of protecting children from harm.”

Antonella Quiroz '24

Antonella, a first-generation college student pursuing a dual master’s degree in criminal justice and public administration, is the recipient of the Jennifer Kesse Criminal Justice Endowed Scholarship. She balances full-time work as a registered behavior technician with her graduate studies and extensive volunteer involvement through VolunteerUCF and local nonprofits. Driven by a commitment to public service, she aims to build a career focused on child advocacy and protection.

Rayna Marchena Smith headshot

"Learning about Amy Kuritar Lohrmann’s service as a probation officer in Seminole County inspires me to keep pushing forward, even when this field feels demanding. This support brings me closer to achieving my goal of serving at the federal level.”

Rayna Marchena Smith

Receiving the Amy Kuritar Lohrmann Memorial Endowed Scholarship has motivated Rayna, a senior in the Criminal Justice bachelor’s program, by easing financial pressures and reinforcing her commitment to a future in public service. Through her internship with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, she is gaining valuable hands-on experience as she works toward a career in law enforcement.

The Process

How to Apply

Students may search and apply for scholarships using the A2O: Access to Opportunities online scholarship application system annually.

A20 provides access to hundreds of scholarships, including some exclusively for College of Community Innovation and Education students.

  • Begin by logging into A2O and completing a short general application. Afterwards, A2O will automatically match you with college scholarships you qualify for.
  • Search for other scholarship opportunities by browsing scholarships awarded through the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Under opportunities, select "ours" for UCF scholarships and external for non-UCF affiliated opportunities.
  • Carefully read the scholarship application criteria.
  • Complete the required actions. For example, upload an essay or resume if required.

Accepting Scholarships

  • Scholarship recipients will receive an email notification regarding their awarded scholarship.
  • Recipients must accept the offered scholarship in A2O.
  • Before the scholarship can be awarded, a thank you note to the donor must be uploaded to A2O.
  • We invite you to share this scholarship's impact on your academic journey. Please send your photos, testimonials and a completed model release form to CCIEscholarships@ucf.edu.

Become a Donor

Are you interested in establishing a scholarship or supporting an existing scholarship? Please contact Mike Vermillion for more information.

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