C. Valentine Bates Memorial HOPE Scholarship
Offered by Florida State Elks Association
About This Scholarship
The C. Valentine Bates Memorial HOPE Scholarship, run by the Florida State Elks Association, is built around an unusual and refreshing idea: it deliberately excludes straight-A students. Only Florida high school seniors with an unweighted GPA between 2.30 and 3.59 may apply, which means the program reaches solid, hardworking students who are often shut out of merit scholarships that chase 4.0 transcripts. The association distributes roughly $106,000 through the program each year, with individual awards ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 per recipient.
The scholarship honors C. Valentine Bates, a past leader of the Florida Elks, and reflects the order's long-running investment in Florida youth programs, which also include a youth camp and children's therapy services. Selection weighs both financial need and merit factors such as leadership in school activities, community service, citizenship, and a scored essay, so students with modest grades but strong character and real financial barriers can compete effectively.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and Florida residents graduating from a Florida high school. Awarded funds must be used within two years of the award decision, giving recipients some flexibility if their enrollment plans shift. The application for the 2027 cycle opened August 1, 2026 and is due January 15, 2027.
Eligibility
- High school senior graduating from a Florida high school
- Unweighted GPA between 2.30 and 3.59 (students above 3.59 are not eligible)
- U.S. citizen and Florida resident
- Demonstrated financial need
- Leadership shown through school activities, community service, and citizenship
How To Apply
- Download the current application PDF from the Florida State Elks Association HOPE Scholarship page, complete it along with the required essay and supporting documents, and submit it before the January 15, 2027 deadline. The application for the 2027 cycle opened August 1, 2026; questions go to the association's scholarship committee contact listed on the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to the HOPE Scholarship with a 3.8 GPA?
No. The program is specifically designed for students with an unweighted GPA between 2.30 and 3.59. Students above that range are directed to the Elks' other merit competitions instead.
How much can I win from the Florida Elks HOPE Scholarship?
Awards range from $3,000 to $20,000 per recipient, with the Florida State Elks Association distributing roughly $106,000 in total each year. Funds must be disbursed within two years of the award decision.
Do I need a connection to an Elks lodge to apply?
No Elks membership is required. The program is open to any Florida high school senior who meets the GPA, residency, citizenship, and financial-need criteria.