Florida Elks JROTC Scholarship
Offered by Florida State Elks Association
About This Scholarship
The Florida Elks JROTC Scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors who have committed themselves to Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs at Florida high schools. The Florida State Elks Association organizes the competition through its 14 districts: each district selects a winner, the top candidate statewide receives a $5,000 scholarship, and the remaining thirteen district winners each receive $3,000, for fourteen awards in total every year.
Unlike ROTC-linked college scholarships, this program carries no military service obligation — it simply rewards the discipline, leadership, and citizenship that JROTC cadets build during high school. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA and are evaluated on leadership demonstrated through school activities, community service, and citizenship, mirroring the values the Elks promote through their statewide youth programs.
Scholarship funds are flexible, covering tuition, books, lab fees, tutoring, room and board, transportation, food, uniforms, and other educational expenses. The application flows through the local Elks lodge network: students submit to their nearest lodge, lodges forward candidates to district leaders, and each district advances one application to the state judging. The 2026 application period opened August 1, 2026, with applications due by January 17, 2027.
Eligibility
- High school senior at a Florida school
- Active JROTC cadet
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
- Florida resident
- U.S. citizen
How To Apply
- Download the current JROTC scholarship application PDF from the Florida State Elks Association website and submit the completed packet to your local Elks lodge before the January 17, 2027 deadline. Lodges forward applications to district leaders, and each of the 14 districts advances one candidate to the statewide competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Florida Elks JROTC Scholarship require military service after graduation?
No. The award recognizes JROTC participation in high school and carries no enlistment or service commitment. Winners can use the funds at any accredited college program.
How many Florida Elks JROTC scholarships are awarded each year?
Fourteen. The top candidate across all 14 Elks districts in Florida receives $5,000, and the remaining thirteen district winners each receive $3,000.
What can the scholarship money be used for?
Funds may cover tuition, books, lab fees, tutoring, room and board, transportation, food, uniforms, and other educational expenses.