Gator Bowl Charities Award of Excellence Soccer Scholarship 2026 – $2,500
Scholarship Description
The Gator Bowl Charities Award of Excellence Scholarship, presented by Momentum Transportation, is a prestigious one-time award of $2,500 given to four senior student-athletes from local high schools in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, community service, sports participation, and leadership qualities.
Recipients are honored at the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Holiday Party and recognized during the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Game. The scholarship is part of Gator Bowl Charities' commitment to supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of higher education.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is open to students attending local high schools in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia. Recipients may use the scholarship at any accredited university or college.
Scholarship Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 scholarship has passed. For the 2026-27 cycle, applications typically open in the fall. Prospective applicants are advised to check the official TaxSlayer Gator Bowl website for upcoming deadlines.
2025-26 Status: Deadline has passed
2026-27 Cycle: Applications typically open in fall 2026
Recommendation: Check the official website for updates on the next application cycle.
Host Organization
Gator Bowl Charities – the charitable arm of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, one of the oldest and most prestigious college bowl games. The scholarship is presented by Momentum Transportation, a transportation and logistics company serving the Southeast United States.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: High school senior (graduating Class of 2026).
Fields: All fields of study are eligible. The scholarship may be used at any accredited university or college.
Target Group
The scholarship targets senior student-athletes graduating from local high schools in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia. Applicants must participate in a JV or Varsity sport (or equivalent, such as dance or gymnastics), maintain a 3.5+ GPA, and be involved in extracurricular activities and community service.
Scholarship Amount
Award Amount: $2,500 – a one-time gift.
Number of Awards: Four (4) scholarships are awarded annually.
Recognition: Recipients are honored at:
- The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Holiday Party
- The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Game
📊 Summary of Award:
Amount: $2,500 (one-time)
Number of Awards: 4 per year
Eligibility: Senior student-athletes in Northeast FL / Southeast GA
Scholarship Eligibility
Essential criteria:
- Location: Must be a senior at a local high school in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia.
- Academic: Maintain a 3.5+ GPA from an accredited high school.
- Sports: Participate in a JV or Varsity sport (or equivalent, such as dance or gymnastics).
- Extracurricular: Participate in extracurricular activities through school, church, and the community.
- Character: Exhibit exemplary behavior and be a good role model for peers.
Selection criteria (factors considered):
- Scholastic Record
- Community Service
- Sports Participation
- Involvement in Extracurricular Activities
- Leadership Qualities
- Essay
✅ Eligible Candidates
- High school seniors in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia.
- 3.5+ GPA.
- Participate in JV or Varsity sports.
- Active in school, church, and community activities.
- Exemplary behavior and leadership qualities.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Students not graduating from a local high school in the eligible region.
- GPA below 3.5.
- No participation in sports or equivalent activities.
- Limited extracurricular or community involvement.
Application Procedure
- Check eligibility – Ensure you are a senior at a local high school in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia, maintain a 3.5+ GPA, and participate in sports and extracurricular activities.
- Prepare application materials – Gather academic records, community service documentation, and prepare an essay addressing the selection criteria.
- Submit your application – Applications are submitted through the official TaxSlayer Gator Bowl scholarship portal during the open application period.
- Selection process – A selection committee reviews applications based on scholastic record, community service, sports participation, extracurricular involvement, leadership qualities, and the essay.
- Notification – Scholarship recipients are notified by December 3 and honored at the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Holiday Party and Game.
Important notes: The deadline for the 2025-26 scholarship has passed. For questions, contact Kayla Vanderlaan, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, at [email protected].
Official Website & Application Links
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – Award of Excellence Scholarship
Contact: Kayla Vanderlaan – [email protected]
Check the official website for updates on the next application cycle.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Gator Bowl Charities Award of Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for senior student-athletes in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. With $2,500 awarded to four outstanding students each year, the scholarship recognizes the importance of academic excellence, community service, and athletic participation.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria — 3.5+ GPA, senior status, location, and sports participation.
- Build a strong record of community service and extracurricular involvement.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and exemplary behavior.
- Prepare a compelling essay that highlights your achievements and goals.
- Check the official TaxSlayer Gator Bowl website for the next application cycle opening.
Important reminders: The scholarship is only open to students in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia. Recipients are honored at the Gator Bowl Holiday Party and the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Game. For questions, contact Kayla Vanderlaan at [email protected].
Gator Bowl Charities Award of Excellence Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What is the Gator Bowl Charities Award of Excellence Scholarship?
It is a $2,500 scholarship awarded to four senior student-athletes from Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia who demonstrate academic excellence, community service, and leadership.
Who is eligible to apply?
Senior student-athletes at local high schools in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia with a 3.5+ GPA who participate in sports and extracurricular activities.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2025-26 cycle has passed. The 2026-27 cycle typically opens in the fall. Check the official website for updates.
How much is the scholarship?
The scholarship is a one-time award of $2,500.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Four (4) scholarships are awarded each year.
What are the selection criteria?
Scholastic record, community service, sports participation, extracurricular involvement, leadership qualities, and an essay.
Where can I use the scholarship?
It can be used at any accredited university or college.