Scholarships

GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship toggle arrow

The below information is related to the 2026 scholarship program which has closed. Check back in 2027 for updated program details.

The GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship is earned by a Girl Scout who completed a Gold Award project that demonstrated extraordinary leadership, measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed an issue of national and/or global significance.

Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship Rubric

RECIPIENT BENEFITS

A $5,000 academic scholarship
An official award letter
Recognition in local and national Girl Scout promotions, including the GSUSA Gold Award Girl Scouts Class web page

Additionally, all scholarship recipients will be added to a GSUSA database where they may be asked to serve as representatives for Girl Scouts through public relations, web/social, speaking engagements, or other related opportunities.

WHEN: The application period is March 13 – April 14, 2026.

Gold Award Girl Scouts who are high school seniors or recent high school graduates can apply for the 2026 program.

Specifically:

current high school seniors who earned or will earn anytime before April 1, 2026
recent high school graduates who earned in their senior year after March 31, 2025

Notes on eligibility:

Gold Award Girl Scouts who applied in a previous year are not eligible to re-apply.
To be eligible, all Gold Award Girl Scouts must have their final report approved in the GoGold web app within the eligibility date range.
Gold Award Girl Scouts who are not yet in 12th grade will have the opportunity to apply in their senior year.

How to apply for the Gold Award Scholarship:

Apply between March 13–April 14, 2026. All applicants will receive status updates in June 2026.

In addition to providing demographic information, a headshot with photo release, and confirmation of Gold Award status, each applicant will answer four essay questions in either a video (3 minutes or less each) or written (500 words or fewer each) format describing their Gold Award:

Please summarize your project in a narrative describing the root cause, how your project addresses it, the resources you leveraged, and how you achieved your goal. Be sure to indicate how you displayed leadership, detailing 1) how you led a team to accomplish your goals and 2) how you involved appropriate community members in your solution.
Please describe how your project had measurable and sustainable impact. Share the information or data you collected throughout your project and how you used it to measure your project’s impact on your issue. Be sure to share your actual results. Then, share how your project carries on or continues to have impact beyond your involvement.
Please describe how your project had a local connection to a national or global issue. Why does your project matter? Explain how your project meaningfully addressed an issue that is relevant nationwide and/or worldwide. Be sure to include your research and cite any sources.
Please describe the impact completing your Gold Award project has had on you. Be sure to include what new skills you may have gained, what qualities you have learned about yourself, and how these discoveries will help you in the future.

Find more information on the GSUSA website.

Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout Scholarship Fund toggle arrow

Since 1989, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Board of Directors has awarded college scholarships to graduating high school senior Girl Scouts! Girl Scouting offers opportunities for girls to excel in skills, leadership, and citizenship. The Board of Directors established the college scholarship fund to recognize young women for their achievements and academic successes, as well as to encourage them to continue their education.

Celebrating Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients

We are proud to celebrate the seven remarkable recipients of the 2026 Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship (pictured L-R): Mackenzie S., Anna O., Audrey C., Juliana Meek, Board President, Alexa P., Julianne A., Kaylee J., Mary Anne Servian, CEO, and Catelyn H. (not pictured).

Recognized at this year’s Young Women of Distinction Ceremony, these outstanding Girl Scouts truly shine as leaders, scholars, and change-makers. Their achievements reflect the very best of Girl Scouting—courage, confidence, and character—and a bright future filled with possibility.

Congratulations to each of these inspiring young women. Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see all you will accomplish!

Please note, the 2026 scholarship program has closed. Check back in 2027 for updated program details.

Education Foundation of Sarasota County toggle arrow

Are you looking for the right scholarships to help pay for your education beyond high school? The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is here to help. On their page, you can search their database of scholarships that fit your unique needs and experiences.

Don’t forget to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for more financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship toggle arrow

Selby Gardens is partnering with the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation to offer the Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year. Eligible high-achieving juniors or seniors pursuing bachelor’s degrees in the greater Sarasota region (minimum 3.5 GPA) can apply for a $15,000 scholarship plus leadership mentorship opportunities—including four mentoring sessions with Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki and engagement with Selby Gardens’ leadership community.

Deadline: June 15, 2026. Learn more and apply today! https://selby.org/toulmin-leadership-scholarship/