Collaboratory Scholarship Program
Offered by Collaboratory
About this scholarship
The Collaboratory Scholarship Program uses one online application to match Southwest Florida students with multiple donor-funded awards. The 2027 cycle opens November 2, 2026 and closes January 14, 2027. Opportunities serve high school seniors, adult learners, undergraduates, and graduate students, largely from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. Recipients may attend vocational or technical colleges, state colleges, or universities anywhere in the United States. Award values differ by fund; as context rather than a guarantee for 2027, Collaboratory distributed $1,597,296 through 218 scholarships in the 2026 cycle, an average of about $7,327. Payments go directly to the recipient’s institution after enrollment is verified. The Kaleidoscope application first asks eligibility questions, then identifies programs for which the applicant may qualify. Every applicant submits a current transcript, one current-academic-year recommendation, and a 2027–28 FAFSA Submission Summary; students unable to file FAFSA may contact Collaboratory about an alternative. Applicants also answer short responses about major, financial circumstances, community involvement, goals, challenges, and personal perspective. Individual matched funds can request additional essays, recommendations, or forms. Selection factors vary and may include academics, need, service, field, athletics, or attendance at a particular school. Some awards are renewable, but recipients must provide annual enrollment and transcript updates.
Eligibility
- Be a high school senior, adult learner, undergraduate student, or graduate student eligible for at least one Collaboratory donor fund
- Meet the geographic and other criteria of a matched fund; opportunities largely serve Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties in Florida
- Plan to attend a qualifying vocational school, technical college, state college, or university in the United States
- Upload the most recent high school or college transcript, or a GED certificate when applicable
- Submit one recommendation written during the current academic year by a non-family recommender
- Upload the 2027–28 FAFSA Submission Summary or contact Collaboratory if unable to submit FAFSA
- Complete all required short responses and any additional materials requested by matched scholarship programs
- Submit the complete Kaleidoscope application by January 14, 2027; late or incomplete applications are not considered