Scholarships
ROTARY CLUB VERO BEACH SUNRISE FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Continuing education opens doors to opportunity, personal growth, and long-term success. It provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Recognizing that the cost of higher education can be a significant barrier, Sunrise Rotary offers scholarships to support qualified students by reducing the financial burden of pursuing a degree. These awards allow recipients to focus on their studies and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them, while advancing the Rotary values of service and leadership.
Sunrise Rotary of Vero Beach offers four (4) types of scholarships to help cover tuition, books, fees, and supplies. The number of scholarships awarded each year is based on the level of funding secured annually for the program.
YOU ONLY NEED TO APPLY FOR ONE SCHOLARSHIP
If you meet the qualifications for more than one type of scholarship, your application and supporting documents will be evaluated and considered for those scholarships as well.
TO QUALIFY:
To qualify you must be an Indian River County resident currently graduating from Vero Beach High School, Sebastian River High School, Indian River Charter High School, St. Edwards High School, or a home-schooled graduate who has applied for or has been accepted into an accredited four (4) year college or university, and have a 3.0 or higher grade point average.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Your application and all required documents must be submitted online by midnight March 15, 2026. Applications received after that date will not be considered.
SELECTION:
The Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach Scholarship Committee will review and select scholarship recipients.
NOTIFICATION:
Scholarship recipients will be notified by their guidance counselors. Scholarships will be formally presented at Scholarship/Awards Night.
DISBURSEMENT:
Vouchers will be issued through the financial aid office of the college or university that you will be attending.
FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT:
Ed Massey
Sunrise Rotary Scholarship Coordinator
GEORGE C SCHROEDER “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
($1000 ANNUAL RENEWAL UP TO FOUR (4) YEARS)
This scholarship is given in memory of Sunrise Rotarian George Schroeder, honoring his commitment to education and the arts and his efforts to expand opportunities for students to follow their aspirations.
COMMANDER TOM FRITZ MUSIC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - ($1000)
This scholarship is given in memory of Sunrise Rotarian Tom Fritz, honoring his passion for music, his dedication to teaching, and his belief in the lasting impact the power of music can have in a student’s life.
In addition to the general qualifications listed, you must play a musical instrument, have participated in musical performances, and made contributions to music and the arts.
COLONEL JIM THOMPSON LEADERSHIP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - ($1000)
This scholarship is given in memory of Sunrise Rotarian Jim Thomson, honoring his integrity, service, and devotion to his community to ensure his legacy of service and generosity continues through future generations.
INTERACT GOVERNOR’S SCHOLARSHIP - ($1000)
This scholarship is awarded to an Interact Club member who exemplifies the values of Rotary through leadership, service, and dedication to making a positive impact in their school and community. It recognizes a student who has demonstrated initiative, integrity, and dedication to service above self.
In addition to the general qualifications listed, you must be a member of an active Interact Club in Indian River County.