The DeBartolo Family Foundation is dedicated to helping the youth in our community. Every student’s story is different and the Foundation is committed to helping students achieve their dream of attending college.
The DeBartolo Family Foundation scholarship program was created to recognize Tampa Bay area high school graduating seniors who have achieved academic excellence despite obstacles and are dedicated to continuing their education. A one-time scholarship award is given to students prior to the start of their freshman year of college and can be used for any college-related expenses.
To qualify for a DeBartolo Family Foundation scholarship, all applicants must be a current high school senior in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas or Polk Counties and must have plans to continue his/her education at a University, Community College or Technical School starting in summer or fall after your graduation.
Applications for the 2026–2027 scholarship cycle will be available later this fall. We encourage students to check back for updates and important deadlines.
2026 Scholarships
Congratulations to the 2026 scholarship recipients!
Along with all of our scholarship winners, we’re proud to celebrate Ryan Rabon, the Valedictorian of the Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School Class of 2026. With an impressive 8.04 GPA, Ryan has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to her community.
At BDCHS, Ryan served as President of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society, Vice President of HOSA–Future Health Professionals, and Captain and record-holder of the Girls Cross Country Team. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and recipient of Florida’s Gold and Silver Seals of Biliteracy in Spanish.
Ryan will attend the University of Miami as a Premier Scholar and Foote Fellow in the Honors Program, pursuing a double major in Biochemistry & Nutrition and Neuroscience on the Pre-Medical Track.
The DeBartolo Family Foundation congratulates Ryan on this incredible achievement and celebrates her dedication to excellence, service, and leadership.
2026 Valedictorian: Ryan Rabon
Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients:
Abby Barfield, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to Collegiate High School
Adeola Adeyemo, Armwood High School
Amera Jenkins, Newsome High School
Anastasia Howard, Armwood High School
Andrew Feaster, Freedom High School
Antonio D’Amato, Durant High School
Balian Knight, Hillsborough Virtual School
Brody Turer, Wharton High School
Caren Istefanous, Plant High School
Cendall Williams, Harrison School For The Arts
Corena Farley, Largo High School
David Bess, Auburndale Senior High School
Decker Deady, Berkeley Preparatory School
Delaney Schaumburger, Gulf High School
Emma Eberly, Alonso High School
Esmeralda Vazquez-Hernandez, Mulberry Senior High School
Janae Blocker, Auburndale Senior High School
Jayden Lambert, Freedom High School
Jay’dn Arnold, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
Jomar Gonzalez, Lakeland Senior High School
Joshua Machado, Plant City High School
Jy’Sean Henderson, Plant High School
Kalani Estelle, Wendell Krinn Technical High School
Keaton Neill, East Bay High School
Logan Watlington, Wesley Chapel High School
Madeline Leonard, Hollins High School
Mary Dorries, Sickles High School
Naylani Smith, East Bay High School
Niah-Elese Cassagnol, Wesley Chapel High School
Nigel Griffin II, Lakewood High School
Nina Rubio, Robinson High School
Philip Fleming, Wendell Krinn Technical High School
Samara Rodriguez-Juan, Hollins High School
Sarenity Warren, Gibbs High School
Trevon Parker, Clearwater High School
Tyler Anderson, Calvary Christian High School
Vanessa Valentin, Thomas Jefferson High School
Xaviar Walker, Freedom High School
Zaciah Moseley, Richard O Jackson Technical High School
In 2007, the DeBartolo family partnered with Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and co-founded Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (BDCHS), a high-performing, “A”-rated charter high school in Hillsborough County. The school has received 10 consecutive A grades from the Florida Department of Education, and was given the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award in 2015 by the U.S. Department of Education.