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.
Below is our scholarship application for seniors who are graduating high school this spring. The completed application needs to be postmarked by April 1, 2025, to be considered for a scholarship this year.
Download our scholarship application HERE.
2024 Scholarships
Congratulations to our 2024 scholarship recipients. With weighted GPAs over 9.0 and remarkable stories of resistance, these Tampa Bay seniors were awarded $2,500 scholarships to continue their post-secondary education.
In addition to these seniors, we awarded Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School’s Viannee J. Rosa-Arroyo with the DeBartolo Family Foundation’s Valedictorian College Scholarship. Viannee graduated with a 9.50 GPA and was a member of the Music Honor Society, History Honor Society, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Student of Color Association, Environment Conservation Organization, Cultivating Leaders and Intentional Culture Club, Student Government Association and Senior Council. In addition, she played volleyball for all four years. Viannee will be attending the University of Florida and will major in Computer Science.
We are thrilled to reward these seniors for their hard work, dedication and commitment to their futures.
2024 Valedictorian: Viannee Rosa-Arroyo
Class of 2024 Scholarships Recipients:
Nana Yaa Agyei Baah, Alonso High School
Julian Barakat, Wiregrass Ranch High School
Roniya Blackett, Jule F. Sumner High School
Kaylienne Brandis, Dunedin High School
Elianne Brito, Plant High School
Corinne Burruss, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
Aelexys Carley, Land O Lakes High School
Kyla Carter, Jule F. Sumner High School
Keisha Coote, Brandon High School
Leah Demezier, Strawberry Crest High School
Shawn Dowe, East Bay High School
Destinee Francis, East Bay High School
Keith Fridenberger, East Bay High School
Brittany Gadzinski, Bloomingdale High School
Anai Hernandez, Durant High School
Elisa Huff, Homeschool
Carter Klakring, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
Gabriel Kurtz, Robinson High School
Oscar Lopez, Fort Meade High School
Neveah McCoy, East Bay High School
Angelia Muniz, Jule F. Sumner High School
Camilo Nanfa, Plant High School
Trunk Nguyen, Wesley Chapel High School
Jayda Parrish, Auburndale Senior High School
Akira Penix, Pasco High School
Alejandro Reinoso, Harrison School for the Arts
Yoly Rodriguez, Polk Virtual High School
Omaris Ruiz Rivera, East Bay High School
Aisha Shaffer, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
Derrick Thomas Jr., Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
Jared Trask, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
Kamila Valdes, Thomas Jefferson High School
Damaris Valentin, Jefferson High School
Deyeris Vega Rosario, Plant High School
Ryley Waller, Steinbrenner High School
Dariana Watson, Blake High School
Chanel Williams, Lakewood High School
Savannah Young, Armwood 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.