Applications for the FTHA’s Scholarship Program Are Now Available!

PROGRAM GUIDELINES: 

The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (FTHA) is proud to announce the continuation of its scholarship program in 2024 for qualified, Florida-licensed backstretch employees and/or their direct dependents. The program is designed to further the student’s education at the college undergraduate and graduate level. The scholarship may be used at any accredited college, university, community college or trade school and the student is free to pursue any field of study.

Those eligible include the following and their dependents: Florida-licensed trainer, assistant trainer, foreman, groom, exercise rider, pony person or hot walker. Further, the family must reside in Florida full-time.

At present the scholarships are available only for students at the undergraduate and graduate level. Household income may not exceed $75,000 annually except under extenuating circumstances. The deadline for submission of an application to the FTHA office is Monday July 5, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Each application will be reviewed by the FTHA Scholarship Committee. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be considered.
The student must submit his/her most recent high school or college transcripts verifying that he/she is a qualified high school graduate or current college student in good standing.

This is a need-based scholarship program and may be renewed annually if the student retains his/her academic good standing throughout the academic year. The Scholarship Committee will review each student’s file on an annual basis.

Before the Fall semester begins, scholarship monies will be distributed directly to the institution. However, the student must first provide proof of enrollment and a copy of his/her tuition invoice directly to the FTHA offices.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS:

If available, each applicant should submit a copy of his/her completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and a copy of his/her Student Aid Report (SAR). The student is required to submit copies of his/her parent’s or guardian’s tax return for the current year.

INTERVIEWS:

Personal interviews with the Scholarship Committee may be required of NEW applicants.

WRITTEN ESSAYS AND LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION:

A written essay of no more than 250 words must be submitted which describes the applicant’s future goals and why this scholarship is important to attaining those goals.

Further, a letter of recommendation from someone who knows the student well and can offer insights into his/her potential is required. This person must not be the student’s parent
or guardian.

MAILING ADDRESS:

Mail completed application forms and any supporting material to:

Florida THA, Inc. Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 3507
Hallandale Beach, FL 33008

Alternatively, applications may be delivered in person to the FTHA office at Gulfstream Park. Office hours are Monday — Friday 8:00 am—4:00 pm. Saturday 8:00 am—12:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.

The applicant will be notified of the Committees decision by July 31st .

Any further questions contact Kimberly in the FTHA office at 954-457-3516.