John C. Giba Student Leadership Awards Program and Palm Beach North Education Foundation Scholarships
The Palm Beach North Education Foundation is committed to investing in the educational future of our youth through literacy programs, teacher externships & retention incentives, and leadership awards for post-secondary education. The Foundation is a private non-profit foundation, affiliated with the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and works specifically with schools and students in the Palm Beach North region.
The Foundation was formed to oversee the endowment established through a donation from John C. Giba, a Jupiter-Tequesta businessman who believed in the importance of student leadership through education. Over the years, the Foundation has expanded its scholarship offerings in our region thanks to the generous support of local businesses, Chamber members, and the community.
Selection Criteria
There are two types of scholarships available: the John C. Giba Student Leadership Awards and the Palm Beach North Education Foundation Scholarships. A minimum of four recipients will be selected across both scholarships.
Award amounts range from $1,500 to a full four-year (120 credit) scholarship at a Florida college or university. To be eligible for either a Giba Student Leadership Award or the Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria, in addition to the scholarship-specific criteria listed below:
- Reside in or attend school in one of the municipalities served by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: Mangonia Park, Riviera Beach, Palm Beach Shores, Lake Park, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, Jupiter Inlet Colony
- Be a high school senior and plan to attend a college or university in the United States
- Complete and submit the application signed by his/her high school principal
JOHN C. GIBA STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The John C. Giba Student Leadership Awards are designed to inspire, recognize, and reward high school seniors who exhibit exceptional leadership potential. These students stand out through their academic achievements, dedication to community service, and active participation in extracurricular activities. Recipients will be chosen based on the following criteria:
- Proven leadership experience that has made a meaningful impact on their school and/or community
- A minimum high school GPA of 3.0
- A strong record of significant community service during their high school years
- Active involvement in school or community extracurricular activities that highlight their leadership abilities
PALM BEACH NORTH EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Palm Beach North Education Foundation Scholarships recognize high school seniors who demonstrate strong leadership potential, academic, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. To ensure opportunities for a broad range of students, scholarships are available through both need-based and merit-based pathways.
Recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Proven leadership experience that has made a meaningful impact on their school and/or community
- A minimum high school GPA of 2.5
- A demonstrated commitment to community service throughout their high school career
- Active involvement in school or community extracurricular activities that highlight leadership abilities
- For need-based scholarships: Demonstrated financial need, with an annual household income not exceeding $70,000
- For merit-based scholarships: Academic and leadership achievements, regardless of financial status
Timeline
Friday, February 13, 2026, by 5 p.m.: Applications DUE
February 16 – February 27, 2026: Applications are reviewed
March 9 – March 20, 2026: Finalists interviewed by committee via Zoom
April 1, 2026: Recipients are notified
April 15, 2026: Annual Education Awards Breakfast
Your completed application with question responses and supporting documentation should be submitted to Colleen Iannitti, Colleen@pbnedfoundation.org, by 5 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Palm Beach North Education Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other restricting classification in its selection of scholars.