by Amanda Nethero, Projects Scholars
Project Scholars is inviting South Lake County high school seniors to apply for its annual scholarships beginning October 1, 2026. The application deadline is January 15, 2027, and recipients will be announced during Pig on the Pond, April 2–4, 2027, at Clermont’s Waterfront Park.
The dates mark a new timeline for the scholarship program. By opening applications in the fall, Project Scholars hopes to give students more time to learn about the opportunity, prepare their materials and submit an application before the January deadline.
Project Scholars awards four students a $10,000 scholarship each, distributed over four years. For recipients, that support can help ease the cost of pursuing a college education. For the South Lake community, it is a chance to invest in students who have grown up here and are preparing for what comes next.
“Behind every scholarship is a student with goals, potential and a community cheering them on,” said Paul Rountree, president of Project Scholars. “We’re excited to open applications this fall and to celebrate our next group of recipients together at Pig on the Pond.”
The festival plays a central role in Project Scholars’ mission. Each spring, Pig on the Pond brings families, businesses and community partners together at Waterfront Park to support scholarships for local students. Announcing the recipients during the April 2027 event will give the community an opportunity to meet and celebrate the young people their support helps lift up.
Scholarship timeline
- October 1, 2026: Applications open
- January 15, 2027: Applications close
- April 2–4, 2027: Scholarship recipients announced at Pig on the Pond
Project Scholars encourages guidance counselors, educators, families and community members to share the opportunity with South Lake County seniors. Application information will be available through Project Scholars’ official channels when the application opens October 1.
About Project Scholars
Project Scholars is a South Lake community scholarship program that raises funds through its annual Pig on the Pond event. Scholarships of $10,000 over four years are awarded to deserving local seniors who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Additional scholarships are made possible through community sponsorships and memorial funds. For more information, visit pigonthepond.org or contact Amanda Nethero at 407-433-6048 or info@pigonthepond.org.
