The Duval County Public Schools Nutrition Department and Chartwells K12 School Dining Services/Thompson Hospitality are offering two scholarship opportunities for your graduating seniors!

Submission deadline: April 3, 2026

Submit applications and essays via email to Alyssa.Briscoe@compass-usa.com.

10 winners will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship

We are offering a one-time $5,000 scholarship to ten Duval County Public School seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education at colleges, universities, or technical or trade schools.

 Eligibility:

This scholarship is open to seniors graduating from a Duval County public high school in spring 2026. Ten winners will be selected district-wide, and each will receive a one-time $5,000 scholarship to be applied toward their post-secondary education.

Requirements:

• Acceptance letter/proof of enrollment into a college, university, technical or trade school

• Submit a copy of your official high school transcript

• Submit the completed application

• Submit one of two essays (1,000 words or less)

Essay Topics:

1. Student participation in school lunch can decline with each passing grade level. Take a measurable survey of at least 15 peers in your high school and provide 2-3 suggestions, based on the data collected, on how Chartwells can improve its service program to encourage students to eat in the school cafe.

2. Healthy eating is a hot topic these days. What changes could your family make to improve their diet? Explain the best ways to implement those changes and give examples of positive effects that might result. Use scientific research and data to support your answer.

Application:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019cb4bb1d5b7458a954b0e7fb201b19

Three (3) Meal Plan Scholarships

We are offering a one-year meal plan scholarship to three Duval County Public School seniors who plan to continue their education at a historically black college and university with food service provided by Thompson Hospitality.

Eligibility:

This scholarship is open to seniors graduating from a Duval County public high school in spring 2026. Three winners will receive a one-year meal plan scholarship from the qualifying list, which will be applied toward their post-secondary education at a historically black college or university.

 Requirements:

• Acceptance letter/proof of enrollment into a historically black college and university (only eligible schools will be accepted)

• Submit a copy of your official high school transcript

• 2.5 GPA or above

• Submit the completed application

• Submit your essay (1,000 words or less)

Essay Topic:

1. What are your plans for the future? Why are you attending a historically black college and university, and how will attending an HBCU lead you toward your goals?

Application:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019cb4c84fb67fbaae872c60f2dcc2ba

Qualifying Schools:

• Cheyney University

• Clinton College

• Livingstone College

• Miss. Valley State University

• Univ. of MD Eastern Shore

• Virginia State University

• Coahoma Community College

• Norfolk State University

• Wilberforce University

• Coppin State University

• Paine College

•  Florida Memorial University

• Shaw University

•  Hampton University

• Talladega College

•  Lincoln University, PA    

• Tougaloo College