SCHOLARSHIPS

The Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation proudly offers scholarships to honor the service of Marines, their families, USMC JROTC Cadets, and US Navy Corpsmen. Our scholarships are a commitment to support the educational aspirations of those who serve our nation. By easing financial burdens, we aim to pave the way for your academic and professional growth, honoring the legacy of dedication and excellence in the Marine Corps community.

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2027 CFMCF

Honor Courage Commitment Scholarships

$10,000 in Scholarships Awarded Annually

Investing in the Next Generation

Each year, the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation awards $10,000 in Honor Courage Commitment Scholarships to support the educational goals of Marines, military families, USMC JROTC Cadets, and eligible Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen.

2027 Scholarship Applications

Applications Open: December 1, 2026
Application Deadline: January 31, 2027

Scholarship Categories

Marine Scholarship
For active duty or reserve U.S. Marines and Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen, as well as eligible Marines and FMF Corpsmen who have received an Honorable or Medical Discharge.

Family Member Scholarship
For eligible family members of U.S. Marines and qualifying Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen, as well as eligible USMC JROTC students and Marine-option ROTC Midshipmen.

Additional eligibility requirements apply, including Central Florida residency and education requirements. Review the complete eligibility requirements before applying.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Active duty or reserve U.S. Marine.
U.S. Marine who served at least six months and received an Honorable or Medical Discharge.
- Provide a copy of your DD214 showing characterization of honorable service and reenlistment code. (Before uploading, black out all Social Security numbers)

All applicants must also:

Provide proof of current residence in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, or Volusia County.
Be applying to or attending an accredited junior college, four-year college or university, or an accredited technical or vocational school/course.
Provide proof of accreditation when applicable.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Son, daughter, grandchild, or spouse of an active duty or reserve U.S. Marine, or of a U.S. Marine who received an Honorable or Medical Discharge or who died while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
- For a Marine presently on active duty, provide the Marine's unit name and address.
- For a former Marine, provide a copy of the Marine's DD214 showing characterization of service and reenlistment code.
Student enrolled in a Marine Corps Junior ROTC program or Marine-option Senior ROTC Midshipman.
Son, daughter, grandchild, or spouse of an active duty, reserve, honorably discharged, or medically discharged U.S. Navy Corpsman who serves, or has served at least six months, with the U.S. Marine Corps.
- Provide the name of the Marine unit and dates of service with that unit.
- For a former Corpsman, provide the DD214 showing Honorable characterization of service and reenlistment code. (Before uploading, black out all Social Security numbers)

All applicants must also:

Provide proof of current residence in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, or Volusia County.
Be applying to or attending an accredited junior college, four-year college, or university as an undergraduate student.
Provide proof of acceptance and/or enrollment before scholarship funds are awarded.

How to Submit Your Application

Complete the appropriate 2027 scholarship application and save the completed PDF. Email the completed application and all required supporting documents to CFMCFScholarships@gmail.com by January 31, 2027.

Before emailing your application package, black out all Social Security numbers from your DD-214 and any other supporting documents. Do not email documents containing a visible Social Security number.

Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

CFMCF proudly recognizes the recipients of the 2026 Honor, Courage & Commitment Scholarships. Meet this year's recipients and learn more about their academic goals, service, leadership, and connection to the Marine Corps community.

Hadlee Fuller

College Junior

2026 Scholarship Recipient $2,500

University of Florida

Microbiology & Cell Science | Marine Corps Family

Hadlee Fuller is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida studying Microbiology and Cell Science. Growing up in a military family, with a father who served in the Marine Corps and a mother currently serving in the U.S. Space Force, she developed a deep appreciation for leadership, discipline, and service from a young age. At the University of Florida, Hadlee is preparing to begin undergraduate research investigating how bacterial strains and specific genes within microbial genomes may correlate with pathways linked to Parkinson's disease. She is also gaining clinical exposure through mentorship with neurosurgeon Kelly Foote, where she observes complex neurosurgical procedures. Hadlee hopes to combine microbiology and medicine to better understand neurological disease while continuing the commitment to leadership and service inspired by her family's military background.

LCpl Ja’Keevious Mack

Active Duty Marine

2026 Scholarship Recipient $2,250

Liberty University
Educational Studies | U.S. Marine Corps

Ja’Keevious Mack is an Orlando, Florida native and first-generation college student whose journey reflects resilience, discipline, and service. After beginning his studies at Rollins College, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to pursue a greater sense of purpose. Now serving as an 0111 Administrative Specialist, he has earned meritorious promotions and proven himself as a dedicated and capable Marine. While deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, Ja’Keevious supported operations aboard multiple Navy vessels and during land-based missions, strengthening his adaptability and leadership. He also serves as a Single Marine Program representative, advocating for the welfare of his peers. Balancing military service with academics, he maintains a 4.0 GPA at Liberty University and continues pursuing his educational goals while serving in the Marine Corps.

Lucas Brizendine

USMC Reserve (IRR)

2026 Scholarship Recipient $2,000

University of Central Florida
Computer Science | U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Lucas Brizendine is a 29-year-old student at the University of Central Florida, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Prior to UCF, Lucas earned an Associate of Arts from Seminole State College of Florida and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in recognition of his academic achievement. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Lucas served as a Combat Marksmanship Coach at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. In this role, he trained and mentored recruits in rifle marksmanship, weapons safety, and combat fundamentals while reinforcing the Corps’ standards of accountability and attention to detail. Following his honorable service, Lucas transitioned to higher education, carrying with him the resilience and work ethic developed during his time in the Marine Corps. He remains dedicated to the Marine Corps’ core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment while pursuing his academic and professional goals in the technology sector.

Cali Bowling

Graduating High School Senior

2026 Scholarship Recipient $1,750

Jacksonville University
Health Science | Marine Corps Family

Cali Bowling has resided in Polk County, Florida, since birth and is the daughter of Cory and Jodi Bowling. Her grandfather, Ronald Bowling Sr., served in the United States Marine Corps from 1971 to 1977. Cali is a senior at Winter Haven Collegiate Chain of Lakes High School and will graduate with both her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree. During high school, she played varsity volleyball for four years and beach volleyball for two years, in addition to six years of club volleyball. She has also been a member of the National Honor Society for four years and completed more than 250 hours of community service. Cali also works part-time at Amelia Paige Boutique. This fall, she will attend Jacksonville University to study health science as she works toward her goal of earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Meet Our 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

CFMCF proudly recognizes the recipients of the 2025 Honor, Courage & Commitment Scholarships. Meet this year's recipients and learn more about their academic goals, service, leadership, and connection to the Marine Corps community.

Cpl Emanuel Pelaez
College Junior

USMC Reserve
2025 Scholarship Recipient
$2,500

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Aeronautics | U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Emanuel Pelaez is a 20-year-old junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Law and Homeland Security. Born in New Jersey and raised in Medellín, Colombia, he moved to the United States with his family in search of greater opportunities. While in high school, he dual-enrolled at Valencia College, earning his associate degree alongside his diploma. After graduating early, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves, where he currently serves as a Corporal. During his service, Emanuel has held leadership roles including Squad Leader, Scribe, and Second-in-Charge of the Color Guard at School of Infantry East. His achievements include a Certificate of Commendation for Academic Excellence during MOS school and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for superior performance as a Funeral Honors Team member. His academic and military experiences have fueled his passion for aviation and national security, and he aspires to become a Marine Corps aviator.

Owen Black
College Junior
ROTC Cadet
2025 Scholarship Recipient
$2,250

Boise State University
Business Administration | Military Science & Entrepreneurship

Marine Corps Family

Owen Black is a junior at Boise State University, where he is studying Business Administration with minors in Military Science and Entrepreneurship. He is an ROTC cadet with plans to become a helicopter pilot in the Army and was recognized as the top of his class in the ROTC program. Owen is also a founding father of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, where he participates in activities and fundraising for The Ability Experience, a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities. In addition to his academics and ROTC commitments, he works for the City of Boise as a supervisor at an ice rink. Owen grew up looking up to his mother and father for their Marine Corps service, which inspired his own commitment to serve.

LCpl Jacob Roberts
College Student
USMC Reserve
2025 Scholarship Recipient
$2,000

University of Central Florida
Mechanical Engineering | U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Jacob Roberts is a 19-year-old Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps Reserves. Growing up, he admired his Vietnam veteran grandfather and knew he wanted to follow in his footsteps by serving. Jacob participated in Air Force JROTC at Melbourne High School, where he held several leadership positions. During his senior year, he joined the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program and attended boot camp the summer after graduation. After returning to Melbourne, Jacob earned his Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College in just four months, completing five courses and multiple CLEP exams while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He is now studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Central Florida. After earning his bachelor's degree, Jacob hopes to become a design engineer for a defense contractor while continuing to serve as a Marine Corps Reservist.

James Captain
College Freshman
Marine Option ROTC
2025 Scholarship Recipient
$1,750

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Marine Option ROTC | Marine Corps Officer Candidate

James Captain is a freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College. Alongside his academic achievements, James is actively involved in leadership and community service. He served as second squad leader for the Marine Option Candidates at Embry-Riddle and participated in numerous volunteer events offered through the unit. His commitment to service also extends to his local church, where he serves as a Lead Teacher for the summer camp program. As James looks toward his future, he is focused on developing the kind of leader he wants to become. With a strong foundation in leadership, academics, and community service, he is committed to upholding the Marine Corps core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment as he pursues a career as a Marine officer.

Adyson Bowling
Graduating High School Senior
Marine Corps Family
2025 Scholarship Recipient
$1,500

Mulberry High School
Marine Corps Family

Adyson Bowling was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, and is the daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Bowling. Her father served in the United States Marine Corps as a tank commander and currently serves as a CID Special Agent in the Army. Adyson was a senior at Mulberry High School, graduating with high honors and ranking in the top 1% of her class. During high school, she served as varsity cheer captain for three years and participated in tennis, golf, and weightlifting. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Book Club, and served for three years as editor-in-chief of The Mulberry Tree yearbook. Adyson also demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by launching her own Etsy shop, Magnolia Makings.

Thank you to our 2026 Partners

We extend our deepest gratitude to our annual partners—Iwo Jima, Belleau Wood, Hue City, Fallujah, Chosin, and Inchon—whose steadfast support stands as the foundation of the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation’s mission. Much like the legendary battles whose names they bear, these partners embody the honor, courage, commitment, and camaraderie that define the Marine Corps spirit. Our events—and the impact they have on the Central Florida Marine Corps community—would not be possible without their unwavering dedication.