The Will McLean Foundation's Scholarship program for 2025 is closed. The program will open in Spring 2026.

Thank you for your interest in the Will McLean Foundation Scholarship.

All interested parties may apply for the Will McLean Foundation Scholarship.

The scholarship may be put toward secondary education. This includes four year degrees, two year degrees, technical programs and other applicable institutions approved by the State of Florida.

This scholarship is only open to residents of Florida and may only be used for schools in Florida.

The applicant must show an interest in Florida Folk Music or Folklore. 

Applicants that are going into studies that "will give back to the community" will have preference.

The criteria for awards are as follows: 

• Students must be in good standing academically.
• Students must display musical talent.
• The student should be prepared to provide a recorded video presentation to the awards committee.
• Students with a connection to the folk music and folklore of Florida will be given preference.
• Students must be pursuing a degree that has positive social significance and “gives” back to the state. Pursuit of a degree in music is not an absolute.  All other degrees will be given consideration by the committee.
• Volunteering in the past is a plus and future volunteer hours are a requirement to maintain the scholarship.
• Applications are closed for 2025, please check back in spring 2026. You will receive an email with your application; Finalists should expect a personal interview by Zoom or another online program after applying.  
• Applicants are asked to fill out the application form using the button below.

The scholarships offered by the Will McLean Foundation span the entire four, two years or length of the program according to the program type.

 To maintain the scholarship the following criteria are required:

• Maintain a 3.0 overall GPA or maintain a satisfactory academic progress according to the program standards.
• School attendance in compliance with the requirements of the program’s attendance policies.
• Students must provide registration acceptance documentation prior to first installment being sent to the program.
• Additional installments will be sent after completing satisfactory attendance,  program requirements, and submitting required documentation.
• Students will be required to do a minimum of twenty (20) hours of volunteering per year at folk festivals or presentations throughout the state of Florida. They will be provided with a list of possible venues and these hours will be monitored by onsite volunteers of the Will McLean Foundation.  Music camps that offer programs for youth may also be considered for meeting this commitment. This will include Will McLean Foundation events.

Questions and clarification about the program may be directed to:  email address scholarshipThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..