Research Awards, Essay Prizes, & Scholarships

Students pursuing any major in any college are welcome to apply. All applications are reviewed by this year’s scholarship and awards review team. If you are awarded a Research Award or Essay Prize, a research component utilizing materials from Special Collections is required.

Research Award Deadlines

We are happy to announce that the application for USF Libraries scholarships, research awards, and essay prizes for the 2025-2026 award year is open through May 2025.

Research Awards

Award recipients must conduct research using the Tampa Library’s Special Collections to receive their prize. To submit a research proposal, select the award that you’re interested in below and click the Apply button.

Meet our previous student awardee, Jonathan Rodriguez.

  • To be used to visit USF Libraries for research
  • Annual research award for students anywhere working towards a MA or PhD
  • Those using unique research resources at USF will be prioritized
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must submit an essay about the nature of your study and how the specific resources in the USF Libraries Florida Studies collections are crucial to your research interests

Essay Prizes

The Leland Hawes undergraduate and graduate essay prizes are awarded to students who submit the best overall essay on a Florida Studies topic. To submit an essay, select either the Undergraduate Student Essay Prize or the Graduate Student Essay Prize below and click the Apply button.

  • Annually awarded essay prize to full or part-time undergraduate students
  • Essay subjects must cover Florida Studies ranging from Florida’s pre-colonial past through the 21st century (topics dealing with the Tampa Bay region are encouraged)
  • Cover letter required

Submission deadline: May 1

  • Annually awarded essay prize to full or part-time graduate students working towards a MA or PhD
  • Essay subjects must cover Florida Studies ranging from Florida’s pre-colonial past through the 21st century (topics dealing with the Tampa Bay region are encouraged)
  • Cover letter required

Submission deadline: May 1

Scholarships

Apply for scholarships through USF AwardSpring at usf.edu/financial-aid/scholarships. The portal automatically populates the scholarships you are eligible for.

  • Annually awarded $500 book scholarship
  • Open to full- or part-time USF students on the Tampa campus
  • Minimum 3.2 GPA required
  • Preference given first to Gaither High graduates, second to Chamberlain High graduates

  • Annually awarded scholarship to full or part-time USF student
  • Must be a USF Library staff member (including Federal Work Study or a student employee)
  • Must be on the Tampa campus
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Can be freshman, sophomore or junior
  • Must submit an essay describing how you have successfully integrated library resources into your course of study

  • Annually awarded scholarship to full or part-time USF student with financial need
  • Must be on the Tampa campus
  • Applicant must complete a FAFSA
  • Must submit an essay about your goals and aspirations in your academic endeavors