SASHTO Scholarship


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What criteria must student applicants meet to be considered eligible to apply for the Scholarship?

The student applicant must be the dependent of an FDOT employee as determined by one of the following criteria:

  • FDOT employee's own child, legally adopted child, child placed in employee home for adoption in accordance with Chapter 63, F.S.
  • FDOT employee's step-child who can be claimed as an exemption on employee's Federal Income Tax (IRS) return.
  • Foster child of FDOT employee.
  • Children for whom employee has established legal guardianship pursuant to Chapter 744, F.S., or court ordered custody.

Who is eligible to apply?

  • A graduating high school senior who has been accepted for enrollment …OR…
  • A post-secondary student with proof of current enrollment status

The student must have been accepted or currently be pursuing one of the programs stated below:

  • An undergraduate degree at a four-year accredited college or university
  • An associate degree at a two-year accredited college
  • Certification at a career, vocational, technical or training institution

Can FDOT OPS and Internship Program employees apply?

YES. FDOT employees in an OPS position or those who are participating in the Internship Program who meet all other eligibility requirements can apply.

I’m a graduating high school senior, and I’ve applied to attend a post-secondary educational institution (college/university, career/vocational/technical institute), but I have not yet received an acceptance letter. Can I still apply for the scholarship?

NO. An acceptance letter is required for all graduating high school seniors at the time they apply.

If you have any questions, please contact the SASHTO Scholarship Coordinator at SASHTO.scholarship@dot.state.fl.us.

Is this scholarship for Graduate (Specialist, Master or Doctoral) Students?

NO. This scholarship is not offered to Graduate (Specialist, Master or Doctoral) students.

Is this scholarship available to FDOT employees or their spouses?

NO. This scholarship is not available to FDOT employees or their spouses, except as specified above.
HOWEVER, students who meet the abovementioned eligibility requirements and are employed in an OPS / Part-time position with the Department are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Is this scholarship available to former FDOT employees or their dependents?

NO. This scholarship is not available to former FDOT employees or their dependents.

Is this scholarship available to FDOT consultant dependents?

NO. This scholarship is not available to FDOT consultant dependents.

Is there a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)?

YES. Student Applicants must have a minimum cumulative (un-weighted) GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale equivalent, as shown by transcripts provided by the current learning institution.

Can a student applicant be attending an out of state college?

YES. A student applicant attending any college may apply, as long as they are the dependent of an FDOT employee and meet the additional eligibility requirements.

What if I received the scholarship in a previous year? Can I apply again?

YES. However, the student applicant cannot receive the SASHTO Scholarship more than twice.

Can I submit copies of the required information as I prepare them?

YES. You may continue to update your application online prior to submission. Your application must be received in its entirety by the last date of the application period. It is recommended that you begin early to ensure completion by the required closing date. 

Your complete application package must be received in its entirety by 11:59 P.M. (Eastern Time) on the last day of the application period. It is recommended that you begin early to ensure your submission is complete by the deadline.

REMEMBER: Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

What documentation is needed to prove the student applicant is my dependent?

REQUIRED. The student must enter their parent’s FDOT e-mail address within the application system. 

Is there an age limit for this scholarship?

YES. The student applicant must be 25 years of age or under on the last day of the application period.

Do you need proof that the student applicant is under 25 years of age?

YES. The student will enter their Date of Birth within the application system.

Can a student applicant be married?

NO. A student applicant cannot be married.

Can an FDOT employee’s grandchild apply?

MAYBE. Only if the grandchild is considered a legal dependent of the FDOT employee, and they meet the additional eligibility requirements, then they may apply.

Should I send certificates, examples of work or awards with my application?

YES. You can upload these through the application system.

Who selects the scholarship winners?

A volunteer selection committee of FDOT representatives from each district will evaluate/score all applications and videos.

The scholarship coordinator facilitates the process but does not participate in scoring.

How will Applicants be notified regarding their Application Package?

The student can check their application status by logging back into the system.  Any requests for additional information will be sent to the e-mail address provided.

Who is the SASHTO Contact?

Contact Nancy Lescailles via email at: SASHTO.scholarship@dot.state.fl.us.

What can I do with the SASHTO Scholarship?

Scholarships may be used for any school-related expense such as tuition, books, supplies, required fees, etc. Scholarships will be paid directly to the student as a gross amount.

When is the application due?

Applications must be received by 11:59 P.M. (Eastern Time) on the last date of the application period.  If you have any questions, please contact us at: SASHTO.scholarship@dot.state.fl.us.  

How will the FDOT Districts judge the applicants?

To avoid subjectivity, a district may not judge applicants that have parents working within their district.  Each FDOT District will judge another district’s applications/videos.  The specifics will be determined and disseminated after the deadline for applications has closed.  The SASHTO Coordinator will provide each district with their applications/videos for review.

Is there a schedule for the award selection process?

YES. Please see the schedule provided on our SASHTO site: https://www.fdot.gov/development/sashto.shtm