Scholarships

DEWEY W. KNIGHT JR. SCHOLARSHIP 2026

DEWEY W. KNIGHT JR. SCHOLARSHIP 2026

Honoring a Legacy of Public Service and Community Leadership

A trailblazer and champion for equity, Dewey W. Knight Jr. broke barriers in Miami-Dade County government as the first Black social worker at Kendall Children’s Home, the first Black department director, and the only Black Deputy County Manager in county history. He strengthened human services, expanded youth programs, integrated institutions, and mentored future leaders, leaving a lasting impact on South Florida communities.

The Dewey W. Knight Jr. Scholarship celebrates this legacy by supporting students who excel academically and demonstrate a strong commitment to public service.

🎓 Who Should Apply?

• Must be enrolled at a South Florida college or university

• Minimum 3.0 GPA

• Demonstrated passion for public service

📅 Deadline: February 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM

🏆 Scholarship Award Presentation: February 19, 2026 – 20th Annual Best Practices Conference (attendance required)

📍 Miami Dade College – North Campus

CARRIE P. MEEK & RAY DEARRIGUNAGA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2025

The South Florida Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) proudly announces the 2025 Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek & Dr. Ray DeArrigunaga Memorial Scholarships, honoring two champions of civic leadership and public service.

We invite eligible students to apply for these $500 scholarships, which will be awarded at the ASPA South Florida Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Scott Galvin Community Center in North Miami. 

Attendance at the event is required to receive the scholarship.

RSVP for the Awards Luncheon: ASPASoFLA2025Awards.eventbrite.com

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled and seeking a degree at a college or university in South Florida (Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach Counties)

• Show a strong commitment to public service through:

• Community volunteer work

• Employment in a public or nonprofit agency

• Academic or civic engagement

Required Materials

• Proof of current enrollment

• Unofficial transcript (minimum 3.0 GPA)

• One (1) letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor

• A 500-word personal essay outlining your academic journey and dedication to public service.