Give to the Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida Chapter Endowed Scholarship for Veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida Chapter was established in 1977 to serve veterans in Central Florida who are paralyzed as a result of spinal cord injury or disease. Located in Seminole County, the organization provides a platform of advocacy, communication, adaptive sports, recreation, education and research for veterans paralyzed as a result of spinal cord injury or dysfunction. All in a united effort to afford them the highest quality healthcare and life experiences.

U.S. Military veterans who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and meet financial aid requirements are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a DD-214 stating either honorable or other than honorable discharge.

Success Stories

Ricardo Romero

Thank you so much for your help and for selecting me for this opportunity. As a veteran, I am always reminded of how tight our community can be with so many great people willing to work together for the common good. I am forever grateful, and this help will enable me to continue on the pursuit of my career in healthcare, which I will give back to the community as you all have helped me.

Renisha Renee Robertson

"My gratitude for providing me with this opportunity can't be expressed enough. Thank you for bringing me a step closer to achieving my career goals. I shall pay this forward in selfless service to support veterans and civilians alike. From one veteran to another, thank you for your service!"

Carry Franklin

A United States Air Force veteran, where she earned the Air Force Achievement Medal for exemplifying being a team player with unwavering loyalty during her nine years of service, Carry is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Engineering Technology. Her ultimate goal is to bring concepts to life that impact our community by employ the practical application of her skills to remove unnecessary equipment complexities endured by front-line workers.

"This scholarship has been instrumental in providing financial stability while I attend college. Although I am fortunate to have earned the Post 9/11 GI Bill^® which pays a percentage of my education, your support is making is possible for me to put a sound foot forward to make a difference for others.  Thank you for your generosity."

Jevon Nelson

A Central Florida native, Jevon Nelson joined the Army in 2019 and served until 2021 when he medically separated due to injury. Nelson is pursuing a degree in construction management and hopes to one day develop affordable housing.

"I am extremely honored and grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship.  My journey thus far has not been an easy one, but where would we be without the journey and the struggles that accompany it? I never planned on leaving the Army so soon, but we plan, and God plans, and He is certainly the best of planners. When difficulty arises in our lives, always remember, you were born into the world to conquer whatever obstacle is in your path and after difficulty, surely comes ease."

Ryan Pitcher

Ryan is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration after several years of service in the U.S. military as a mechanic, where he worked in high-pressure, high-stakes environments. His military experience honed his discipline, resilience, and leadership abilities, but he recognized that formal education would be crucial to achieving his long-term career goals. He chose business administration to build on his natural strengths while developing the strategic, managerial, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the business world. Ultimately, Ryan aspires to own and operate his own business, and he views this degree as the foundation for acquiring the knowledge, credentials, and practical experience needed to lead a company effectively. 

“I just want to say thank you for choosing me as a recipient of this Grant. I’m very grateful for this scholarship, and it truly helps me out. This support means a lot to me. It not only helps with the cost of school, but it also shows that there are people who believe in veterans like me who are working hard to build a better future. Going to college after serving hasn’t always been easy, but opportunities like this remind me that I’m moving in the right direction. My goal is to use what I learned in school, along with the experiences I had in the military, to build a career where I can provide for myself and give back to others.
Once again, thank you for your generosity. Your support means more than I can put into words, and I truly appreciate the difference it makes in my education and my life.
 Sincerely.” 

Stephon Atkins

Stephon Atkins is a 30-year-old father, veteran, and licensed barber who is taking the next step in his journey by pursuing a college education. Having been a soldier, entrepreneur, and now a student, he has grown through each role while staying committed to personal development and providing the best future for his two young daughters. He chose to attend college to build a strong foundation for long-term success. His military background instilled discipline, accountability, and leadership—qualities he applies to both his business and academics. Stephon is working toward an Associate of Science in Entrepreneurship and Business Management to strengthen his understanding of operations, finance, and marketing. His goals include expanding his brand, opening a multi-chair barbershop, and eventually mentoring others entering the trade.

“I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of the Veteran Scholarship. As a veteran, returning to school is both a new challenge and a great opportunity, and your kindness has helped make this journey possible. Because of your generosity, I can pursue my education without the heavy financial burden that often comes with it. This support not only eases the path forward but also reminds me that my service is valued and that there are people who truly believe in veterans continuing to grow and succeed beyond the military. Your contribution is more than just financial assistance — it is encouragement, hope, and a powerful reminder that I am not walking this path alone. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in my future and for honoring veterans in such a meaningful way.”