Scholarships
The DC Gator Club awards scholarships to eligible University of Florida students throughout the year. These scholarships are funded through the help of our DC Gator Alumni. All donations welecome!
DC Gator Club Intern Scholarship
(Students only)
Summer 2024 - The DC Gator Club is opening its application process to award four Internship Scholarships of $1,000 each for University of Florida students with internships based in the greater Washington, DC area (DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia) for Summer 2024. This scholarship is made possible by DC Gator Club general funds.
Undergraduate and graduate students interning for an organization based in the greater DC area (DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia) are welcome to apply. The internship does not need to be for credit. There will be a voluntary section where the applicant can communicate financial need if they wish.
If a student is not enrolled in classes and not interning for credit (instead, doing a non-credit internship), the tuition scholarship would apply to their next eligible semester. All applicants must be completing an internship with an organization based in the greater DC area in Summer 2024 to be eligible for the scholarship.
For purposes of this scholarship, an internship is defined as a short-term work experience offered by companies and other organizations for people to gain exposure to a particular industry or field. The DC Gator Club recognizes fellowships as also meeting these criteria.
Scholarship applications will be reviewed by the D.C. Gator Club Scholarship Committee and four recipients will be selected for a $1,000 scholarship.
APPLICATION OPENS: July 10th, 2024
APPLICATION CLOSES: July 26th, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST
AFTER SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION FORM, please send your unofficial transcript to scholarships@dcgators.com.
After receiving the scholarship, the selected scholarship recipients will be asked, but not required, to submit a video clip or picture/caption sharing their experiences while interning in the Washington, DC area.
Please direct all questions regarding this application process to scholarships@dcgators.com.
Information related to the scholarship can also be found at: http://dcgators.com/scholarships
The DC Hometown Scholarship
(Date TBD)
The D.C. Gator Club is proud to offer the D.C. Hometown Scholarship to encourage and support eligible high school students in the region to join the Gator Nation by becoming an undergraduate student at the University of Florida. The D.C. Hometown Scholarship is offered once per year to eligible graduating high school students from the D.C. metropolitan area who have been accepted and confirmed to attend UF. Students must reside in the capital region (as defined by the university) to qualify and confirm they will begin courses at the University of Florida in the summer or fall semester. Eligible students will be notified of the application via email in early March, and the recipient will be announced in mid-April.
Application Dates: Reach out to scholarships@dcgators.com for more information on annual application deadlines.
The Scholarship Review Committee – This Committee is comprised of a variety of UF alumni living in the capital region who have signed up with the club to review and score scholarship applications based on numerous criteria.
The alumni serving on this Committee play an important role in the fair evaluation of all student scholarship applications.
Scholarship Funds – Using proceeds from game watch parties, member donations and Virginia Gold Cup, the DC Gator Club provides scholarships to eligible, in-need current UF students who are interning here in Washington, D.C. different parts of the year with a focus on summer.
CLUB Scholarship Recipients
Karen Zhang is delighted to matriculate into the University of Florida (UF) class of 2024. She is a recent 2020 graduate from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Karen enjoys participating in protest marches in the heart of D.C, finding niche coffee shops around the local area, and attending musicals and plays at the Kennedy Center (Les Miserables, Into the Woods, Beetlejuice, Oklahoma!, Footloose, etc.)! In her community, she is well-known for her efforts with literary publications such as the student newspaper The Chronicle, her presence as the co-head of the Service Council, and her involvement with promoting cultural awareness as the co-president of the Alliance of Asian Cultures and Experiences. Karen's experience with being a four year varsity Cross Country runner has cemented in her an appreciation for nature and the outdoors; she’s excited to explore the La Chua Trail, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and other beautiful places around Gainesville. Karen additionally hopes to become involved in numerous organizations on campus such as the Chinese American Student Association and the Independent Florida Alligator Student Newspaper. She looks forward to the vibrant campus, supportive community, and overwhelming school spirit at UF! Karen aspires to pursue a pre-law track; for the time being, she aims for a dual degree in political science and accounting with an ambition to go into Human Rights Law. Go Gators!
George (Billy) Hackett III
George (Billy) Hackett III, from Naples, FL, is a graduating senior at UF pursuing majors in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in International Development. Billy currently serves as the International President of Circle K International (CKI), a National Steering Committee member for the Student/Farmworker Alliance, and interns with the Sindhi American Political Action Committee in Washington, D.C. He prioritizes bringing traditionally marginalized voices to the decision-making table, whether in the U.S. or abroad. Billy is a firm believer that everyone has a role to play in shaping this world, and actively challenges himself and others to be the change they wish to see.
SABRINA CONZA
Sabrina Conza is an honors journalism senior with a minor in history. She is currently interning in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the Federal Communications Commission. This past summer, Sabrina worked at the University of Florida Office of Federal Relations, where she doveKendra Blandon deep into how the federal government impacts public universities. Sabrina is passionate about free speech issues and civic engagement in young people. She is currently the Chief of Staff for UF’s Student Government Agency Chomp the Vote, where she exercises her commitment to civic engagement and encourages students on campus to get involved.
MELANNIE SANDOVAL
Melannie Sandoval is a senior pursuing degrees in Political Science and Criminology and a Minor in Spanish. She previously interned at George and Cabrera, PLLC., an immigration firm, working alongside other interns and legal assistants to complete different case types, including U-Nonimmigrant Visas, and petitions for asylum. This summer, Melannie is an External Affairs intern for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, a non-profit organization that creates leadership development programs for the next generation of Latinx leaders. Her student involvement includes founding the first collegiate chapter of Lucha Latina, in which they collaborate with the non-profit organization that focuses on empowering young Latinas and helping them reach their goals by serving as a resource through their scholarship and mentorship. As a Graham Civics Research Scholar, she conducted research on the affordable housing issue in Gadsden County, compiling a report with solutions unique to the county. Her other involvement includes being a sister of Gamma Eta Sorority, Inc., shadow at UF’s Student Legal Services, and an ESOL tutor. Melannie wants to gain the tools necessary to use the legal system to effectuate meaningful change and advocate for the community’s most vulnerable. Her objective is to become an attorney for the working people through the practice of immigration or criminal law.
LAKEN BROOKS
Laken Brooks is a current graduate student in the English Department at the University of Florida. She studies gender/sexuality and book history. When she is not teaching or researching, Laken enjoys traveling, cooking, and learning new skills. For the summer of 2019, Laken is working as the LGBTQ+ Editing Intern at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving America's historic locations.
Lindsey Brinkley
Lindsey Brinkley is a freshman at the University of Florida studying to earn her undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Cell Science on the pre-med track. An honors graduate of Langley High School in McLean, Lindsey’s goal is to become a surgeon and serve in areas with healthcare disparities in the United States and around the world. She is a part of the University of Florida’s Honors Program and UF Medlife. Captain of her high school track team, Lindsey loves to run, hike, and cycle all while exploring the nature of Florida. As a new Gator she is eagerly exploring all the options and activities the University offers.
Stephanie walters
Stephanie Walters is a graduate student at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and is going into her third and final year. Stephanie also graduated from the University of Florida Warrington College of Business as a Marketing major and Entrepreneurship minor and is a proud Double Gator. This summer, she is interning at the United States Department of Transportation as part of the General Council's Office in its Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings Division. Back at UF Law, she is very involved with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team and has competed in various arbitration and negotiation competitions with this team and will be the upcoming President this year. Outside of school and work, Stephanie loves to travel, scuba dive, explore new coffee shops, and watch movies!
Alexandra nowaK
Alexandra Nowak is from West Palm Beach, Florida and is a first-year International Studies major with minors in European Union Studies, Business Administration, and History. This summer, she will have a brief internship with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the largest interest group for the voice of small business, followed by an internship with the Office of U.S. Representative Ted Deutch. With NFIB, she will be attending committee hearings and shadowing lobbyists on Capitol Hill as they fight for the rights of small business. With Congressman Ted Deutch, she will communicate with constituents, attend congressional meetings and aid the legislative process. Back in the Swamp, she is active with UF’s Model United Nations chapter while working at the Gators very own Steven C. O’Connell Center.
sara hettinger
Sara Hettinger joins the Gator Nation as a member of the University of Florida (UF) class of 2023. Born and raised in Fairfax County Virginia, Sara will graduate from Centreville High School as a member of the CVHS class of 2019. Sara is a member of her high school class board and enjoys engaging with and representing her diverse 650 classmates. She is an active peer tutor for math and Spanish. Sara has received awards for her work in animal rescue, interned with a local veterinary hospital, worked as a camp counselor, and managed her own business. She is an accomplished bassoonist who plans to audition for the UF wind symphony. She also enjoys exploring the outdoors and plans to spend time learning about the history and wildlife of Payne’s Prairie, the Everglades, and the Florida Keys. Sara looks forward to opportunities to engage with the Gainesville community and continue the Gator traditions of giving back and paying it forward. She is a Preprofessional Biology major, minoring in Spanish, with a long-term goal of becoming a double gator by entering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at UF and completing the Maddie’s Fund Certificate in Shelter Medicine.
jonathan ortiz
Jonathan was born and raised in Germany before moving to Gainesville Florida in 2015 to pursue bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science at UF. He got involved with UF’s Department of Housing as a Resident Assistant in the summer of 2017 and has worked with that department since. Now he’s the Graduate Community Coordinator of Cypress Hall, pursuing a master’s degree in economics at UF, and is working this summer at the U.S. Department of Treasury. He’s loved my time at UF so far and is glad to be able to take what he has learned there and use it to make an impact elsewhere. Go Gators!
nicole davi
Nicole is an incoming senior majoring in Family Youth and Community Sciences with a minor in Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Philosophy. Once she graduates, she plans to attend law school and then work in political advocacy for foster system reform. This is a cause that she is very passionate about and she is excited to get to advocate for such an important issue one day. This summer she completed an internship with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in DC to gain more knowledge about foster care and adoption issues.
gloria bernice dewlow
Gloria Bernice Dewlow is a rising 3L at UF Levin College of Law and a proud double Gator! In undergrad she graduated with B.A degrees in Political Science and International Studies, minored in both History and French, and earned a Holocaust Studies certificate. In law school she was a Teaching Assistant for Legal Writing and Appellate Advocacy; served as President of Immigration Law Association and as Vice President of American Constitution Society; contributed to the Pro Bono Week Planning Committee; and is a member of the James C. Adkins, Jr. American Inns of Court. This summer Gloria Bernice is interning at the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Educational Opportunities Section. She is passionate about serving underrepresented communities and plans to work in public interest after law school.
dov levin
Dov is currently an undergraduate at the University of Florida where he studies political science and economics. Interested in gaining a law degree, he fills his time with mock trial, legal clubs, public service through the Bob Graham Center, and international affairs as an associate editor at the UF International Review Journal. With the aim of exploring DC life and further learning about the field of law, he is interning at a personal injury firm this summer. Dov is a proud Gator!
Turner Street
Street Turner is a sophomore majoring in Journalism and History and interning with the Washington Redskins. In the media services division, Street will oversee the compilation and distribution of daily news clips, write and edit material for the team’s annual media guide, and aid in numerous other communications activities in support of the team. With interests in sports, history and government, he is excited about the opportunity to work for a pro football team in the nation’s capital. Back in Gainesville, Street manages all communications for the Gator men’s golf team, volunteers with the UF Honors Ambassadors, and is the Director of Outreach for Chomp the Vote. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career with a major sporting organization.
JASMINE HADDAWAY
Jasmine is originally from Orlando, FL, and is passionate about using gender equality and human rights advancement as means to propel international development. She helps nonprofits and other local partners build relationships with the community to create social change. On campus, she works to create an inclusive campus environment for all students through her roles as a Resident Assistant, Florida Cicerone, TEDxUF Conference Director, and Student Government Senator. However, one of her most impactful involvement opportunities was successfully lobbying at the Florida State Capitol for $14.1 million dollars of funding for UF’s nationally-ranked College of Education.
Kendra Blandon
Kendra Blandon is a freshman majoring in Latin American Studies and Religion and completing an internship at Witness for Peace, a nonprofit grassroots organization supporting peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas. As an intern at Witness for Peace, she will track legislation, write current event analyses and newsletters, communicate with members of Congress, and represent the organization in coalition meetings. Kendra is a committed Gator as demonstrated by her involvement in multiple campus organizations including Hispanic Heritage Month, Blue Key Speech and Debate, the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, Gator Model United Nations, and the Florida Political Review. She is passionate about civil justice and economic reform and plans to attend law school to practice international law.
For more information on DC Gator Scholarships, please contact president@dcgators.com.