Haynes Heroes Scholarship Program

In Honor of Reverend Watson Haynes, II
Presented by the Pinellas County Urban League

Rev. Watson Haynes dedicated his life to building a better, more equitable future for the people of Pinellas County. Through this scholarship, we honor his legacy by investing in students who will carry that mission forward in their own communities.
"Education is not just the path to opportunity—it's the foundation of a just society." – Rev. Watson Haynes

CONGRATULATIONS 2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

Aniya Sconiers - Katrina Barriner - Xavier Terrell - Mikal Morris -

Aniya Sconiers - Katrina Barriner - Xavier Terrell - Mikal Morris -

Kortney Snead - Erin Shepherd - Jordan Moore -

Denver Davis - Sinai Dunbar -

Kortney Snead - Erin Shepherd - Jordan Moore - Denver Davis - Sinai Dunbar -

The Haynes Heroes Scholarship Fund was established to honor the memory and enduring legacy of Rev. Watson L. Haynes, II, a community icon and the former President & CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League (PCUL), who passed in 2022.


Rev. Haynes was a fierce advocate for education and community advancement. This scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers for minority students pursuing higher education, and to support those who reflect his values of leadership, service, and academic excellence.

  • Minimum Award: $1,500

  • Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:55 PM

  • Award Notifications: On or before June 1, 2026

  • Interview Date (if selected): Sunday, May 24, 2026

Scholarship Eligibility


Applicants must:

  • Be a high school senior residing in Pinellas County

  • Attend a public, private, or parochial school in Pinellas County or St. Petersburg Collegiate High School

  • Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5

  • Demonstrate accomplishments in one or more areas:
    -Leadership
    -Special Talents
    -Extracurricular Activities
    -Athletics
    -Community Service
    -Plan to attend an accredited U.S. institution (university, college, vocational, or technical school)

Application Requirements:

  • A complete application must include:
    -Haynes Heroes Online Application Form
    -Essay (500–1000 words)
    -Topic: “How I Plan to Be a Hero in My Community and Honor the Legacy of Rev. Watson Haynes”
    -Official High School Transcript (Cumulative Summary Sheet)
    -ACT and/or SAT Score Reports
    -Community Service Documentation (Total verified hours)
    -Senior Photo/Headshot (no watermarked images)
    -Interview (if selected) – Sunday, May 24, 2026

All documents must be uploaded by May 13, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed.


How to Apply
Application season opens January 2026


Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a scholarship selection committee made up of educators, community leaders, and PCUL staff. Interviews may be requested for semi-finalists.

Final decisions will be announced by June 1, 2026.

Need Help? Contact us with any questions:
Scholarships@PCUL.org

To Join the information list send an email to scholarships@pcul.org

About the Scholarship Fund