For DonorsFor Applicants

El Jefe Entrepreneurial Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
Jul 31, 2025
Winners Announced
Aug 31, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school student
Identity:
Underrepresented minority
Field of Study:
Entrepreneurship
State:
Florida

Young people should have the funds they need to support their creative ambitions.

Providing funding for the next generation is crucial for the development of innovative ideas, community progress, new businesses, and more. Societal encouragement and assistance is more necessary than ever to ensure that today’s bright students are able to live up to their full potential and create a better future for our world.

This scholarship aims to support high school students who are passionate about entrepreneurship so they can afford to pursue higher education.

Any underrepresented minority high school student who is interested in entrepreneurship and resides in Florida may apply for this scholarship if they are driven, ambitious, selfless, empathetic, and a critical thinker or leader.

To apply, tell us about yourself and how you plan to make a difference through your career in entrepreneurship.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published October 22, 2024
Essay Topic

Please tell us about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact through your entrepreneurship.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Tahj Williams
Fort Lauderdale High SchoolFT LAUDERDALE, FL
I'm Tahj Williams, a dedicated 11th-grade student at Fort Lauderdale High School, deeply immersed in business entrepreneurship and computer technology. Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked. This curiosity led me to take apart and reassemble gadgets, design websites, and build computers. The satisfaction of turning ideas into tangible outcomes fueled my interest in technology. Concurrently, I discovered a love for business through various school projects and leadership roles. I realized that entrepreneurship wasn't just about starting companies; it was about creating solutions that make a difference in people's lives. Early on, I helped modernize my dad's food truck business by introducing a Point of Sale (POS) system and setting up food delivery services. This experience taught me how technology can transform traditional businesses and sparked my interest in tech-driven entrepreneurship. In high school, I had the opportunity to lead the VE (Virtual Enterprise) International Class as CEO. This experience was pivotal in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset. It taught me the importance of teamwork, strategic planning, and resilience. As the CEO, I was responsible for guiding our team through the intricacies of running a virtual business. This role required me to make critical decisions, delegate tasks, and ensure that our goals were met. The hands-on experience of managing a business, even in a virtual setting, gave me invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Moreover, my involvement with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has been transformative. NFTE's programs equipped me with practical knowledge and skills, fostering a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship. Through NFTE, I learned how to develop a business plan, identify market opportunities, and pitch ideas effectively. The exposure to real-world scenarios and mentorship from industry experts broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to entrepreneurship. Beyond the classroom, I channel my creativity into photography and content creation, sharing insights on technology and entrepreneurship through my YouTube channel. Looking ahead, my goal is to make a positive impact through entrepreneurship by integrating technology into sustainable solutions. One of my aspirations is to create a startup focused on building custom, energy-efficient computers tailored for specific needs. I envision offering consulting services to optimize tech setups for energy efficiency and performance, contributing to a more eco-friendly tech industry. Additionally, I am passionate about empowering young people through education. I plan to create educational platforms that leverage technology to make learning more engaging and accessible, inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders. In conclusion, my journey in entrepreneurship and technology has been driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to make a positive impact. As I continue to grow and learn, I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to create solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute to a better future.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 31, 2025. Winners will be announced on Aug 31, 2025.