Annual Scholarship Banquet

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

For over 40 years, the George Edgecomb Bar Association (GEBA) has tirelessly dedicated itself to the advancement of minorities in the legal profession and to increasing the profession’s involvement in both community affairs and public service. Through this initiative, GEBA has assisted in making the dream of a higher education more attainable for students in need by creating its Scholarship Program. Through our partnership with generous sponsors, GEBA has awarded more than $325,000 in scholarships to college-bound students and helped to make the goal of obtaining a higher education an accessible one for dozens of local students, and has given many families the opportunity to see their first relative attend college. GEBA views these awards as much more than scholarships. Rather, these awards represent an investment in the future leaders of our communities, our country, and our world.

GEBA partners with the Hillsborough Education Foundation to provide these scholarships to local students. The Mission of the Hillsborough Education Foundation is to engage business and community partners in the support of Hillsborough County Public Schools and the academic achievement of all its students. Their Vision is to ensure that Hillsborough County will be recognized for its excellent public schools and as a community committed to having every one of its students succeed. Through this partnership, GEBA has awarded around a 100 scholarships to deserving students.

Scholarships Awarded

Florida Prepaid Tuition Scholarship

Four Year Florida Prepaid Scholarship

This scholarship is for African American students with a 3.0 or higher GPA who are in the 9th grade and who qualify for free or reduced lunch. This is a Florida Prepaid scholarship under the 4-Year Florida University Plan. Extracurricular and community service hours will also be considered.

Bar Prep Scholarship

$1,500 Scholarship

The George Edgecomb Bar Association is offering scholarships of $1,500 each to a 3rd year law student in anticipation for Bar Preparation. One scholarship will be awarded to a student at Stetson University College of Law and the other to a student at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

High School Senior Scholarships

$1,000 Scholarship

This scholarship is for seniors who have a 3.0 or higher GPA and who plan on pursuing a bachelor’s degree or attending a technical college in Hillsborough County. Must answer additional essay — Who in your life has been your biggest influence and why?

The Scholarship Banquet has hundreds of attendees!

The George Edgecomb Bar Association’s annual scholarship banquet in Tampa honors the legacy of George Edgecomb by recognizing outstanding students in the community with scholarships. This prestigious event brings together legal professionals and community leaders to celebrate academic excellence and commitment to justice. Join us in supporting the next generation of legal minds.

Francisco Rodriguez Award

The George Edgecomb Bar Association’s Francisco Rodriguez Award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the improvement of the administration of justice as it impacts African Americans or the improvement of the status of African Americans generally. These contributions may be through research, writing, litigation, professional pursuits or other community or civic endeavors. The first recipient of this annual award, which was first established in 1993, was Sen. Arthenia Joyner.

Past Award Recipients

2023 – Edgecomb Society at Moffitt Cancer Center
2022- Robert Blount, Abe Brown Ministries
2021- [NO RECIPIENT DUE TO COVID YEAR]
2020 – Candy Lowe
2019- Thaddeus Bullard
2018- Tonya Lewis
2017- Chloe Coney
2016- Dr. Samuel L. Wright Sr.
2015- Carrie Williams
2014- Aidza & Antonio Thomas (Solita’s House)
2013- Andre Kirwan
2011- Pastor Thomas Scott
2010- Robert J. Samuels
2009- Derrick Brooks

Submit Nomination for the Francisco Rodriguez Award

Delano S. Stewart Diversity Award

The George Edgecomb Bar Association’s Delano S. Stewart Diversity Award is presented annually to a law firm or an individual who has made outstanding efforts in promoting diversity in the legal profession.

Past Award Recipients: