Scholarship Opportunities

What scholarship opportunities are available through HATS?

Stetson University, known for its high ideals and academic excellence, is proud to be serving Florida's high achievers through the HATS Programs. Currently, we offer two scholarship opportunities to HATS/Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search (BESTS) participants.

Stetson University Scholarships for BESTS and HATS Participants

For those who have an eye on the future and are looking down the road toward college, Stetson University offers a $1,000 annual scholarship to any student who is a member of BESTS and participated in the HATS Summer Program. This scholarship will be extended over the four-year period you are here for a total of $4,000, and it is awarded in addition to any other scholarships you receive here at Stetson. It is important to note that high achieving students typically receive substantial scholarship assistance at Stetson. The HATS Scholarship is to recognize the extraordinary efforts you made in your youth by participating in BESTS and/or the HATS Summer Program.

Support the Scholarship Fund

You can support the HATS Scholarship Fund in two ways:

  1. Make a direct contribution (be sure to indicate "HATS")
  2. Participate in fundraising events

HATS Summer Program Scholarships for High-Scorers in BESTS

Beginning in the summer of 2003, Stetson University began awarding scholarships for participation in the week-long HATS Summer Programs. A full HATS scholarship ($260 value) was awarded to the boy and girl at each grade level (grades four through nine) who achieved the highest score in BESTS.

It should be noted that fourth through sixth grade students took the eighth grade level EXPLORE, and seventh through ninth grade students took the ACT and/or the SAT, college entrance exams typically taken by 11th and 12th grade students. Their scores were simply amazing! A few important facts:

  • The eighth grade-level EXPLORE yields a score of 1-25.
  • The average composite score earned by eighth graders across the nation is 14.7.
  • HATS Scholarship winners in grades four through six earned composite scores ranging from 19 to 25 on the EXPLORE - far above their eighth grade counterparts!
  • The 11th/12th grade-level ACT yields a score of 1-36.
  • The average composite score earned by 11th and 12th graders across the nation is 21.
  • HATS Scholarship winners in grades seven through nine earned composite scores ranging from 28 to 35 on the ACT - far above their 11th and 12th grade counterparts!