Since the inception of the Oratory Project, over $106,800 has been awarded in college scholarships and participation awards. Depending on the contributions collected each year, the winner of the competition usually receives at least a $5,000 scholarship. The runner-up usually receives $3,000 and the remaining finalists receive $1,000. Each student who participates in the competition receives a $100 gift card.

The Rotary Club of South Jacksonville invites one senior from the 45 public and private high schools from the First Coast to compete. The students are split into 5 – 7 regional competitions, depending on the number of participants. Those winners go on to the final event to vie for the top scholarship dollars.

Students do not directly receive scholarship funds. Our Rotary Club deposits the funds into the student’s school fund account, whether it is a college or vocational school. This way we ensure that the funds are specifically used for educational purposes only.