Sometimes you stumble across something that just feels right to support, and the Miss Treasure Coast Empowerment Scholarship hit me that way instantly. This isn’t some distant, glossy competition with rules written in fine print—it’s a homegrown effort for women right here on the Treasure Coast who are chasing bold, creative dreams. And I love that.

What makes it stand out is how specific it is. Two scholarships, two paths, both aimed at women who want to carve out space in the creative world. One’s a $5,000 college scholarship for fields like art, fashion, photography, dance, writing—you know, the kind of stuff that doesn’t always get the easy funding because people still think “maybe you should get a real job.” The other is a modeling portfolio scholarship, which is a free, professional shoot complete with styling help and all the shots you’d need to actually start a career. Both are practical, both are immediate, and both are focused on helping women step up without feeling like they’re standing alone.
I decided to put $500 toward this program. And honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend it. I’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be for young creatives. Gear is expensive, classes are expensive, heck—even gas money to get to auditions or shoots is expensive. Having something like this scholarship can be the difference between keeping the dream alive or setting it aside because the logistics don’t add up.
What I really like is the application process. It’s straightforward: write an essay about your goals, share your creative background, show that you’ve got a direction, and you’re in the running. No endless hoops or layers of gatekeeping—just your story, your drive, and your vision for where you’re going. That feels personal, which is rare in these kinds of programs.
And here’s the kicker—it’s local. These scholarships aren’t disappearing into some national office that you’ll never hear from again. The winners are right here, in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, or Okeechobee County. That means the impact stays close. You might run into one of these women at a coffee shop next month, or see their work hanging at a local gallery, or recognize their face in a campaign down the line. That’s the kind of community loop that makes giving back worthwhile.
As a photographer, I know how much that early break can mean. I still remember my first real client who trusted me to shoot their wedding. My gear was old, my confidence was shaky, and I probably charged way too little, but that opportunity lit a fire that’s still burning. Imagine being given a scholarship that not only validates your dream but actually funds it. That’s fuel you can’t buy off a shelf.
I think that’s what drew me in most—the idea of empowerment as action, not just a nice word tossed around. These scholarships are practical steps toward real careers. They say, “We believe in you. Now go prove yourself.” That’s a message more young women deserve to hear.
So yeah, $500 from me goes into this pot, and I hope others jump in too. Maybe you’re not a photographer, maybe you’re a business owner, or maybe you just love the idea of supporting women who are out here hustling for their dreams. Whatever angle you come from, this is the kind of cause that leaves a mark. It’s not about crowns or trophies. It’s about possibility—and that’s worth every penny.