Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship

Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation envisions a world in which all people have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and succeed in life. Selby Gardens is honored to partner with the Toulmin Foundation to announce the continuation of the Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship, available for the 2025-2026 academic year.  

The Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship seeks to create a pathway for successful leadership in the business and nonprofit world by providing mentorship and financial support to one high-achieving undergraduate pursuing their bachelor’s degree. In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship recipient will receive one-on-one mentoring throughout the year from Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer Rominiecki and will be appointed to Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee to observe Rominiecki and participate with local community, scientific and business leaders.  

Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
Award Amount: $15,000 (available for 2025-2026 academic year)
Finalist interviews: June 2025
Award Notification: July 1, 2025  

Requirements 

• The Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship is intended for undergraduates who have a demonstrated interest in non-profit and/or business administration. 
• Must be an incoming junior or senior enrolled full-time in a college or university located in the greater Sarasota region.  
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 
• Scholarship support is to be directed to qualified student expenses, including tuition, fees, and course-related expenses such as books, supplies, and equipment. 

Scholarship and Mentoring Structure 

• Recipient will receive four (4) mentoring sessions with Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer Rominiecki. 
• Sessions will include a private one-on-one with Rominiecki and a full-day of learning sessions with other members of Selby Gardens’ leadership team. 
• Recipient will be appointed to Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee for the 2025-2026 academic year. 
• Recipient will be invited to select Selby Gardens events. 
• Recipient will receive a one-year membership to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 

For questions regarding this application, please email cwhiteaker@selby.org.  

APPLICATION