Roanoke City Scholarships

The scholarship deadline is Friday, January 13, 2023.

 

Homer O. Amos Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBD

Fund provides higher-education scholarship assistance to deserving young men and women pursuing an undergraduate degree.

  • Be a graduating senior from a Roanoke City Public High School.
  • Show academic/other merit indicating the capability of satisfactorily completing college-level studies.
  • Enroll in an accredited two or four-year college or university.
  • Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need.

Jim Barker Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBD

Established through the generosity of Mike and Danielle Wise and with the support of Boys and Girls Clubs of SWVA (hereafter “Club”) and many others, this Fund will provide higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.

  • Be a graduating senior from a high school within the Boys and Girls Clubs of SWVA service area*
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or career/technical/trade school; and
  • Have been a member of the Club for at least two years.

*If there is no qualified applicant in a given year, applications from students already enrolled in a post-high school curriculum may be considered by the selection committee.

Sue Blackwell Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBD

Fund provides undergraduate higher education scholarships to those students who will make the best use of the scholarship funds in pursuing their educational goals.

  • Be a graduating high school senior.
  • Be a participating member for the 2022 swim season of the Roanoke Valley Aquatic Association (RVAA). Member pools are as follows: Ashley Plantation, Castle Rock, Elks Lodge, Forest Hills, Hidden Valley, Hunting Hills, Lancerlot, Limestone Park, North Lakes, Our Lady of Nazareth, Olympic Park, Roanoke Country Club, Read Mountain, Stonegate, and Spring Run.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher learning.
  • Demonstrate academic ability to successfully complete a college-level curriculum.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Resume must be submitted with application.
  • ESSAY TOPIC: Why service to others is important to me. (Maximum 500 word paper)

Cave Spring Lions Club Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant: up to $1,000

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors currently attending a high school in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton or home schooled students in these areas. The following criteria will be used as the basis for the scholarship awards: applicant’s prior academic performance; applicant’s performance on accepted tests designed to measure aptitude and ability for college work; and applicant’s prior leadership performance.

  • Be a graduating senior of a Roanoke Valley high school.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
  • Recommendation Forms from three individuals. Two of these individuals should be current teachers or school personnel and one should be a community leader familiar with your leadership performance.
  • ESSAY TOPIC: Explain your view on leadership/volunteerism and the role that it has played in your life. (Maximum two pages)

CITY School Foundation Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $300

Fund provides higher education scholarship support.

  • Be a graduating senior from either Patrick Henry High School or William Fleming High School.
  • Demonstrate that community service is a priority in his or her life and write about that experience with clarity, insight, and humility.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to be successful in higher education studies as evidenced by prior academic performance.
  • Enroll full-time in a two- or four-year accredited college or university.
  • ESSAY TOPIC: During the past 12 months, how have you used your own gifts to enhance life to others? What have you learned from the experience? (1-2 pages)

Joycelyn “Fudgie” Lee Farrelly Music Education Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $800

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving students who intend to pursue a degree in music or music education.

  • Be a graduating senior from a Roanoke Valley high school, or
  • Be a Roanoke Valley resident beginning, resuming, or pursuing his/her higher education.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to be successful in higher education studies as evidenced by prior academic performance.
  • Indicate his or her intentions to pursue a career in music or music education.
  • Enroll full-time in, or be currently enrolled in, an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

Davis B. and Barbara J. Francis Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,100

 Fund provides educational scholarships to deserving high school seniors in the Roanoke Valley.

  • Be a graduating senior from a high school in the Roanoke Valley.
  • Plan to pursue a degree and/or career in technical theatre or performing arts, including television or other types of media productions.
  • Have made recognized and significant contributions to the theatre arts program at their school.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or career/technical school.
  • While the applicant’s financial need is not a major criterion, it will be given adequate consideration.

Clarence M. Gillis Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $500

Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving students who exhibit leadership and good citizenship.

  • Be a graduating senior from Patrick Henry High School or William Fleming High School.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to satisfactorily complete college-level studies as evidenced by a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
  • ESSAY TOPIC: Why do you feel you are deserving of the scholarship?

Michael Dean Guilliams Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,350

Fund provides scholarship assistance to deserving students who are pursuing further educational studies in a career and technical field.

  • Be a graduating senior.
  • Demonstrate good academic achievement in his or her career and technical studies. Examples of career/technical studies include, but not limited to, Architecture, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Construction, Electronics, Engineering, Graphic Design, Megatronics, Robotics. Liberal Arts and/or Healthcare fields are not included.
  • Be pursuing a career within this profession.
  • Be hardworking and dedicated to his or her profession.
  • ESSAY TOPIC: Give your reasons for wanting to enter the career/technical field, the area you plan to pursue, and why you are applying for the scholarship.

The Bettie Nichols Guthrie Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBD

Fund provides educational opportunities that support and encourage students in the pursuit of careers that enhance the quality of life for themselves and their communities.

  • Have graduated from, or be a graduating senior from, a high school in the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, or the Counties of Botetourt, Craig, Halifax, and Roanoke.
  • Have a grade point average among the top ten (10) percent of his/her graduating class.
  • Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited college or university that is classified as a part of the public higher education system of the State of Virginia with an intended major in an accepted field of study.

Ethel Snidow Holland Memorial Scholarship
Typical Grant $TBA

Fund provides scholarship assistance for Roanoke Valley high school graduates who wish to continue their education in a college, university, or vocational field.

  • Be a graduating senior from a high school in the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, or the Counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke.
  • Enroll full-time in an accredited four-year institution of higher education or vocational school.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to satisfactorily complete college-level studies.

Margaret Jones Irvin Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,000

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.

  • Be a Virginia resident.
  • Enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $800

Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving students attending Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, VA.

  • Be a resident of the greater Roanoke Valley, which includes the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, and Roanoke, and the cities of Roanoke and Salem, VA.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to be successful in higher education studies as evidenced by prior academic performance.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Enroll in, or currently be enrolled in, Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, VA.

Grace Lovegrove Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,800

Fund provides higher educational scholarships to graduating high school seniors at Patrick Henry High School.

  • Be a graduating high school senior from Patrick Henry High School (PHHS).
  • Demonstrate academic achievement as evidenced by a GPA of at least 3.3.
  • Demonstrate perseverance through participation in two or more years of athletics during high school (i.e. recreational sports and high school athletics).
  • Demonstrate good leadership through school, church, or community service.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

Ronald L. Mayfield, Jr. Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $700

Fund provides higher education scholarship support.

  • Be a graduating senior from either Patrick Henry High School or William Fleming High School.
  • Have been enrolled in the English Language Learners Program.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to satisfactorily complete college-level studies.
  • Demonstrate financial need.

Dorothy and Julien Meyer, Sr., M.D. Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $350

Fund provides higher education scholarships. The Donor’s intent is to provide financial incentive and support to those students who are most worthy of help and who will make the best use of the scholarship funds in pursuing their educational goals.

  • Be a graduating senior from any Roanoke Valley high school.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university to pursue premedical studies.
  • Demonstrate excellence in high school studies.
  • Demonstrate financial need.

Member One Federal Credit Union – Henry Lee Memorial Scholarship
Typical Grant $1,500

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors who are members at Member One Federal Credit Union and plan to attend a college or university in Virginia.

  • Be a high school senior.
  • Be a current Member One member for at least six months and in good standing.
  • Have an exceptional history of academic achievement and participation in scholastic activities.
  • Plan to enroll in a Virginia college or university as a four-year student.
  • ESSAY TOPIC (Answer both): Explain why you feel you are the best candidate for this scholarship. Member One is a strong community supporter. How does this impact you as a member? (Must be between 250-500 words, double-spaced).
  • Member One employees or children or relatives of Member One employees are not eligible to apply.

Member One Federal Credit Union – Richard L. “Dick” Williams Memorial Scholarship
Typical Grant $5,000

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors who are members at Member One Federal Credit Union and plan to attend a college or university in Virginia.

  • Be a high school senior.
  • Be a current Member One member for at least six months and in good standing.
  • Have an exceptional history of academic achievement and participation in scholastic activities.
  • Have participated in an athletic varsity sport (as recognized by the Virginia High School League) for at least two semesters in high school.
  • Plan to enroll in a Virginia college or university as a four-year student.
  • ESSAY TOPIC (Answer both): Explain why you feel you are the best candidate for this scholarship. How will your participation in athletics during high school help you in your future academic and professional career? (Must be between 250-500 words, double-spaced).
  • Member One employees or children or relatives of Member One employees are not eligible to apply.

Clarissa Edwards Noland Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,900

Fund provides scholarships to deserving students who intend to pursue a career in teaching or creative writing.

  • Be a graduating senior from a high school located in Botetourt County or Roanoke County or the Cities of Roanoke or Salem, VA.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to be successful in higher education studies as evidenced by prior academic performance.
  • Indicate his or her intentions to pursue a career in teaching or creative writing.
  • Enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
  • ESSAY TOPIC:  What are your educational plans? What are your reasons for pursuing a career in Creative Writing or Teaching? (Maximum one page)

Walter M. Otey, III Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $2,000

Fund provides scholarships to talented and needy young men and women to obtain a college education. The Fund perpetuates Mr. Otey’s interest in Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Roanoke College’s Programs and Virginia Western Community College’s Nursing Program.

• Be a Virginia Resident.
• Be a graduating high school senior.
• Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Enroll on a full-time basis at one of the following accredited colleges/universities: Roanoke College, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech), or the Nursing Program at Virginia Western Community College.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• ESSAY TOPIC: (CHOOSE ONE) What are your reasons for seeking a college education and why are scholarship funds important? Why is it important for young people to volunteer their time helping others in the community? What are the two most serious challenges facing young people today and how would you address these challenges? (Maximum of three typed pages.)

Jean L. Price Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBD

Fund provides financial scholarships to underprivileged students living in the Roanoke Valley.

  • Be a graduating senior from the Roanoke Valley (including the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Craig, and Franklin).
  • Be a Roanoke Valley student enrolled full-time in an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher education.
  • Demonstrate financial need.

Dr. Robert A. Pruner Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,000

Fund provides need-based college scholarships to deserving students.

  • Be a graduating senior from Patrick Henry High School.
  • Have played varsity football for at least two years.
  • Enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to satisfactorily complete college-level studies.
  • Demonstrate financial need.

The E. Price Ripley Memorial Foundation Fund
Typical Grant $2,000

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving young people in their chosen field of endeavor.

  • Be a graduating senior from the Roanoke Valley (including the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Craig, and Franklin), or
  • Be a Roanoke Valley student enrolled full-time in an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher education or specialized training program.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Demonstrate scholastic achievement.

David Roller Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $500

Fund was established in 1992 by David’s family and friends to commemorate his life. David was a talented art student who was enrolled in the School of Arts at VCU at the time of his death. This Fund provides scholarship(s) to one or more students who plan to study art at the college level.

  • Be a graduating senior from Patrick Henry High School or William Fleming High School.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university and pursue a degree in art.
  • Demonstrate artistic and scholastic merit.
  • Demonstrate financial need.

Frank W. (Bo) Rogers Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBD

Fund provides higher education scholarships.

  • Be a graduating senior from a Roanoke Valley high school.
  • Enroll, or be currently enrolled, in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to volunteer service to benefit the Roanoke Valley community.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Special consideration will be given to an applicant whose parent is an employee of Woods Rogers, PLC and lives within the Foundation’s service area.

Eddie Simpson Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,500

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to very deserving young men and women pursuing an undergraduate degree.

  • Be a graduating senior from a high school in the Foundation’s service area.
  • Enroll full-time in a two- or four-year college or university.
  • Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a college-level curriculum.
  • Demonstrate financial need.

Samuel “Bo” Terry Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $500-$1,000

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to needy and deserving students graduating from Roanoke City Public Schools.

  • Be a graduating senior from a Roanoke City Public School.
  • Enroll full-time in a two- or four-year institution of higher education or vocational school.
  • Be capable of satisfactorily completing college-level studies.
  • Demonstrate high moral values, a concern for others, and involvement in the school and community.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Letters of Recommendation must be received from a teacher or coach and a guidance counselor.
  • ESSAY TOPIC: State your future plans and why you need this scholarship (1 paragraph each).

Kenneth D. Twitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $2,500

Fund provides educational scholarships and charitable financial aid.

  • Be a child of an employee of Branch Builds, Inc.
  • The parent of the applicant must have worked full-time for the company for at least one year as of the date of the application for a scholarship.
  • Demonstrate financial need.

NOTE: Family members of Kenneth Twitchell or of the company founders or executives are not eligible.

H.B. and Ellen B. Wharton Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBD

Fund provides higher education assistance to worthy, qualified and necessitous students.

  • Be a graduating senior from a Roanoke City or Roanoke County high school.
  • Enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university, preferably Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Preference will be given to students who are of the Christian Scientist faith.
  • Preference will be given to Virginia Tech and/or any of the Virginia State teachers’ colleges.

Dianne E. H. Wilcox Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $1,000

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.

  • Be a Virginia resident.
  • Enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

John W. Wilks, M.D. Excellence in Science Memorial Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $2,500

Fund provides educational scholarship assistance to needy and deserving students.

  • Be a graduating senior from a Roanoke Valley area High School who plans to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university or technical/trade school, with the intention to pursue a career in the medical field; or
  • Be an individual seeking to continue his or her medical studies at the graduate level; and
  • Demonstrate financial need based on current family circumstances; and
  • Show academic or other merit indicating the capability of satisfactorily completing his or her medical studies.

Dillon Family Scholarship Fund
Typical Grant $TBA

This Fund will provide higher education scholarship assistance to deserving students.

  • Be a graduating senior from a public high school in the cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem, or the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke.
  • Preference will be given to those graduating seniors from Covington and Alleghany.
  • Enroll part-time or full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university, career, technical/trade school.
  • Demonstrate academic/merit-based potential and capability of completing college-level studies as evidenced by, but not limited to:  
    • Recommendations from at least one high school teacher and one community member/employer who will share insight into the student’s hidden potential by providing information about the student’s: application of learning, accountability, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration as needed in desired educational or career path.
    • Student typed essay see below for details. 
  • Demonstrate financial need (as evidenced by the Student Aid Report, demographic information provided by the school counselor (if available), and other pertinent information provided in the application.
  • ESSAY TOPIC: (CHOOSE ONE)
    I was extremely proud of myself when…
    My favorite learning environment is _______ and here’s why…
    My superpower is…..
    You have been asked to speak on career day at your high school twenty years from now. What will you say?

The scholarship deadline is Friday, January 13, 2023.

NOTE: The scholarship application will open the first week of November – please check back then.

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