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POSTED 12/02/25: NC EXTENSION & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
The NC Extension & Community Association, Inc. offers an $800 scholarship to assist a student in obtaining a degree at any North Carolina college, in any field of study, with priority given to Family and Consumer Sciences.
Click here for more details and the application. Plan in advance as three letters of recommendation are required and application is to be mailed. See Mrs. Murray in Student Services for your signed transcript as well as a printed copy of the application or help with envelope/postage if needed.
Deadline to apply: 02/01/26
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POSTED 11/24/25: DOVER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Dover Foundation offers twelve merit based scholarships- two $20,000, five $15,000, and five $10,000, to seniors from CCS high schools. Four of the scholarships will be awarded to students attending Gardner-Webb University and eight will be awarded to students going to any accredited four-year college or university.
Click here and then DOWNLOAD the scholarship application. TYPE your answers in this fillable PDF. You are not allowed to attach your High School Activity Sheet.
By the deadline below, email your application to Mrs. Froehlich in PDF format. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt. The two letters of recommendation (one from SHS staff and one from a community contact that has the recommender contact information and signature) can be submitted to Mrs. Froehlich in PDF format on this Letter of Recommendaiton Form or in person in paper format. Be in communication with your recommenders about the two sumbission options. Student Services will add your transcript for you.
Applicants who are selected as finalists will participate in an SHS mock interview and an interview with the Dover Foundation in April.
Deadline to apply: 02/14/26
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POSTED 11/14/25: MICHAEL A. DEMAYO ARRIVE ALIVE SCHOLARSHIP
The Michael A. DeMayo Arrive Alive Scholarship Program will award ten $5000 college scholarships to high school seniors to continue their secondary education. Each year the firm's scholarship committee selects students based on their grades, school and community involvement, and a presentation (essay, brochure, billboard, website home page, or music video) that encourages fellow teens to abstain from underage drinking and driving and highlight the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving.
Eligibility requirements include a 3.0 or higher GPA. For more information and to apply, visit demayolaw.com/scholarship-program/ Printed application forms are available in Student Services while they last.
Email your school counselor to request your transcript as a PDF. Plan ahead as letters of recommendation are required.
Deadline to apply: 03/23/26
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POSTED 11/13/25: CLEVELAND COUNTY ENTREPRENEUR SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, a $1000 scholarship will be awarded to one senior at each Cleveland County High School to use to launch an entrepreneur idea or support a business.
For more details and the application, click here. As always, if you need a printed copy, see Mrs. Murray.
The top applicants from Shelby High School will be invited to participate in a Business Pitch Presentation at Gardner-Webb University on April 14th.
Deadline to apply: 03/14/26
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POSTED 11/13/25: WILLIAM A. HART SCHOLARSHIP
One $1000 scholarship, renewable for one year, will be awarded to a graduating senior from a public high school in the 29 county Western NC region. SHS may select one application to submit for consideration. Student must attend a NC two-year community college. The scholarship considers financial need, academic ability, good moral character, and community involvement.
For more information and to apply, visit https://cfwnc.org/scholarships/harry-w-clarke-memorial-scholarship-programs-william-a-hart-award
Deadline to apply: 01/16/26
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POSTED 11/13/25: HARRY W. CLARKE SCHOLARSHIP
One $2000 scholarship, renewable for three additional years will be awarded to a graduating senior from a public high school in the 29 county Western NC region. SHS may nominate one application to submit for consideration. Student must attend a NC four-year college or university. Scholarship considers financial need, academic ability, good moral character, and community involvement.
For more information and to apply, visit https://cfwnc.org/scholarships/harry-w-clarke-memorial-scholarship-programs-harry-w-clarke-award
Deadline to apply: 01/16/26
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POSTED 10/22/25: CLEVELAND COUNTY BLUE COLLAR SCHOLARSHIP
Cleveland County Independent Bikers is a community organization with over 30 years of service. Candidates for this scholarship must have a clean school behavior record, be residents of Cleveland County, be a graduating senior from one of the four traditional Cleveland County high schools, and plan to enroll in a trade school or community college trade program.
Click here for the application. As always, you may come to Student Services for a printed copy.
Sumbit your application in PDF format (print the application, complete it, and scan it as a PDF to send) by email to srfroehlich@clevelandcountyschools.org or in paper format to Mrs. Froehlich by the deadline.
Deadline to appy: 02/20/26
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POSTED 10/09/25: GREENHOUSE SCHOLARS WHOLE PERSON COLLEGE PROGRAM
The Whole Person College Program selects inspiring young role models from low-income communities and surrounds them with the following resources during college: community impact planning, one-on-one mentorship, professional networking, leadership and life skill building, Summer Symposium, internship opportunities, and tuition awards up to $5,000 per academic year.
Eligibility requirements:
Be a graduating high school senior planning to attend a four-year accredited academic institution
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a legal resident of Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Utah, or select counties in California
Have a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above
Demonstrate financial need (annual household income no greater than $80,000)
Possess excellent leadership skills, an ability to persevere through difficult circumstances, and a strong interest in and commitment to your community
For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.greenhousescholars.com/.
Deadline to appy: 11/13/25 (Part 1)
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POSTED 10/03/25: NC CRIMINAL JUSTICE FELLOWS
The N.C. Criminal Justice Fellows Program will provide forgivable education loans for high school seniors and graduates who agree to enter a criminal justice profession in North Carolina. This fellowship will fund an Applied Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or Committee approved related field of study, from any North Carolina Community College. Students who receive the educational loan would have 5 years to repay, though it would be forgiven if they enter and remain in a criminal justice profession with North Carolina for four years in an eligible county.
For more information and to apply, visit www.ncdoj.gov/cjfellows
Deadline to apply: 04/30/26
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POSTED 10/03/25: NC TEACHING FELLOWS
The North Carolina Teaching Fellows is a prestigious program for aspiring educators who are interested in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Special Education. North Carolina Teaching Fellows receive up to $10,000 per year towards their tuition as well as access to unique enrichment experiences and a robust alumni network.
Must attend one of the North Carolina Teaching Fellow Partner Colleges/Universities:
● Appalachian State University
● East Carolina University
● Elon University
● Fayetteville State University
● Meredith College
● North Carolina A&T University
● NC State University
● UNC Chapel Hill
● UNC Charlotte
● UNC Pembroke
For more information and to apply, visit https://myapps.northcarolina.edu/ncteachingfellows/apply/.
Deadline to apply: Early Action Application Date at College
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09/24/25: JOHN M. BELK SCHOLARSHIP (Davidson College)
Offered through Davidson College, this 4-year scholarship covers tuition, room and board. Scholarship also provides 2 special study stipends for study abroad or other enrichment opportunities. Nominees should demonstrate powerful academic achievement and engagement in the classroom. Belk Scholars are challenge seekers, intellectual explorers, servant leaders, and change agents. Click here for more information. Shelby High School can nominate 2 students.
To be considered for an SHS nomination, email Mrs. Froehlich (srfroehlich@clevelandcountyschools.org) in PDF format these two items:
one page statement explaining how you meet the Belk Scholars criteria
Deadline to apply for nomination: 10/08/25
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POSTED 09/24/25: JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is for minority seniors attending a four year college or university. Criteria includes leadership potential, demonstrated dedication to community service, evidence of financial need. For more information and to apply, click here.
Deadline to apply: 01/07/26 at 5:00 pm
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POSTED 09/24/25: RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM
The Ron Brown Scholarship is for academically talented, highly motivated African American seniors and plan to pursue undergraduate degrees. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program provided you meet the following requirements:
Must be Black/African American.
Must excel academically.
Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
Must participate in community service activities.
Demonstrate financial need.
Up to 20 scholars will be selected across the nation to receive $10,000 annually for four years and can be used at the college of their choosing. For more information and to apply, visit https://ronbrown.org/apply/ron-brown-scholarship/
Deadline to apply: 12/01/25
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Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offers a competitive scholarship program that can make education affordable and help advance a student’s personal and professional goals. The scholarship is offered at many traditional four-year colleges and universities, senior military colleges (all branches except the Coast Guard) and junior military colleges (Army and Navy ROTC only).
The requirements for the scholarship may differ by Service branch, however, to qualify for an ROTC scholarship, the applicant must:
be a U.S. citizen
be at least 17 years of age
have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 (3.0 for Air Force)
have a high school diploma or equivalent
submit ACT or SAT scores
meet physical standards
agree to accept a commission and serve as an active-duty service member or in the Reserve or Guard
See each branch for details and to apply:
Deadline to apply: Typically submitted by the end of the first semester of a high school student’s senior year. See each application for details.
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POSTED 09/02/25: FLORENCE KIDDER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Florence Kidder Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of the first president of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of merit of the individual essay (75%), scholarship and character (20%), and need (5%).
Six scholarships: First place - $3,000, second place - $1,000, third place - $800 and three fourth places - $400 will be awarded to seniors who will attend a post-secondary institution in North Carolina.
For more information and to apply, visit https://nscdasnc.memberclicks.net/2026-florence-kidder-memorial-scholarship.
Deadline to apply: 02/08/26
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POSTED 09/02/25: NCHSAA ENDOWED FUND SCHOLARSHIPS
The NCHSAA Endowed Fund offers several scholarships to eligible student-athletes of NCHSAA member schools. For more information and applications go to: https://www.nchsaa.org/students-parents/nchsaa-endowed-fund-scholarships
All applicants will download and complete the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and share with Mrs. Froehlich either by email or in paper format so that the counselor report can be completed.
Deadlines to apply vary from 10/14/25 to 03/20/26
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POSTED 09/02/25: ELKS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
The 2025 Elks Nursing Scholarship is a $1,000 award for a senior who has applied to a nursing program Applicants should be ranked in the top 25% of the senior class and be actively involved in nursing related activities. For more information and the application click here.
This application requires a school report and recommendation. Contact your counselor no later than 12/02/24 to request.
Deadline to apply: 12/09/25
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POSTED 09/02/25: ELKS MVS SCHOLARSHIP
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2025 competition ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year.
For more information and the application click here.
Deadline to apply: 11/12/25
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POSTED 09/02/25 : THE HAGAN SCHOLARSHIP
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, designed to provide recipients with the opportunity to graduate college debt-free. The Hagan Scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, workshops to learn important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum, funds to purchase college essentials, an HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage, funds to study and travel abroad, and the opportunity to extend the Hagan Scholarship to obtain a graduate or professional degree.
Eligibility criteria include 3.50 GPA and Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2024 Federal Income Tax must not have exceeded $100,000. The intended recipient is a high-achieving goal-driven student having substantial financial need.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Deadline to apply: 12/01/25
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POSTED 08/28/25: THOMAS WOLFE SCHOLARSHIP (UNC Chapel Hill)
The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship is for full undergraduate support for students who either major or minor in Creative Writing. The application process involves:
an application to the UNC Chapel Hill by October 15th
an application to the Thomas Wolfe Scholarship by November 15th
For more information and to apply, visit the Thomas Wolfe Scholarship site.
Deadline to apply: 11/15/25
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POSTED 08/26/25: MOREHEAD-CAIN (UNC CHAPEL HILL)
While the SHS school nominees were nominated previously, seniors may self nominate. All materials are due by the deadline. See the Morehead-Cain site for more details.
Deadline to apply: 10/01/25
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POSTED 08/26/25: JACK KENT COOKE SCHOLARSHIP
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors (unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above) with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities. Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational experience – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Awards vary by individual, based on the cost of tuition as well as other grants or scholarships they may receive.
For more details and to apply , visit the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship website.
Deadline to apply: 11/12/25
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POSTED 08/26/25: PARK SCHOLARSHIP (NC State University)
The Park Scholarship is a highly competitive merit-based scholarship that fully covers 4 years at NC State University. Park Scholars are candidates who demonstrate four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The goal of the Park Scholars selection process "is to identify young people who demonstrate high academic achievement and leadership, as well as those with unusual aptitudes, uncommon talents and special gifts of creativity or entrepreneurial acumen".
For more information and to apply, visit https://park.ncsu.edu/apply/
Deadline to apply: 11/01/25 (includes letters of recommendation)
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POSTED 08/26/25: QUESTBRIDGE
The QuestBridge National College Match is a college and scholarship application process where low-income (typically less than $65K for a family of four) high acheiving seniors can be matched with some of the nation's best colleges. Full four-year scholarships worth over $200,000 are available. Visit the QuestBridge website for more details.
Deadline to apply: 09/30/25
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POSTED 08/26/25: COCA-COLA SCHOLARS
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 to high school students across the United States through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Students need a 3.0 GPA and to fill out an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts.
Deadline to apply: 09/30/25 at 5pm
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POSTED 08/26/25: JEFFERSON SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIP (UVA)
Fully funded for four years at the University of Virginia, plus supplemental experiences for students of extraordinary intellectual range and depth who possess the highest concomitant qualities of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. Visit jeffersonscholars.org for more information.
Shelby High may nominate one student. Once nominated, students are placed into regional competitions, which will determine the 120 finalists who will be invited to participate in the Jefferson Scholarship Selection Event in late March.
To be considered for the SHS nomination, email Mrs. Froehlich (srfroehlich@clevelandcountyschools.org) in PDF format these two items:
one page statement explaining how you meet the Jefferson Scholars criteria
Deadline to apply for nomination: 09/23/25
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POSTED 08/26/25: LEVINE SCHOLARS (UNC Charlotte)
Levine Scholars seeks outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to community service, hold an academic record that reflects a sustained passion for knowledge and possess a capacity for ethical leadership. This scholarship is for full tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees, a new computer, four summers of experiences to develop leadership strengths and social awareness, and many other outstanding opportunities. This scholarship is a value of $124,000 over the course of four years for in state students.
Visit the following website for more information and to apply: http://levinescholars.uncc.edu/. Students may self nominate.
To be considered for an SHS nomination, email Mrs. Froehlich (srfroehlich@clevelandcountyschools.org) in PDF format these two items:
one page statement explaining how you meet the Levine Scholars criteria
Deadline to apply for nomination: 09/23/25
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POSTED 08/26/25: GATES SCHOLARSHIP
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
Eligibility requirements:
From at least one of the following ethnicities: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian/Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
Pell-eligible, US citizen, national, or permanent resident
Minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3
An ideal candidate will be an outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class), have demonstrated leadership ability, participation in community service, and exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship
Deadline to apply: 9/15/25
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POSTED 08/26/25: COLLEGE BOARD OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Complete the 6 College Board college planning steps for 6 separate chances at $500. When you finish all 6, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $40,000 scholarship, but you can still earn money even if you don’t complete them all. Click here for details.
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08/26/25: LOCAL/COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY/STATE/NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP TREASURE HUNT
In the order below are the best places for your scholarship treasure hunt:
The SHS Senior Scholarship page which will mainly focus on local scholarships. The local scholarships are typically the ones that you have the best odds of receiving.
The vast majority of all scholarship dollars come from colleges and universities . Always seek out the scholarships at college/university you have applied to. Many colleges and universities ONLY consider students who apply by the early action deadline for their instuitutional scholarships. So, meet the early action application deadlines!
Thousands of state and national scholarships are posted on these trused sites:
Search social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram using #scholarships or #highschoolscholarships.
Check out current youtube channels of successful students who share about their scholarship treasure hunt.
Remember, you should NEVER pay for a scholarship application.
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