See Online Application for Eligibility Criteria

Required Documents:

• Photo

• Current high school transcript

• An Essay with a minimum 250-word count

• Two letters of recommendation from community members (not affiliated with the school or board of education).

• One letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor.

Due Date: 04/04/2026

     The High Country Association of Realtors® has upheld this yearly Scholarship program since 2015. The Association is proud to offer financial aid to these deserving recipients in our communities. Current High School seniors in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga Counties are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

     Our objective is to build young leaders of character by providing post-high school scholarships for each high school within our District. Applicants should be characterized by their high ethical standards and express a commitment to service in their personal, school, business and community lives.

     The HCAR Board of Directors administers the annual Scholarship Award to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic aspiration and community services.

Due Date: 04/07/2026

*Speak w/Jennifer Price

Scholarship Criteria:

Parent Eligibility - 

At least one parent must be a current North Carolina Child Support Council member or an active Client of the Child Support Program (via the Child Support Office or the Clerk of Court).

Residency and Academic Standing - 

The applicant must be a resident of North Carolina. 

The applicant must be a graduating high school senior.

Acceptance to a School of Higher Learning - 

The applicant must have been accepted to a higher-education school, including colleges, universities, technical institutes, or trade institutes.

Documentation: Applicants must attach a copy of an official acceptance letter or enrollment verification. If the applicant is waitlisted or has deferred enrollment, additional documentation verifying the acceptance status must be provided.

Academic Performance - 

Applicants must have maintained an unweighted GPA of 2.5 or above during their high school career.

Verification: This will be confirmed via an official high school transcript, which must be attached as part of the application.

Application Submission - 

Must be submitted electronically

Paper Applications: Paper applications are accepted only with prior written approval from the Scholarship Committee. To request a paper application, please email nccscboard@gmail.com with your contact information.

Naming Convention: All Files should be named using the format: LastName_FirstName_[DocumentType] (e.g., Smith_John_Transcript).

Required Attachments - 

Essay Response:

Prompt: “Innovation often begins with education”

Instructions: In your essay (maximum 650 words), . Describe a challenge facing children or families today and propose a bold, innovative idea that could help strengthen support systems for families in North Carolina. How could education, technology, or new ways of thinking create positive change?​

Important: Using AI or similar tools to generate the essay content is strictly prohibited.

High School Transcript:

Attach an official copy/picture of your high school transcript.

Letters of Recommendation:

Two letters are required, one of which must be from a current or former teacher.

Each letter must include the recommender’s email address and telephone number.

Acceptance Letter/Enrollment Verification:

Attach a copy/picture of the post-secondary institution's official acceptance letter or enrollment verification.

Due Date: 04/24/2026

     The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further his or her education. By removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to, surviving in, and graduating from college, the SCSF plays a vital role in increasing college access and success for many motivated yet underserved youth and young adults. The SCSF provides individual grants, paid directly to the educational institution, to every student who qualifies and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation. The grant can be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to “give back” by conducting community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars.

Due Date: 04/30/2026

(1) Teddy Huffman - New River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary - Rita Porter: 336-384-2320 (Due Date: 04/01/26)

(2) Ashe/Alleghany HBA - Tammie Pruitt-Coffey: 828-238-7137 (Due Date: 04/15/26)

(3) Gamma Delta Scholar - Christina Pennington (Due Date: 04/01/26)

(4) Chuck & Belle Gardner - Daniel Calhoun, Rick & Jane Gardner (Due Date: 04/01/26) 

(5) Mt. Rogers Area Christmas Tree Growers - (Ask Mrs. Molly) (Due Date: 04/01/26)

(6) ACHS Booster Club - Give To Brian Hampton - (Due Date: 04/08/26)

(7) Lions Club - Yates Family - Gwynita Steele: 336-977-4587 (Due Date: 04/15/26)

(8) Ashe County EOP - Check w/Michelle Kitson (Due Date: 04/15/26)

(9) Ashe County Christmas Tree Association - Barbara Cunningham (Due Date: 04/19/26)

(10) Ronald Keith Vannoy Memorial Scholarship - (Ask Mrs. Molly) (Due Date: 04/01/26)

(11) Ruby A Trivette Todd Ruritan Scholarship - (Ask Mrs. Molly) (Due Date: 04/15/26)

(12) Paul & Alda Perkins - (Ask Mrs. Molly) (Due Date: 04/01/26)

(13) Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track - (Ask Mrs. Molly) (Due Date: 04/10/26)

(14) Fred C Hubbard Legion Post 31 Nursing Scholarship - (Ask Mrs. Molly) (Due Date: 04/01/26)

(15) Peak Creek Ruritan Club Sid and Jackie Webb Memorial Scholarship - (Ask Mrs. Molly) (Due Date: 04/01/26)