This Golden LEAF Scholarship is open to high school seniors and community college transfer students who reside in a qualifying rural, economically distressed North Carolina county and are planning to enroll full-time in a participating public or private college or university located in North Carolina. The Golden LEAF Scholarship isn’t a “one size fits all” opportunity. Golden LEAF strives to invest in students who are currently active in their rural community and intend to graduate and return to live in a rural, North Carolina area.

     Commitment to Return: Unlike many scholarships, the Golden LEAF Scholarship requires recipients to commit to attending a North Carolina institution, graduating, and returning to a rural community in the state. This ensures that the investment in the student’s education directly benefits the communities where they come from.

     Comprehensive Support: Beyond financial assistance for tuition and room and board, the Golden LEAF Scholarship offers a range of additional benefits, including leadership development opportunities and career experiences. This holistic approach helps scholars develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen fields and contribute to their communities.

     Lifetime Connection: The Golden LEAF Scholarship fosters a strong sense of community among its recipients. The program emphasizes building a lifetime connection among Golden LEAF Scholars, providing them with a network of support and opportunities for collaboration.

Due Date: 03/01/2026

*Be able to communicate a commitment to returning to a rural North Carolina county after graduation from college

     The Department of Art & Design offers nine departmental scholarships every spring semester. These scholarships provide financial awards that are applied toward ETSU tuition and fees. To help you determine your eligibility, please review the Scholarship Checklist and the information on each scholarship outlined below. You may apply to all scholarships for which you are eligible. 

Due Date: 03/01/2026

*Must be a current or incoming Department of Art & Design major.

     Horatio Alger Association administers over 70 scholarship programs, offering opportunities for students in various stages of their academic careers to achieve their educational goals and realize their potential. Scroll down to learn how to apply and keep scrolling for a list of all of the available scholarships. 

Due Date: 03/01/2026

Celebrate The 250th Birthday of The Marine Corps by Joining The Fidelis Fund.

Honor. Courage. Commitment. For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has answered the nation’s call, fighting with unwavering resolve to protect our freedoms. Now, we have the opportunity to honor their legacy by investing in the future of their children. The Fidelis Fund is our most enduring commitment to Marine families—providing life-changing scholarships to the sons and daughters of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. As we celebrate this historic milestone, stand with us. Your support ensures that Marine Corps values live on in the next generation. 250 years of service. An enduring impact. Semper Fidelis.

Must be a: 

• Child or step-child of one of the following:

  • Active duty, Reserve, or veteran* U.S. Marine

  • A Marine killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps

  • Active duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Navy Corpsman, Navy Chaplain or Religious Program Specialist who is or was attached to a U.S. Marine Corps unit or who was killed while serving with a U.S. Marine Corps unit*

• Minimum 2.00 GPA

• Demonstrate financial need through a family adjusted gross income of $129,000 or less for the 2024 tax year

• Attending or planning to attend an accredited school that is eligible for federal funding

Due Date: 03/01/2026

     In his honor, North Carolina Farm Bureau awards the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship to students pursuing higher education in an agricultural-related discipline.

Since 1967, we have awarded more than $3,000,000 in scholarships to youth pursuing a future in the agriculture industry. We believe assisting our industry’s future leaders in obtaining higher education is an investment in the future and is an integral part of fulfilling NC Farm Bureau’s mission.

The R. Flake Shaw Scholarship program awards:

• Eight individual, university level scholarships granted for a four-year period at $5,000 per year ($20,000 total per student)

• Four individual, community college scholarships granted for a two-year period at $1,000 per year ($2,000 total per student)

ELIGIBILITY

Scholarships are awarded to rising freshmen who demonstrate:

• Intent to pursue a career in agriculture or in an agricultural-related field

• Satisfactory grades

• Understanding of agricultural and/or agribusiness

• Leadership potential

Preference is given to North Carolina Farm Bureau members.

Due Date: 03/02/2026

     Individuals residing in North Carolina seeking higher education with plans to pursue a degree in nursing, whose parent or grandparent – by birth or adoption – or stepparent or step-grandparent is or has been a migrant farmworker. The scholarship recipient may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years so long as the student remains enrolled in a nursing program at an educational institution. Students enrolled in online programs are not eligible to receive the scholarship.

Due Date: 03/03/2026

     Graduates of a high school in Ashe County, NC, or who are Ashe County residents graduating from the NC School of Science and Math. Applicants shall exhibit excellence in three areas: 1) Academic excellence, 2) Physical vigor and activity, and 3) Leadership in school, church or community activities. Financial need will be considered but will not be the sole determining factor in who is eligible to receive a scholarship.

Due Date: 03/03/2026

     Applicants must be a graduating senior from a high school in North Carolina pursuing a degree in the field of education at an institution of higher education. The applicant must have a GPA in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 and an SAT score in the range of 900 to 1050. The committee will also judge the applicant based on their service to school, community, and church, as well as their integrity and leadership potential.

Due Date: 03/03/2026

   Purpose: To Provide annual awards to one male and one female graduation senior who: 

Participate in a school sport or associated extracurricular activity

Demonstrate good sportsmanship and positive attitude

Preference is for recipients that have a 3.0 grade average or higher during senior year and 40 hours of community service completed during your senior year. 

Due Date: 03/03/2026

     Graduating seniors of Ashe County High School who have been admitted as full-time students to any accredited college or university. Eligible applicants shall have maintained an overall 3.0 grade point average from grades 10 through 12; demonstrated good character, and provide evidence of family financial need. Preference will be given to, but is not limited to, graduates who have not received other scholarships or grants. Evaluations shall include an essay to assess applicants’ communication skills

Due Date: 03/03/2026

  SkyLine's Board of Directors established the SkyLine Telephone Membership Corporation Scholarship in 1987 to offer educational opportunities to deserving high school seniors with limited means. The scholarship has been awarded to children of SkyLine members who exhibit outstanding scholastic abilities and motivation to continue their education. Annually, scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors in each of the five counties served by SkyLine: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Johnson (TN).

In 1995, the Scholarship Program was renamed the Frank James–SkyLine Scholarship as a lasting memorial to Mr. James, who had been a longtime director and president of the cooperative. In addition to his tireless services to the causes of rural telephony, the former educator and superintendent of Ashe County Schools dedicated much of his life to promoting education. Also in 1995, the program was expanded to include five $500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors seeking a two-year community/technical college degree.

The Board of Directors further enhanced the program in 1999 to make the $1,000 College/University Scholarship annually renewable for up to four years and the $500 Community/Technical Scholarship annually renewable for up to two years. To receive the full two- or four-year benefits of this scholarship, recipients must maintain a minimum grade-point-average (GPA) of 2.0 and continue to be enrolled as a full-time student at their respective college/university. This year, 10 scholarships with a total value of $25,000 are scheduled to be awarded this spring to children of SkyLine/SkyBest telephone service customers to assist them with the cost of a college education.

Due Date: 03/06/2026

     Before you begin applying through the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application, you’ll want to pull together some key information. Review the full list of information required to complete the universal application but note key details below.

• Email address of your school counselor. High school transcripts must be submitted through the NCCF Scholarships Portal by your school counselor. Have their email address handy to enter when you apply. College students should provide an unofficial transcript instead.

• Email addresses of your references. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted by your references through our Scholarships Portal. Have the email addresses of those who will be providing letters of recommendation for you on hand to enter when you apply.

• FAFSA Student Aid Index. To be considered for some NCCF scholarships, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Upload your Student Aid Index (SAI) to the NCCF Scholarships Portal by March 3, 2026, to meet our deadline!

• Intended major or field of study. Within the application, you will be asked to select your intended major or field of study. Learn more about the career paths related to different majors and fields of study before completing this section of your application. 

     0ver 100 NCCF scholarships using the NCCF Universal Scholarships Application will open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Several other scholarships have separate applications with different due dates. You must apply to each of those scholarships individually within our Scholarships Portal.

     We encourage you to apply well before the deadline. Scholarship selection committees are not obligated to consider applications that are incomplete, do not meet the stated eligibility requirements, or are received after the posted due date.

     Steps for Applying for Scholarships

1. Create an account in the NCCF Scholarships Portal. Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are the preferred browsers for the portal. 

2. Once you’ve created an account, select the Opportunities link at the top right. Select the 2026-2027 NCCF Universal Scholarships Application.

3. The universal application is used by most of our scholarships and will match you to the scholarships you are eligible for once you submit some general questions called the base application. After you submit the base application, you will be provided a list of scholarship opportunities for which you may be eligible.

4. Review and submit each scholarship opportunity. You may need to complete supplemental questions and provide additional information, such as letters of recommendation, if required. Note: You can save your work and return at any time but must submit all applications by the due date!

5. Complete and submit the NCCF Financial Need Information Form and FAFSA Student Aid Index if either or both are required. Upload your Student Aid Index to our Scholarships Portal by March 3, 2026,, to meet our deadline!

Due Date: 03/03/2026

*While our universal application is used by most NCCF scholarships, we have other scholarships with separate applications. You must apply to each of those scholarships individually within our Scholarships Portal. If you believe you are eligible for any of these scholarships, return to the Opportunities screen to apply.

• Recent high school or early college graduate (Graduated in December 2024 or later)

• Weighted GPA of 3.5 or greater

• North Carolina resident for tuition purposes (determined by the Residency Determination Service)

• Incoming freshman for the Fall 2025 semester

• Have an SAI of -1,500 (determined by FAFSA reporting)

Due Date: 03/15/2026

     Lynn Davis was a leading force behind the creation of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge in 1988 and has remained active with FRIENDS. In honor of her dedication, the Lynn Davis Scholarship Program has been established to assist students from Blue Ridge communities where our volunteer chapters operate. Lynn is a lifelong learner and spent her career pouring her energies into serving communities and government agencies with an education focus so we can be good stewards of our natural world. 

Due Date: 03/16/2026

• Be at least 17 and under 31 in year of commissioning

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying

• Have taken the SAT or ACT

• Pass the Army Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), then the Army Fitness Test (AFT) upon contract completion

• Meet the physical weight and height requirements

• Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard

Due Date: 03/16/2026

     Established in 2002 as the Journey Scholarship, the program was renamed for George H.V. Cecil in 2020. A native of Western North Carolina and the founder and Scholarship Committee Chair, George Cecil believed in the power of education to transform lives and communities. This endowed scholarship honors his legacy by furthering educational opportunities, encouraging community service, and fostering leadership skills.

     This is a four-year renewable scholarship offered to high school seniors from participating WNC Honors communities with priority given to those who have actively volunteered with their community centers. Scholarship candidates are expected to demonstrate good character, strong academic potential, dedication to community service, and leadership.

Due Date: 03/18/2026

*Applicants must be verified by an officer from an active WNC Honors Program community center. If applicants are not certain who their community center is, please reach out to our scholarship coordinator at gailparker@wnccommunities.org. Please keep in mind that it may take several days to connect with an officer, so be sure to plan ahead.

     The Brittany Robinson Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Brittany’s passion and commitment to agriculture, animal husbandry, and sustainability. As a first generation farmer with a degree in Environmental Sciences, Brittany’s approach to farming was intentionally sustainable, focusing on organic practices and raising pigs with love and care. Beyond her farming, Brittany brought an incredible energy and passion to her work – she innovated easy online ordering from Four Winds Farm, made recipe cards to encourage market shoppers to try new vegetables, and was eager to keep learning from other farmers. 

This scholarship is designed to support the next generation of female agricultural leaders in the High Country region of North Carolina. The award will be presented annually to a High Country student who intends to pursue further education in agriculture, sustainable development or animal sciences. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors through students studying at the graduate level.

Award Amount: $2,500 per award cycle/year. This is a one-time award per application; however, awardees may apply again in future years

Number of Awards: One annual recipient

Application Deadline: March 21, 2026

Award will be made in April 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited institution

• Applicant must reside in Ashe, Avery, Alleghany, Watauga, Wilkes or Caldwell counties

• Scholarship is available to any woman pursuing studies related to agriculture, animal science, botany, soil science, sustainable development, food science or other agriculture-related fields (to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)

• Scholarship funds can be used for tuition and associated costs at accredited universities (undergraduate and graduate programs), community colleges and technical schools. Fund may be used for 

  • Institutional Fees

  • Books & Academic Supplies

  • Housing & Meals (Room and Board)

  • Travel & Transportation

  • Health Insurance & Medical Costs

  • Taxes on Scholarship Funds

  • Service or Program Requirements

  • Technology & Living Expenses

Due Date: 03/21/2026

    The North Carolina Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation, Inc. accepts applications for its college scholarships each year between January and April.  The foundation awards scholarships based on a combination of need and merit to four-year college students entering their junior or senior year and technical school students entering their second year who have declared their major in a construction related field.

To be eligible a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Applicants must be nominated by an NCHBA member firm.

2. Immediate family members of any current trustee of the NCHB Educational & Charitable Foundation, Inc. shall not be eligible.

3. Awards are for one year, but scholarship winners may submit a renewal application and be considered for renewal if they make satisfactory progress in their studies.

4. Only full-time students will be considered. NCHBA defines a full-time student as one taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

Due Date: 03/30/2026

    Purpose: To increase the number of people working in the field of natural resource management and agriculture by supporting students attending NC community colleges and universities in undergraduate and graduate programs in related fields.

Support: Over $190,000 from the Bowman Family, Resource Institute Inc., AgSouth Farm Credit, the Bill Hart Memorial Fund (via New Hanover Soil & Water Conservation District) and other private donors since the program’s inception in 2005.

Program Stats: 177 scholarships awarded to 121 students

The application period typically opens annually in October/November and closes in February. Funding awards are announced in April/May. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000 per year, renewable in future years. Subsequent awards are contingent upon demonstration of successful academic progression.  Current scholars are required to submit a new application each year.

All applicants should have a declared major in agronomy, agricultural or civil engineering, sustainable land management, agriculture education, animal science, forestry, natural resource conservation or management, plant science, soil science, water management, water quality, wildlife management or other closely related degree programs.  In addition, all applicants must be attending or planning to attend a North Carolina college or university AND be a North Carolina resident.

Due Date: 03/31/2026

The North Carolina Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, Inc. will award each year, thirty (30) $9,500.00 Scholarships to thirty (30) outstanding high school graduates. These awards will be paid to the student in installments of $500.00 per semester, the first two (2) years, then $1,875.00 per semester the last two (2) years of school. These awards will be made to those graduates who will enroll in a two (2) year college in North Carolina, beginning in the Fall, after the scholarship is awarded the same year. This scholarship will continue into a four (4) year college or university, on transfer from a two (2) year college to a four (4) year college or university. This scholarship may be awarded for a total of four (4) years.

In addition, the N. C. Association of Rescue and EMS will award each year thirty (30) $2,000.00 scholarships to thirty (30) outstanding high school graduates, who will enter a two (2) year course of study at a community college, technical institute, or an accredited trade school in the fall, after the scholarship is awarded the same year. Awards will be paid to the student in installments of $500.00 per semester. This scholarship may be awarded for a total of two (2) years.

Due Date: 03/31/2026

The NC Association of Rescue and EMS administrates this award for Carson and Maggie Whitlow and William F. Osborne families and will each year award 1 $2,000 scholarship to a high school senior. They must enter a Emergency Services Curriculum for a course of study at a community college, technical institute, or an accredited trade school in the fall of the same year. 

Due Date: 03/31/2026

  This community application will serve as an application for 14 different scholarships this year. Though a student may not receive all of these scholarship offers, it does qualify them for multiple. Please take your time to fill out each question and upload the appropriate documents. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Molly Porter at Ashe County High School Student Services: molly.porter@ashe.k12.nc.us. 

The following scholarships participate in 2026 

1. Ashe Health Care-School Nurses

2. Ashe County Historical Society 

3. Badger Family Scholarship 

4. Bason Scholarship 

5. Chamber of Commerce 

6. GLAD: Greater Lansing Area Development 

7. James Paul Ashley Automotive 

8. Jeremy Elliott Scholarship 

9. L. Coulter Foundation Scholarship: Saloon Studios

10. Mary Ruth Payne Scholarship 

11. Ruth Bryan Ashley Culinary and Early Childhood Development 

12. Ruth and Dale Shepard Scholarship 

13. Smile-On Advantage 

14. Winsett Scholarship 

Please review the Eligibility List here. DUE ON MARCH 31st

Due Date: 03/31/2026

  Program Overview

This program is designed to identify, recruit, educate and prepare high school students for careers in health professions. Camp activities include presentations, tours/ observations and clinical experiences.

Who Should Participate

Current ninth through twelfth grade high school students who have an interest in health careers and the academic potential for a career in the health sciences.

Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Describe roles and responsibilities, career outlooks, salary ranges, educational preparation and credentialing of select health professions.

• Observe state-of-the-art technology, equipment and procedures used in various health professions.

• Develop an understanding of the healthcare delivery system and the principles of medical ethics and safety.

• Develop effective skills of personal development in areas such as peer relations, teamwork, stress management and leadership.

• Experience a learning environment which integrates school life with the adult world of work.

• Meet healthcare practitioners and health profession students who share common health career goals.

• Explain what medical cultural competency is and why it is a critical component of the healthcare delivery system.

Due Date: 03/31/2026

 After Ashe County native Ronald “Ron” Keith Vannoy died from cancer in 2018 at age 62, his parents Ward and Barbara Lyall Vannoy established a scholarship in his memory.

The Ronald Keith Vannoy Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to a graduating Ashe County High School senior planning to attend a two-year community college or trade school.

Vannoy attended Forsyth Technical Community College and graduated with a degree in criminal justice from UNC-Charlotte. He then served as a probation officer for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department. Vannoy was known for his love of animals, especially strays, and of travel. He also enjoyed caring for elderly relatives, including aunts and uncles. 

Due Date: 03/03/2026