VSBA STUDENT ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP
Subject: Champions for Impact
This contest is designed to give High School students in Virginia an opportunity to express creative ideas and concepts, conduct research, think critically, practice public speaking skills, and subsequently receive recognition for doing so. It is also an opportunity for our Conference on Education attendees (approximately 200+ school board members and administrators) to see and hear examples of the quality of students the schools within the Commonwealth are producing. This is the fifth year the Virginia School Boards Association will hold this contest. We hope that this contest will bring out the very best in students’ writing and speaking efforts and allow our attendees to witness examples of bright, thoughtful, and accomplished students from around the state. This year’s topic is: Champions for Impact.
See Ms. Rowland if you are interested in applying.
Granville P. Meade Scholarship -.
The Granville P. Meade Scholarship offers financial aid to students who have demonstrated academic achievement but face financial constraints that prevent them from attending college. The Granville P. Meade fund provides scholarship awards to worthy and financially disadvantaged Virginia high school seniors to attend one of Virginia's public or private colleges or universities.
Committee selected : This is a big scholarship and opportunity
Elks Legacy Award
For the 2026 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2022, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2022, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through March 31, 2026. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.
The applicant must be a high school senior.
The applicant must apply online only.
If the applicant's parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant must apply through the parent's Elks Lodge.
We have waived the standardized test requirement. You do not need to submit ACT and/or SAT scores.
Students may apply for more than one ENF scholarship; however, they are eligible to win only one. In cases where the student wins more than one, we will award the scholarship with the greater value. Students can accept local and state scholarships, which are separate from the awards at the national level.
Legacy Awards may only be applied to accredited US American schools, colleges or universities. (Note: Applicants from Guam, Panama, Puerto Rico and the Philippines may apply Legacy Awards toward schools, colleges or universities in their respective homes.)
If you are selected as a 2026 Legacy Awards recipient, you will be required to perform service once a year with an Elks Lodge during the four years you are receiving the scholarship. Click here for more information about serving with the Elks.
The 2025-2026 Legacy Awards application deadline is February 2, 2026 https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/Legacy.cfm
If you plan to attend RU, please take this opportunity to apply for scholarships! Check your Radford University portal or their website for more info.
Suzanne Garst Glass Memorial Scholarship - Criteria include Women in their senior year of RHS, Minimum GPA of 3.25, plan to attend an accredited 4-year college or university and start in the fall of 2026. Please see the online application for additional criteria and instructions on completing the application.
Applications are available online at the link below.
This is a $1,000 Scholarship
See Ms. Rowland in the counseling office for more information.
Dorothy Collins Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to young women who aspire to higher education and require financial support to pursue their studies. GPA - 2.5 minimum
See Ms. Rowland in the counseling office for more information.
To support our efforts to further minorities and women as aviation professionals, make a tax-deductible donation or consider a corporate sponsorship.
Opening 2026
Applicant Eligibility
Be a U.S. Citizen
Be a High School Student Accepted to an Accredited College or University With a Minimum 2.5 GPA or a Trade or Vocational School With an Aviation-Related Program
Join AMAC as a Student Member. More information on the AMAC student membership is available at amac-org.com/membership
Participate in Community Activities and Extracurricular Activities
Complete the Online Application, Including Submitting All Required Documentation
Shelor Toyota Scholarship - Deadline Info Coming Soon!.
$1500 scholarship to graduating seniors who wish to further their education after high school. This scholarship is open to all students, regardless of their career ambitions. Scholarships will be awarded to seniors who have met the qualifications and have the highest ratings as compared to other applicants. Eligible seniors may attend any of the four Montgomery County High Schools, Craig County High School, Giles County High School, Floyd County High School, Pulaski County High School, Radford High School, or Wythe County High School.
To Apply, applicants must complete the entire application process and return to the counseling office
Chapter AB P.E.O Scholarship - $1,000 Merit Based scholarship for female students. Paper applications only - Paper Applications are available in the Counseling Office. See Ms. Rowland for an application.
WSLS Scholarship - If you are a senior at a local high school in the WSLS 10 viewing area, are college-bound, and have demonstrated success in both Academics and Sports/Activity Competitions/Marching Bands. You are
eligible to apply forthe WSLS 10 Scholarship. Two student applicants will be selected to receive a $2,000
scholarship, each. Scholarship recipients will receive scholarship funds after providing proof of their
college enrollment.
Paper applications are in the counseling office near Ms. Rowland's room.
NRVHBA Scholarship Application
The New River Valley Home Builders Association's 2026 Rick Whitney Memorial Scholarship Application is now available. The mission of the NRVHBA Scholarship Committee is to support the future growth of the construction industry by providing aid to deserving students planning to enroll in construction-related studies at Virginia's colleges, trade schools and within working internships. We will present a scholarship of $1,000 to a graduating senior who is interested in entering the building profession, including but not limited to architecture, drafting, building trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), carpentry, contracting and engineering.
VHSL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The following link provides several scholarship opportunities through the VHSL. Most have deadlines in March. Follow the link to view and apply for the scholarships.
https://www.vhsl.org/scholarships/
April Deadlines
Jean B. Duerr Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for female students who plan to attend or are already enrolled in, an accredited college or university for the entire 2025-2026 academic year. Awards of approximately $2000 will be given to those applicants who best demonstrate academic achievement and community service. The applicant must be a full-time student and should have a minimum grade point average of 3.6
Applications will be accepted via email or by USPS mail. Applications must be postmarked or e-dated by Date Coming SOON. Paper applications are in the counseling office near Mrs. Mosby's room. If sending by email, use the following e-address JBDScholar@gmail.com
Don and Janell Dobbins Family Community Service Scholarship
Must have completed thirty (30) documented hours as a volunteer during their high school (9-12 grade) career. Only non-profit organizations such as, but not limited to, will be accepted:
o Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread
o Radford Clothing Bank
o Agency on Aging
o Mission trips, social services, nursing homes, etc.
· Paid hours and in-church activities such as teaching Sunday School may not be used
· Please submit:
o Proof of acceptance to a 4-year school and
o Documented volunteer activities and time log
See Ms. Rowland for more information.
New River Valley Izaak Walton League of America Scholarship
This scholarship is for someone who plans to study in an area of conservation such as Natural Resources, Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, etc. This is not limited to 4-year universities. We will consider students going into trade programs or other shorter programs related to conservation. This award is in the amount of $2,000 per recipient. The due date is coming SOON Paper applications are in the counseling Office. Return the completed application to Ms. Rowland.
Men's College Scholarship - Foundation for Fraternal Excellence
The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities, and community involvement. The scholarship is available to any male, graduating senior from an accredited high school who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall. The scholarship is awarded through the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, a registered 501(c)3 organization. Current or future membership in a fraternity is not required.
2026 Scholarship Timeline
December 1, 2025: Scholarship application open, apply here
April 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET (8:59 pm PT): Scholarship application closes
April 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET (8:59 pm PT): Letter of Recommendation deadline
Are you a recommender who needs to submit a LOR on behalf of an applicant? View the form and options to send here.
April–June 2026: Scholarship Review Committee identifies recipients
June 2026: Scholarship recipients notified
June–August 2026: Scholarship funds distributed
Deadline: April 1, 2026- https://foundationfe.org/highschoolscholarship/
Helen Frances Davis Female Student-Athlete Scholarship
Open to female Radford High School graduating seniors: (See Ms. Rowland for printed requirements)
Requirements: Maintain an overall 3.0 GPA throughout high school, Maintain a perfect disciplinary record, Provide a recommendation from at least one high school coach for a sport in which she actively participated and always demonstrated good sportsmanship, Demonstrate financial need in order to attend a post-secondary school, Demonstrate good character in school and in the community, Demonstrate active participation in a Christian organization in the school or in the community, Demonstrate involvement in other school activities and/or organization, Document involvement in community activities and/or organization, Provide evidence of plan to enroll or acceptance in a post-secondary program, college or university
25-26 CHECK BACK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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B'Nai B'rith Athletic Achievement Award
Paper Application only which can be found in the Counseling Office
Open to graduating HS seniors - (the school nominates one male and one female). Criteria: 1. Athletics - 50% (Participation, Recognition, Awards 2. 20% (Service to the community and Extra Curricular Activities) 3. Scholarship 30% (Scholastic grades, Standing in Class, Scholastic Awards, Results in national testing, Honors Societies)
25-26 CHECK BACK FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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The Blacksburg Junior Women's Club Scholarship (BJWC)
A paper application is in the Counseling Office. Applications must be submitted digitally.
This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating female HS Senior at one of the area high schools. The student must have demonstrated strong participation in service activities in their local community and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Shakeem James Memorial Scholarship
Applicants for this scholarship must meet the following criteria:
1. Must be maintaining passing grades.
2. Demonstrate good character in school and in the community.
3. Provide at least one letter of recommendation. (Letter must be from a non-family member. Preferably from school official)
4. Application must be received DATE Coming SOON
5. Must be a current high school senior.
Applications are available in the Counseling Office
2026 Stan Parker Memorial Scholarship - Roanoke Valley Wrestling Association
25-26 Application must be received by the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Associtation by Date coming SOON
Wrestling scholarship in the amount of $1,000.
Must be a current/active wrestler - please see Coach Martin or Ms. Mosby for an application and further requirements.
(Ms. Rowland and Mr. Martin have applications)
May Deadlines
Career Advancement Scholarship
The RHS Class of '76 has endowed a scholarship for a graduating senior who plans to enter a trade after high school. The award will be between $1000 and $1500 and may go to one or multiple students. Recipients may use the money to purchase equipment, gear, supplies, or materials needed for their industry. To apply students should complete the Google form linked here.
Application deadline: May 1st. Use the link below to apply.
LUTHER MEMORIAL EDUCATION ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP
The Luther Memorial Education Endowment Scholarship will award two $1000 scholarships to high school seniors entering college, university or technical school in the fall of 2025. One scholarship is for any student who is a member of an ELCA Lutheran congregation; the other is for any BIPOC(Black, Indigenous Person of Colar) student in the Blacksburg community. Applications are due on May 1st; funds will be awarded in June, payable directly to the student's learning institution. Download an application from the Luther Memorial website below. Print, complete, and mail the application to the address on the application by May 1st.
The Lowell L. Bryan Scholarship recognizes scholar-athletes who are strong leaders and performers in the classroom and impact players at the NCAA Division-I level on one of our 18 eligible teams.
Davidson awards two Bryan Scholarships, covering tuition and fees for four years, to one female and one male athlete in each incoming class.
If interested, please let Ms. Rowland in School Counseling know by September 23rd. Nominations are due by September 27th
Criteria for Application:
Students must attend a Virginia high school (public/private)
Students must be a junior or senior during the academic year of 2022 – 2023 to apply
Students must have a GPA of 3.0 of higher
Students must letter in at least 1 VHSL/VISAA sanctioned sport
At least 1 letter of recommendation must be submitted along with the student’s academic/athletic/civic credentials
Student must submit a minimum 500-word personal essay on the following
Please explain your involvement among your school and greater communities.
Please describe your reason for pursuing this scholarship and its importance to you.
Please describe the role athletics has played in your overall development.
Disclaimers/Important Information:
Application must be submitted in full and cannot be edited once submitted. Please proof and review all sections of the application prior to submission. A letter of recommendation is strongly suggested to support your academic, athletic and civic achievements, which should be attached to each corresponding section. Additional accomplishments or a
accolades can be included with the nomination packet. The parent/guardians, and nominator contact information listed below will be notified of your application status during the screening process. Employees and/or children of employees of the Hall of Fame or event sponsors are not eligible, nor are previous winners of this award. Students are expected to attend reception and ceremony to be considered for this award. Please call (757) 800-1555 with questions or for more information.
Nomination materials can be submitted electronically via the form below OR mailed to the following address. Materials must be received by 10/18/2025;
Application: https://vasportshof.com/saaa-application/
The John M. Belk Scholarship recognizes powerful students with demonstrated academic excellence, integrity, intellectual curiosity, willingness to take risks, and potential to be change agents in both their local and global communities.
Annual Award Amount: Comprehensive cost (tuition, fees, food, and housing) plus $6,000 in special opportunity stipends
Number Awarded: Eight in each first-year class
Eligibility: Students who demonstrate exceptional achievement and promise in academics, character, leadership and service
Nomination Deadline: November 1, 2024 ---- Let Mrs. Mosby know by October 25, 2024 if you are interested
Successful candidates have demonstrated exceptional leadership talents, an understanding of the broader community around them, and uncommon academic abilities. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation seeks to identify the most highly talented students in the world, and all that is asked of these students is a willingness to participate fully in the selection process. Nominations are completed by both school officials and students and include a scholastic report, extracurricular activities, and two essays. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is separate from the Office of Undergraduate Admission and does not have access to the Common Application.
https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarship
Please let Ms. Rowland in the School Counseling office know that you are interested by November 4th, 2025. Materials are due to UVA by December 1, 2025
Successful candidates have demonstrated exceptional leadership talents, an understanding of the broader community around them, and uncommon academic abilities. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation seeks to identify the most highly talented students in the world, and all that is asked of these students is a willingness to participate fully in the selection process. Nominations are completed by both school officials and students and include a scholastic report, extracurricular activities, and two essays. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is separate from the Office of Undergraduate Admission and does not have access to the Common Application. Walentas Scholars Program candidates must also be the first or among the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.
https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarship
- Please let Ms. Rowland in the School Counseling office know that you are interested by November 4th, 2025 Materials are due to UVA by December 1, 2025
Elks Most Valuable Student
Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
To increase your chances of receiving scholarships, you should develop a plan. There are several scholarship search sites on the internet. You will have to provide some personal information in order for the scholarship search engine to be effective and you should only use sites that you are certain of their legitimacy.
The following is a list of reputable scholarship search sites.
Fastweb: www.fastweb.com
College Board: bigfuture.collegeboard.org
Scholarships.com: www.scholarships.com
U.S. Department of Labor: www.careerinfonet.org/
Student Scholarships: www.studentscholarships.org
Going Merry is a scholarship application platform that makes it easier for students to find and apply for scholarships. To sign up click here.
RaiseMe is a platform that helps 9-12th grade students prepare for college by earning scholarships for their achievements in high school. Over 250 colleges and universities have partnered with RaiseMe, and award micro-scholarships for both academics and extracurricular activities. To create your account, click here.
Golden Door Scholars: www.goldendoorscholars.org
Chegg Scholarships: www.chegg.com/scholarships
Peterson’s: www.petersons.com/ scholarship-search.aspx
Cappex: www.cappex.com/scholarships
Niche: www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships
Bold Scholarships: https://bold.org/scholarships/
Collegeexpress: https://www.collegexpress.com/
Links to learn about Full-Ride Scholarship Opportunities:
https://blog.prepscholar.com/full-ride-scholarships-you-can-win
https://accessscholarships.com/blog/full-ride-scholarships/
https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/top-full-ride-scholarships/
StudentScholarships.org - Below is the link to a newsletter that lists multiple scholarship programs available to Virginia students. More than 491 individual scholarships will be distributed through these programs. Students from Virginia school districts are eligible for all awards below. Look at the deadlines carefully.
Newsletter link: https://studentscholarships.org/newsletter.php (click scholarship tab at top)
Direct link to list of scholarships/Newsletter: https://studentscholarships.org/2021scholarships.php
CLICK HERE FOR SCHOLARSHIP SECRETS!
Please read carefully:
If you are to submit the application directly to the organization, please continue to do that in the manner they request and make sure you meet the deadline! We will be happy to email transcripts to you.
For some local scholarships, we are the point of contact for collecting scholarship applications and then delivering them to the scholarship providers.
VIRGINIA TECH SCHOLARSHIP
The Pamplin Leader award seeks students who demonstrate superior intellectual promise and academic performance, dedication to their communities, interest and success in physical fitness and health, and unimpeachable integrity. Students who accept this award must also agree to join the Honors College and work toward an Honors Laureate Diploma.
NOTES:
1. Each public high school in Virginia is allowed only one candidate. Applicants, once identified by their school, may apply online. There is a question asking for counselor’s name and email address. Instructions will be sent to the counselor via email, who must verify that the student is the school’s nominee. Applicants will not be considered if the high school does not validate the student as its candidate.
2. The scholarship is ONLY for students at PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS in Virginia. Do not apply if you attend a private school, are home-schooled, or attend an out-of-state high school.
3. A student’s selection by an individual high school to be its nominee DOES NOT GUARANTEE A PAMPLIN LEADER SCHOLARSHIP. There are more public high schools in Virginia than there are Pamplin Leaders. Official notification of a student’s selection as a Pamplin Leader comes directly from the VT Honors College, not the high school.
PLEASE REMEMBER: The application closes January 10. This means that January 10 is the last day that counselors can verify an applicant. Applicants are STRONGLY ADVISED to submit their materials at least a week prior to the deadline. If verification from the school is not received by the deadline of January 10, the application WILL NOT be considered. PLAN AHEAD – THERE WILL BE NO EXTENSIONS TO THE DEADLINE FOR ANY REASON.
Award
Varies
Supplemental Questions
In an essay of 500 words or fewer, discuss your understanding of effective leadership. [1] What are some qualities of effective leadership? [2] How do you measure effective leadership? [3] Describe the qualities of one effective leader you know, including evidence of how they exemplify these qualities. [4] Where, when, and how have you applied these qualities in your own leadership roles to date? [5] How, specifically, do you intend to continue your development as a leader at Virginia Tech?
Please provide the name and email address of your high school guidance counselor/career advisor: Only one applicant from each Virginia public high school may be nominated for the Pamplin Leadership award. This reference certifies that you are the only nominee from your high school.
Student Self-Certification: I certify that I have been notified by my high school that I am the candidate from my high school. I understand each high school can only have one candidate and that my application will not be considered if my high school does not validate my candidacy. I also understand that I am not guaranteed a Pamplin Leader award, and if I am selected, official notification will come directly from the Virginia Tech Honors College, not my high school.
The information I have provided on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I: a) understand that information I have provided on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge; b) agree that I will notify the Honors College should information that I included on my application change (intended major, residence, contact information, etc.); c) recognize and understand the requirement to join the Honors College and work toward an Honors Laureate diploma should I be selected as a Pamplin Leader.
THE Pamplin Leadership Award - ANY student that has applied to Virginia Tech is eligible for this scholarship. We can only nominate one student. Please review the link and if you would like to be considered as a nominee please send me a half page email with why....This does not guarantee you the scholarship.
This is a nomination only
The Hagan Scholarship - The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship designed to help rural students graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides up to $48,000 over four years to attend college and other benefits. Recipients must graduate from one of over 6,300 eligible public high schools. Hagan Scholars from 43 states currently attend 378 colleges and universities. The award of a Hagan Scholarship has been life-changing for many recipients. Over six hundred more scholarships can be awarded in April 2022.
Deadline - December 1, 2024
https://haganscholarships.org/
At the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, we believe that a thriving community depends on supporting the educational aspirations of students so they can reach their full potential, contribute to creating a talented and skilled workforce, and become future community leaders. We currently manage over 35 different scholarship funds. The Community Foundation of the New River Valley awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors and college students annually. Each scholarship fund has different application requirements, eligibility criteria, and available funding levels.
Visit the "Information for Applicants" page to learn more about applying for a scholarship, or the "Starting a Scholarship Fund" page if you are interested in becoming a scholarship donor.
Some of these scholarships are specific to RHS, Majors, Interests....
Please take a look at them, and you can apply for as many as you are eligible for!
The deadline is JANUARY 23, 2026 by 5:00pm - - Community Foundation Scholarships Link
Blacksburg Community Band Founder's Scholarship: In Honor of Ed Schwartz
The Blacksburg Community Band Founder's Scholarship was created to foster the desire in high school students to become lifelong musicians regardless of the profession they choose to pursue. It is open to students currently in grades 9-12 who reside in Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, and Giles Counties and the City of Radford who play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument in a music program. The Founder's Scholarship is now permanently endowed and allows the band to award 2-$500 scholarships that can be used for private lessons, instrument repair or replacement, fees for music workshops, and college tuition.
Applications can be picked up in the Counseling Office
Applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2026.
Better Business Bureau Serving Western VA (BBB) promotes integrity and ethics in the marketplace through voluntary business self-regulation. The 23rd Annual Student of Integrity Scholarship Awards honor high school seniors from our 32-county service area who personify ethics through leadership, community service, and actions.