BLACKSBURG – The Community Foundation of the New River Valley’s (CFNRV) online scholarship application is now open.
Through the generosity of many donors, in 2024, the CFNRV will give out more than $100,000 in scholarships to New River Valley (NRV) students. The scholarship application is open to graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students pursuing an education at a two-or-four-year college or university, trade, or technical school. Older adults returning to school are also welcome to apply.
Since issuing its first scholarship in 2002, the CFNRV has awarded $1,334,454.70 to more than 1,100 students. Now, the CFNRV has dozens of scholarship funds, each established by donors who wish to help others in our community further their education. Many funds were established in memory of loved ones with the goal of supporting NRV students for generations to come.
“We have a wide range of scholarship funds to support students from all walks of life,” said Jessica Wirgau, the CFNRV’s chief executive officer. “Some focus on graduating seniors, while others are open to students currently in a higher education setting or to individuals returning to school after time in the workforce or raising a family. Some prioritize financial need, while others focus on particular schools or majors. We truly do have something for everyone, and we feel fortunate that we can support so many impressive students with these scholarships.”
Interested applicants submit a single application and indicate the specific scholarships for which they would like to be considered. Most of the scholarship funds benefit students living and/or going to school in the Virginia counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski as well as the City of Radford. Eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria for each scholarship can be found at cfnrv.org/scholarships. Those with financial need are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and to submit a personal essay, their academic transcript, and two letters of recommendation. Some scholarship funds also require additional essays for students to be considered. If a student receives a scholarship, the awarded funds will be applied to the 2024-2025 school year.
All applications are due online by Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 at 5 p.m. Students interested in applying can learn more at cfnrv.org/scholarships. If you are interested in setting up a scholarship fund, please reach out to Jessica Wirgau at jessicawirgau@cfnrv.org or 540-381-8999.