James River Writers – Best Self-Published Novel Contest

James River Writers and Richmond magazine recognize the writing talents and entrepreneurial skills of Virginia’s indie authors by continuing The Best Self-Published Novel Contest, which we started in 2014. One first-prize winner will receive $500 and a ticket to the annual James River Writers Conference (worth over $300). 

We run our contests on a three-year rotation. This contest will be open again in 2028.

Virginia Future Farmers of America (FFA) Scholarships

First District Congressional Service Academy Nominations

A limited number of people to four of the five service academies will be nominated. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Scholarship

The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest are intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good
citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary
schools in good standing with their state boards of education or a recognized accrediting organization such that a
General Educational Development (GED) test is not required to receive a high school diploma.

Richmond Forum Scholars

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Be a high school junior attending a public or independent school located in the Richmond region (Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, City of Richmond).
2. Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
3. Commit to attend an orientation session and to serve for the entire evening at all five Richmond Forum programs.
4. Submit a completed Richmond Forum Scholar application packet, including the application, a résumé, a letter of recommendation, and a video essay.

Thomas Hale, Jr. Scholarship

The Thomas Hale Jr. Memorial Scholarship is put in place to support one college student throughout all four years of schooling. The student must have a documented mental health diagnosis. This scholarship was created to recognize the challenges and adversity that students face when dealing with mental health, as an adolescent and teenager. 

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity-Iota Sigma Chapter-Millard J. Watkins Jr. Memorial Scholarship

To apply for this application, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a male presently enrolled as a high school senior at a high school in Henrico
  County, Hanover County, or the City of Richmond.
• Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA at the application deadline.
• Should be a responsible, supportive, self-disciplined, positive, and energetic
  individual interested in the welfare and education of the community.

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. 

1st Congressional District Art Contest

 American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Piedmont Section Scholarship

Members of the AATCC Piedmont Section established the Piedmont Section Scholarship and are partnering with AATCC Foundation to promote this scholarship.

Up to five recipients will be selected. Those attending a four-year college or university in the AATCC Piedmont Section (VA, WV, NC, SC) will be awarded a $3,000 scholarship; the value of two-year colleges or technical schools scholarships will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate
• Two-year or four-year educational institution in the AATCC Piedmont Section (VA, WV, NC, SC)
• Pursuing a career in a technical- or design-related field associated with textiles
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.85/4.00
• US citizen, or legal resident of the US

Henrico Education Foundation – Henrico Board of Supervisors Scholarships

Henrico County Board of Supervisors members Mr. Frank J. Thornton and Mrs. Patricia S. O’Bannon retired after three decades of service in December of 2023. Both Mr. Thornton and Mrs. O’Bannon were trailblazers on the Board of Supervisors, as the first African American and first woman, respectively, to serve on the Board. These two supervisors are not only dedicated public servants, but also change agents who have established lasting legacies in Henrico.

Chickahominy Middle School Alumni Scholarship

The Chickahominy Middle School PTA is pleased to make available two $500 scholarships to be used in the 2024-2025 academic school year. While all documents received will be evaluated, the recipients of the scholarships will be chosen primarily on the submitted essay. The funds will be sent directly to the recipients’ school. 

For the Love of Maggie Scholarship

Submit an essay about yourself and something or someone who has made a positive impact in your life. Must be planning to attend college in the fall. Available for students who attend Cosby, Clover Hill, Midlothian or Manchester high schools.

Virginia Association of School Nurses (VASN) Scholarship

To be eligible for this award, candidates must:
1. The applicant must be a current VASN member with two years continuous, uninterrupted membership, concurrent with the time of application and award. This is open to both Registered Nurses with ACTIVE level NASN membership and Licensed Practical Nurses with ASSOCIATE level NASN Membership.
2. Be enrolled in an educational program for higher education in the field of Nursing, for the Fall 2025 semester (LPN pursuing RN or higher; RN pursuing advanced degrees);
**LPNs are encouraged to seek State LPN scholarship/grants currently available specifically for LPN to RN programs.
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your most previous educational records and submit a copy of your current/most recent transcripts, upon request

Maryland Stream Restoration Association (MSRA) – Jim Gracie Memorial Scholarship

MSRA established the Jim Gracie Memorial Scholarship in 2021 to aide students pursuing education in the natural resources industry who demonstrate a passion for streams and the environment.

Paula Kovarick Segalman Family Scholarship for ALS

In 2016, the Segalman family established The Paula Kovarick Segalman Family Scholarship Fund for ALS to provide educational funding to students affected by ALS.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be individuals who have had finances impacted due to having been diagnosed with ALS themselves, or a parent or guardian or immediate family member* (living or deceased) having been diagnosed with ALS.
• Be high school seniors, high school graduates or current undergraduates.
• Have a primary residence in West Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, South Carolina, Delaware, or Northern Ohio.
• Plan to enroll for a minimum of 6 credits per semester in undergraduate study at an accredited two–or four–year college, university or vocational–technical school in the United States (U.S.) for the entire upcoming academic year.
• Be U.S. citizens.

Richmond North Chapter #5356 AARP Scholarship

This is a book scholarship for a high school senior in the Richmond area who intends to pursue an education degree. 2.5 or above GPA is required along with community service activities.

Fulton Bank Women in Technology Scholarship

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and demonstrate academic excellence.

Individuals who meet the following eligibility requirements may apply.

• Identifies as female.
• Currently resides in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia or Virginia (Fulton Bank, N.A.’s footprint).
• Currently is a high school senior.
• Accepted by and in the process of enrolling at an accredited two-to-four-year undergraduate degree program for the fall of the 2025/2026 academic school year.
• Plans to major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Henrico Education Foundation – Julia Budzinski Memorial Scholarship

ELIGILIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Be enrolled in either Glen Allen High School or Mills Godwin High School at the time of application.
• Be a high school senior planning to pursue further study or training beyond high school.
• Be pursuing a Standard or an Advanced Studies diploma.
• Possess a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship Fund

Eligibility Criteria
–     Resident of Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia or Delaware
–     High school senior or college student
–     Must be pursuing hospitality related coursework
–     Interviews may be required of finalists

It is available to high school seniors and current college students. 

Pearson’s Corner PTA Scholarship

The scholarship is open to all senior students in Hanover County that attended PCES. Applicant must be
planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college/university or technical school after
graduation. The funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s school.

Bayport Credit Union Scholarships

$100,000 in college scholarships.

The Foundation offers multiple scholarships to high school seniors, college students, and full-time working adults going back to school.

Chesterfield Courthouse Chapter, NSDAR Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

The applicant must be a resident of Chesterfield County

–  who will graduate during the 2025 – 2026 school year and enroll in an accredited community

    college, college, or university in 2026

– who has actively participated in community service

– who demonstrates potential to succeed in a field of study at the college or university level

– who is highly recommended for service to community and for strong character and integrity

KIWANIS CLUB OF CHESTER SCHOLARSHIP

The applicant must be a graduating senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and
must plan on attending college as a full-time student beginning in the fall semester. The winner will be selected by the scholarship committee of the Kiwanis Club of Chester on the basis of financial need, academic achievement, leadership and
community service.

See high school counselor for application and more details.

Debra Hill Graduate Shine Award

Richmond independent gospel-artist, Debra Hill, would like to honor a graduating senior from a public high school in the following districts in the state of Virginia: Richmond City, Petersburg City, Henrico County or Chesterfield County. This deserving student will need to demonstrate how they overcame adversity, achieved personal growth, and advanced in educational and/or career development including community outreach. Debra Hill is the founder of this private scholarship award.

Michael Wassmer Foundation Scholarship

The Michael Wassmer Foundation is a nonprofit that was founded in September of 2022, shortly after Mike passed away from an undiagnosed heart condition. Mike was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend and community leader.

He is dearly missed, but his family is proud to continue his philanthropic legacy in Virginia by granting significant need-based scholarships to high school seniors in the City of Richmond, and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico. Wassmer Foundation Scholars will reflect Mike’s core values of resilience, integrity, compassion and determination.

The Pembroke Foundation Scholarship

STUDENTS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY

• Will graduate from an accredited high school in Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, or Richmond City
• Must possess at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average
• Be accepted to an accredited school in the state of VA (public or private)
• Have successfully filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application
• Demonstrate unmet financial need
• A personal statement is required

Henrico Education Foundation – Lara Teague Curry Memorial Scholarship Fund

ELIGILIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Be a senior planning to pursue further study or training beyond high school;
• Be pursuing a Standard or Advanced Studies diploma;
• Demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0;
• Be enrolled in Douglas S. Freeman High School and received instruction from Lara Teague Curry.

The Sierra Jenkins Scholarship Fund

The Virginia Press Association’s charitable arm, the Virginia Press Foundation, has partnered with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, to establish the Sierra Jenkins Scholarship Fund.

For students who are long-time residents of Virginia pursuing a degree in journalism or a degree in communications with a concentration in journalism at a four-year Virginia college or university. Applicants must be studying print or online/digital journalism. Preference will be given to African American/Black students or other historically marginalized racial or ethnic groups such as, but not limited to, Native American/Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islanders. This is a one-year, one-time only scholarship; it will not be renewed.

Ashland Strawberry Faire – Norman Bugge Scholarship

The scholarship is in memory of Norman Bugge and awarded to a student attending Hanover Center for Trades and Technology.

All Hanover County Scholarship Program recipients are selected by the individual schools. If you are interested in pursuing one of these scholarships, please contact your school’s main office or guidance counselor for more information.