Scholarships

Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS) Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must

• Be a resident of one of the three MANTS member states: Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia. Attendance at an institution within these states is not mandatory
• Be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate landscape/horticulture program or related discipline at a two or four year institution
• Be enrolled in good standing and carry a full-time course load at the time of application and during the semesters for which the scholarship is granted
• Have a minimum grade point average overall of 2.7 based on a scale of 4.0, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in their major
• Have at least a junior standing in a four-year curriculum or senior standing in a two-year curriculum as of the fall semester of scholarship application year.
• Preference will be given to applicants who plan to work within the industry (including nursery operation, landscape architecture/design/construction/maintenance, interiorscape, horticultural distribution, or retail garden center) following graduation.
• Previous Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship award winners are eligible for additional funding and may reapply for the scholarship.

Dixie Boys Baseball Bernie Varnadore Scholarship Program

For outstanding high school seniors who were participants in a Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. program and plan to attend college.  One may have participated in the Dixie Boys Baseball program for boys 13 & 14 years old, Dixie Pre-Majors Baseball for boys 15 & 16 years old; and Dixie Majors Baseball for boys 15 through 19 years old.  High school grades and testing and evidence of strong school and community leadership are required, as well as financial need.

Diamond Youth Baseball Scholarship

For high school seniors.  Must have played in a Dixie Youth Baseball league before the age of 13.  This scholarship is not based on athletic ability.

Washington Regional Transplant Community (WRTC) Legacy of Life Essay & Video Contests

WRTC is offering high school seniors in their service area an opportunity to receive scholarship money for college by writing an essay or creating a video in regards to organ donation.  See link for specific criteria for these lucrative scholarships.

The Richmond Public Relations Foundation (PRSA) Scholarship Program

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• be a junior or senior at a Virginia college or university enrolled in public relations/communications studies or courses, and planning to pursue a career in PR.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Two of the four scholarships are open to any students that meet the above criteria, and the remaining two scholarships have more distinct criteria. Eligible students can apply for and receive multiple scholarships.

Brightpoint Community Foundation Scholarships

The Brightpoint, formerly John Tyler, Community Foundation scholarships are made possible by donor gifts.  To be eligible one must be enrolled or plan to enroll in a degree program at JTCC.  A minimum 2.5 GPA is required, along with having completed a current FAFSA which needs to be on file at John Tyler before the scholarship deadline date.  In-state tuition status is required.

U.S. JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship Program

The JCI Senate Foundation supports efforts of the Jaycees organization.  Two top ranked applications per state will be forwarded to the national foundation to be judged by an outside, independent panel of educators and winners of the scholarship grants are selected by that panel.  See link for additional information and requirements.

Karen Riley Porter, Attorney at Law – Good Works Scholarship

Eligibility

• The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or two to four year post-secondary institution for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Employees of Karin Riley Porter Criminal Defense Attorney and Price Benowitz LLP, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
• Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.

Virginia Aviation Business Association (VABA) – Charles J. Colgan Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a Virginia high school senior, technical school senior or college/university undergraduate who is pursuing an aviation related career at an accredited institution.  The applicant must submit an essay and letters of recommendation.   

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Greater Richmond Branch Scholarship

Students must be

• residents of Virginia,

• enrolled in a two- or four-year undergraduate degree program of a Greater Richmond area community college or university,

• have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours, and

• be in good academic standing.

Congressman Bobby Scott – Service Academy Nominations

As the Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, for the 3rd Congressional District, Bobby Scott may nominate a limited number of people to four of the five service academies.  The 3rd congressional district of Virginia is located in southeast Virginia where the James, Nansemond and Elizabeth rivers meet the Chesapeake Bay and encompasses the core of the Hampton Roads region, including all of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and parts of the city of Chesapeake.  The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.  For more information, see link below.

GRASP College Success Scholarship

To be eligible for this program students must participate in at least three GRASP College Success e-mail programs this academic year and have at least a 2.5 GPA for the year.  Financial need must be demonstrated and a current FAFSA form should have been filed.  An essay is required.

Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia – C. Charles Vache Scholarship Fund

These scholarships are provided to assist low-income and minority college students in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

First year students as well as returning college students are welcome to apply. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $2500 per academic year.

American Legion Oratorical Contest

Created by the American Legion to impart leadership qualities, along with the ability to think and speak clearly and promote an understanding of the history of our nation’s laws and the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.  State winners will move on to a national competition.

Short Pump Ruritan Club Scholarship

The scholarship will be awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, community service, and financial need.  If you live in the service area of these schools, you may apply (even if you attend a private school or are home schooled):

• Deep Run

• Douglas Freeman

• Glen Allen

• Hermitage

• J. R. Tucker

• Mills Goodwin

• Goochland

Women in Public Finance (Virginia Chapter) Mary Blackwell Barnes Memorial Scholarship

Applicant should be an enrolled female college or graduate level student who has exhibited scholastic achievement and demonstrated leadership skills who is interested in a career in finance, government, nonprofits, or public law.  Applicant should be enrolled in a Virginia or District of Columbia college or university for the upcoming fall semester.

Kids’ Chance of Virginia Scholarship Program

Scholarship for those who have a parent seriously injured on the job.  Medical documentation, FAFSA, and other documentation required.  See link for application and additional information.

Chesterfield Education Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships for Graduating Seniors are awarded annually to graduating students in Chesterfiled County. These scholarships are funded through endowments as well as annual contributions by businesses and individuals in the community. The foundation has more than $250,000 in endowed or designated scholarship funds.

Geno Thomas Memorial Scholarship

For Virginia residents who plan to attend a college in Virginia.  A minimum 2.7 unweighted GPA is required along with an essay and two letters of recommendation.

Kiwanis Club of Ashland Scholarships

Applicant should be a senior attending Patrick Henry, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen or Hanover High School with at least a 2.8 GPA who is a member of Key Club and planning to attend college.  Must be active in their community and display leadership qualities.  Contact guidance counselor for additional information.

New Outlook Pioneers – Joe Cleres and Don Sage Scholarship Program

This scholarship is for students with a disability (mentally or physically challenged) who will be pursuing an education where tuition is required.  The scholarship is sponsored by New Outlook Pioneers – formerly the Western Electric division of the Bell System.  The application may be made either by the physically or mentally challenged student or by someone on their behalf.

Executive Women International (EWI) Scholarship Program – Richmond Chapter

The EWI Scholarship Program is open to students enrolled in public, private, or parochial schools located within the geographical boundaries of a participating EWI Chapter.  The applicant must plan to pursue a degree at an accredited post-secondary institution and have financial need.  A minimum 3.00 GPA is required.  Candidates will also be judged on their leadership qualities, good citizenship and extra-curricular activities.  Applicants will first compete at the local Chapter level for a $2,500 scholarship and those winners are then submitted to the National level for a chance to win additional scholarships.  Students interested in applying should check with their high school counselor to see if the school participates in EWISP.  One student from each school will be chosen to compete for Chapter level awards.

WTS Central Virginia Chapter – Patsy G. Napier Future Transportation Leader Scholarship

To be eligible one must be a female with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who is currently a senior enrolled in high school studying math, science and technology and considering a career in any of the many transportation related careers.

Woman’s Club of Sandston Scholarship

Must be a high school senior who lives in the Sandston, 23150 zip code who is planning to attend a college/university in the fall.  See high school guidance counselor for application.

Richmond Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) – Robert R. Barber Scholarship

 General Eligibility Requirements and Scholarship Guidelines

• Applicant must be a full-time, undergraduate student attending a Virginia Community College located in the Greater Richmond region or attending an accredited college/university located in the Greater Richmond region.
• Applicant must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related course of study (i.e. general Business, Communications, Advertising, Public Relations, Market Research, etc.).
• Applicant must be scheduled to graduate no sooner than December of the award year.
• Applicant must be available to interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee during the selection period.
• Proceeds of scholarship will be paid directly to the students’ college or university towards payment of tuition, books, or other school supplies.
• No applicant shall receive the Scholarship Award more than once.

Hanover Education Foundation – Mario Colon Rivadeneira Memorial Scholarship

In honor of former Lee-Davis student, Mario Colon Rivadeneira.  To be eligible student must be a senior attending a Hanover County high school and a resident of Hanover County who participated in the marching, concert, and/or jazz band for all four years of high school.  Detailed information is available through high school guidance offices.

Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation – Sonny Merryman Memorial Scholarship

The VAPT is offering this scholarship to honor Sonny Merryman, a widely respected bus dealership owner and a staunch champion of the virtues and rewards of education.  To be eligible, a student must be a Virginia public school senior who has a parent or grandparent currently or formerly employed in the public school pupil transportation field in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Hanover Education Foundation – J. K. Samples Scholarship

In honor of  J. K. Samples, a past Superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, to assist Hanover County students with their post-high school education which includes, but is not limited to, apprenticeships, technical colleges and schools, community colleges, and universities.  A minimum 2.0 GPA is required  Complete criteria and applications are available from Hanover County high school guidance offices.   

Virginia Professional Communicators/Virginia Press Women Foundation – Agnes Cooke Scholarship

This scholarship is open to any male or female Virginia college student or any Virginia resident attending an out-of-state college.  Applicants must be planning a career in journalism, photojournalism, public relations or another related communications field.  The competition is open to students who are undergraduates or graduate students.  Members of Virginia Professional Communicators will receive additional consideration.

The Arts Club of Washington Scholarship Competition

The Arts Club of Washington sponsors an annual scholarship to recognize promising students specializing in a specific art form or medium.  The 2025 competition focuses on photography.