Virginia Beach Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide for Students
Virginia Beach, the most populous city in Virginia, offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities for students seeking financial assistance for their education. With a strong economy focused on tourism, military presence, and agriculture, the city and surrounding Hampton Roads area provide diverse avenues for students to pursue their academic dreams. This guide explores various scholarships available to Virginia Beach students, encompassing different fields of study, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
General Scholarships
Several scholarships are open to a wide range of students, regardless of their specific field of study. These scholarships often focus on academic achievement, community involvement, or overcoming personal challenges.
- The "Be Bold" Scholarship: This unique scholarship rewards applicants with the "boldest" profile, without requiring an essay. It's open to all U.S. residents aged 17 or older, offering a quick and easy application process. The scholarship seeks to identify individuals who demonstrate courage and individuality, rather than simply focusing on traditional measures of success.
- Scholarships360 $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship: This scholarship provides students with financial assistance for their education without the burden of writing an essay. It is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education.
- Niche Scholarships: Niche offers a variety of scholarships to help students finance their college education. Their platform also assists with every step of the college search.
- Christian Connector Scholarship: For students interested in Christian/Faith Based colleges and universities, the Christian Connector offers scholarship drawings.
Access College Foundation Scholarships
The Access College Foundation provides numerous scholarships for students in the South Hampton Roads area, including Virginia Beach. These scholarships often have specific eligibility requirements, such as attending a particular high school or pursuing a certain field of study. Some require essays, and some have a "Beating the Odds" essay component.
- Access 20th Anniversary Scholarship: Awarded to two graduating seniors from Chesapeake or Suffolk public high schools.
- Access Beating the Odds Scholarship: Supports a graduating senior from a South Hampton Roads or Northampton High School attending college full-time. *Essay Required
- Access Educational Challenge Fund Scholarship: For a graduating senior from any of the eleven Virginia Beach public high schools.
- The Alma and Howard Laderberg Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads public high school.
- Ann Gerarden Access Scholarship: Supports a female graduating senior from South Hampton Roads or Northampton County High School pursuing a STEM discipline.
- Anne B. Milburn Michael Anderson Scholarship: For a graduating senior from South Hampton Roads pursuing a degree in computer science, technology, or communications.
- Audrey D. and Dr. John E. Settle, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Supports a graduating African American senior from South Hampton Roads.
- Batten Educational Achievement Fund Scholarship: For graduating seniors of Northampton High School.
- Beazley Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to three graduating seniors from each of the Portsmouth Public High Schools: Churchland, I.C. Norcom, and Manor.
- Bonnie B. Sutton Scholarship: Supports graduating seniors from South Hampton Roads majoring in business or non-profit management.
- Brian Christopher Plimpton Scholarship: Awarded to a male graduating senior from Landstown High School in Virginia Beach.
- Carol Register Kemp Memorial Scholarship: For an African American female graduate of South Hampton Roads with at least a 3.0 GPA, majoring in social work or entering a related field. *Essay Required
- The Charles Barker Family Scholarship: For a graduating senior from An Achievable Dream Academy, Virginia Beach campus.
- Cheryl L. Jones Scholarship: Supports a graduating senior from South Hampton Roads or Northampton County attending Old Dominion University, Tidewater Community College, or Virginia Wesleyan University.
- Community Action Coalition of Virginia (CACOV) Scholarship: For a graduating senior from any Suffolk public high school.
- Cox Communications Virginia Scholarship: Supports a graduating senior from South Hampton Roads studying technology.
- Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Beta Upsilon Chapter Scholarship: For a graduating female senior from Norfolk pursuing a degree in education.
- Dorothy “Dot” Wood Memorial Scholarship: For a graduating female senior from Virginia Beach attending a Virginia public college or university and majoring in business.
- Doug Hartman Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior of South Hampton Roads or Northampton County excelling in or having interest in both math (includes computer science) and performing arts (music).
- Elizabeth D. and Joshua P. Darden, Jr. Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads or Northampton County public high school.
- Eunice Love Memorial Scholarship: For a graduating senior from Green Run High School in Virginia Beach majoring nursing, education, or fashion.
- Greater Access Campaign Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads or Northampton County public high school.
- Horizons Hampton Roads Scholarship: For a graduating senior of South Hampton Roads that participated in the Horizons program for at least two (2) summers or semesters. Students should have completed a minimum of 20 hours of community service, submit a letter of recommendation (from an educator, employer, or other non-family member), and submit an essay detailing your Horizons Hampton Roads experience and commitment to community service.
- James Douglas Saunders Memorial Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior from King’s Fork High School or Nansemond River High School in Suffolk who is attending either a one- or two-year vocational education program of study.
- Jane P. and Frank Batten Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads or Northampton County public high school.
- Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads public high school or Northampton County with preference given to a student attending Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Randolph-Macon College, or Virginia Wesleyan University. ** Beating the Odds Essay Required
- Josiah “Woody” Woodington Memorial Scholarship: For a graduating senior with a 2.0 GPA enrolling in a college, an apprentice or trade program resulting in a degree or certificate for a maritime career or marine industry trade.
- Brown Ministries Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads public high school.
- LaVerne Crown Scholarship: For a graduating senior of any of the eleven Virginia Beach public high schools majoring in the arts. *Essay is required
- Laverne Gibson Henderson Scholarship: For a minority female graduating from Churchland High School attending either Norfolk State University or Old Dominion University.
- Lester L. Cherry Scholarship: For a graduating senior who intends to declare his/her major in healthcare or medical research. *Essay required
- Looking Forward Fund Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads or Northampton County public high school.
- Margaret M. “Peggy” and Conrad M. Hall Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads or Northampton County public high school. *Beating the Odds essay required
- Marlene "Micky" Jester Scholarship: For a graduating senior attending Virginia Wesleyan University or Old Dominion University.
- Merle K. and William A. Copeland, Jr. Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads public High School.
- Nansemond Charitable Foundation Scholarship: For a graduating senior of King’s Fork, Lakeland, and Nansemond River High Schools in Suffolk.
- Newport News Shipbuilding Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads or Northampton County public high school majoring in a STEM field.
- Owen and Sallye Griffin Memorial Scholarship: For a graduating senior from a Chesapeake Public School majoring in Accounting, Business, or Finance. *Essay Required
- Ray Schoenbaum Memorial Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior from Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach Public Schools.
- Richard Bennett Trust Scholarship: For a graduating senior from King’s Fork High School or Nansemond River High School in Suffolk.
- Robert M. Stanton Memorial Scholarship: For a graduating senior from a Southampton Roads or Northampton County public high school.
- Robert H. Wells and Janice G. Wells Scholarship: For a graduating senior attending Virginia Tech and the Myers Lawson School of Construction.
- Sandra and Lemuel Lewis Scholarship: For a graduating senior of a South Hampton Roads public high school with steady work experience in a business setting throughout his/her junior and senior years. *Essay & Employment Verification Letter Required.
- Sentara Scholars Grant Scholarship: For a graduating senior from a South Hampton Roads or Northampton County public high school majoring in health care.
- Steve and Karen Thumb Access Scholarship: For a graduating senior from a South Hampton Roads public high school majoring in a STEM field.
- **Susan S. and David R..
Virginia Beach Rotary Club Scholarships: The Brickell Scholars Program
The Virginia Beach Rotary Club offers several scholarships through its Brickell Scholars Program, recognizing outstanding academic students from the Virginia Beach Public School System. The program involves seminars for selected rising high school seniors, culminating in the awarding of scholarships.
- E.E. Brickell Scholarship ($5,000): Awarded to a student with an excellent GPA, challenging academic courses, scholarly work outside the curriculum, and high standardized test scores.
- Jim Spore Community Service Scholarship ($1,000): Recognizes a graduating senior's community service in Virginia Beach.
- John J. Kreuger Memorial Scholarship ($2,000): Awarded to a student with outstanding achievement in science and mathematics.
- Richard J. Schlimgen Memorial Scholarship ($1,000): Given to a student who seeks greater knowledge of leadership principles and skills, exhibits leadership, service, scholarship, citizenship, and creativity.
- Mike Katsias Rotary Special Needs Scholarship ($500): Awarded to a student in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools who demonstrates the willingness to continue with post-high school education and seeks to overcome a physical challenge or learning difference.
How to Participate in the Brickell Scholars Program
Virginia Beach High Schools select approximately 25 rising high school seniors to participate in the Brickell Scholars Program. During their senior year, these Brickell Scholars participate in four seminars covering topics such as:
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- A meet and greet to encourage interaction among students.
- Medical ethics.
- The arts.
- Government and civic duty.
At the end of the program, a committee of community leaders and Rotarians selects the scholarship recipients. The Virginia Beach Rotary Club's Annual Scholars Recognition Dinner honors the recipients and announces the Brickell Scholars for the following year.
Background of the Brickell Scholars Program
The Brickell Scholars Program was created to honor Dr. Edward E. Brickell, a former Virginia City Public School superintendent. The program aims to recognize academic achievement and well-rounded, active students.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to the scholarships listed above, Virginia Beach students may also be eligible for other scholarships based on their specific circumstances and field of study.
- Bartley E. Tuthill Memorial Scholarship Program: The Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture offers this scholarship. For full application requirements and details, visit the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Scholarship Central site and search for "Bartley E. Tuthill Memorial Scholarship". Completed Applications should be submitted to:Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture Attn: Jody Davis, Administrative Specialist II 2449 Princess Anne Road Municipal Center, Bldg. 14 Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
- Scholarships Based on Affiliations: Several scholarships are available based on affiliations, such as being the child of a Marine or Navy Corpsmen, an Air Force member, or a member of the National Society of Accountants.
- Scholarships Based on Academic Interests: Scholarships are also available for students pursuing specific fields of study, such as science, engineering, construction management, or civil engineering.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships
- Research thoroughly: Explore all available scholarship options and carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Meet deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit all required materials on time.
- Craft a compelling application: Highlight your academic achievements, community involvement, and personal experiences in your application essays and personal statements.
- Seek recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can attest to your abilities and character.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors in grammar and spelling.
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