The 2024 scholarship cycle awarded $589,500 to 96 students. Contact our staff to discuss contributing to an existing scholarship fund or creating a scholarship endowment.
Nancy Membreno, a first-generation college student attending UNC Chapel Hill, was awarded the Marilyn Lester and William Lester Scholarship, valued at $40,000 over four years. "I found everything about college intimidating, but I wanted to prioritize scholarships. Receiving the Lester Scholarship, brought me relief over my financial situation and demonstrated that people believe I can succeed in college and beyond." Photo courtesy of Nancy Membreno.
How Scholarships are Awarded
Scholarships are open to North Carolina residents who are public high school seniors, who attend the NC School of Science and Mathematics or the UNC School of the Arts High School or who study in a home school registered with the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education. There are programs open to private high school students in Buncombe County, and programs open to students already in college or who are employees or children of employees of certain area corporations. Scholarships may be applied to a nonprofit postsecondary two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school in the United States, unless otherwise specified in the relevant fund agreement.
CFWNC ensures that all scholarship recipients are selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis and that selections are based on specific guidelines and criteria for each fund.
Eligibility Requirements
Review the list of available scholarships and eligibility requirements to be sure you qualify. In addition, applicants must demonstrate:
- Financial need (unless otherwise noted)
- Academic achievement or potential (based on class rank, GPA and SAT scores)
- A history of active participation in school activities, community service, extracurricular involvement, and/or work experience
- Strong moral character
You must meet the above criteria in addition to any further eligibility requirements stated for specific programs.
Meet Ruby Blue
If you have questions, email Scholarship Officer Amber Harrelson-Williams or call at 828-367-9916
Browse through our full directory of scholarships.