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Most states offer special scholarships specifically for their residents. Because we have a personal connection to Virginia (one current and one former Student Caffé staff member live in Virginia) and we have partnered with many schools and counties in Northern Virginia in the past, we want to highlight scholarships for Virginia residents to kick off our newest blog series covering state-based scholarships. We know we have readers from all over, though, so be on the lookout for your state as we go through and find a variety of scholarships that you can apply for!
Scholarships that any Virginia resident can apply for:
Granville P. Meade Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000
Application Deadline: March 2019
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
If you are a high school senior with financial need, and are planning to attend a college or university in Virginia, then this scholarship may be for you. It is awarded to students who have succeeded academically throughout high school, but may not be able to attend college due to financial reasons. If selected, you could earn $2,000 annually for the four years you are in college. You must maintain a 2.5 GPA while in college to maintain your eligibility for this award. Be on the lookout for the 2019 application.
Lee-Jackson Foundation Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $12,000
Application Deadline: February 1, 2019
Required Essay: Yes
Are you a Virginia high school junior or senior who is interested in history? This scholarship incentivizes students to continue their education by attending four-year institutions following high school graduation; colleges and universities are not limited geographically to Virginia. Applicants must write an original, analytical essay about either Robert E. Lee or Stonewall Jackson and plan to enroll as a full-time student. Scholarships are awarded for originality and a fresh approach. Click the link above to read the essay submitted by a previous winner. Essays must be submitted to your high school principal by February 1.
Two-Year College Transfer Grant
Award Amount: $1,000–$2,000
Application Deadline: Varies by institution
Minimum GPA Required: 3.00
In an effort to lower tuition costs, many students first receive an associate’s degree from a two-year college and then transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. You must demonstrate financial need, be planning to transfer to a nonprofit institution, and not be pursuing theological training to be eligible for this grant. If you meet the requirements and are planning to transfer after completing your associate’s degree, then this grant is for you!
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies by institution
If you are an undergraduate (or graduate) student attending a Virginia two- or four-year college or university and you can demonstrate financial need, you can apply for this scholarship. By law, the Virginia Commonwealth Award mandates that students who show the greatest need receive the greatest amounts. After you complete your FAFSA, contact your school’s financial aid office to learn about the application procedure and deadline. This award is renewable provided you remain a student in good standing.
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Minimum GPA Required: 2.50 (or combined math and verbal scores of at least 980 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT if homeschooled)
Students who graduated from a Virginia high school (or were homeschooled in Virginia) and enroll in a public two- or four-year college or university in Virginia can apply for this program. Students must demonstrate financial need, and similar to the Virginia Commonwealth Award, greater awards are given to those who show more financial need. You must complete the FAFSA before contacting the financial aid office at your institution. This award is renewable provided you maintain continuous enrollment and remain a student in good standing.
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant
Award Amount: Varies year to year
Application Deadline: July 31, 2019
Any Virginia resident enrolled full time at an approved Virginia school can apply for this grant, regardless of financial need. The total award varies each year, as it’s based on the number of applicants, but for 2018–19, students were awarded up to $3,270. There are some distribution criteria: students must be attending a private, nonprofit school, and students pursuing theological training are not eligible. Remember that grants don’t need to be paid back, so if you’re eligible, it wouldn’t hurt to apply.
Scholarships that require a little more:
Bernie Varnadore Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $1,250
Application Deadline: April 1, 2019
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
Did you play baseball in middle or high school? The Bernie Varnadore Scholarship is awarded to 11 high school seniors who participated in the Dixie Boys Baseball, Incorporated program and plan to continue their education at a college or university. Applicants should show leadership, community involvement, strong academics, and must demonstrate financial need. The application requires a 150-word essay about your future goals and two letters of recommendation.
Community College STEM Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $2,000
Application Deadline: March 11, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 3.00
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
This scholarship program is similar to the Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program mentioned below, with one significant difference: This scholarship is for students who are enrolled in a community college in Virginia. If you are majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field and are interested in a career that supports NASA’s mission, consider applying! A traditional essay is not required, but you will need to provide a statement of your academic and career goals, a plan of study, and a resumé. You will also be required to submit two letters of recommendation and your transcript.
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: April 15, 2019
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
This is a regional scholarship open only to students who have played softball for at least two seasons with the Ashburn Girls Softball League (AGSL). If you’re an AGSL softball player and currently a senior in high school, you can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to young women who, through softball, have shown sportsmanship, citizenship, commitment, and growth. The application requires a 400- to 600-word essay about the lessons you learned through softball as well as two letters of recommendation.
Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program
Award Amount: Up to $8,500
Application Deadline: January 28, 2019
Minimum GPA required: 3.00
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
This scholarship is for students already enrolled in one of the following institutions: The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, or Virginia Tech. If you are a rising junior or senior at one of the aforementioned schools and you are enrolled in a program that focuses on science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) and are part of a research project that is relevant to NASA or aerospace science, this scholarship is for you. While a traditional essay is not required, you will need to provide a statement of your academic goals, a plan of study, a resumé, and a research proposal. You will also be required to submit two letters of recommendation.
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
Award Amount: Full tuition
Application Deadline: Varies
- May 1, 2019 for fall enrollment
- September 1, 2019 for spring enrollment
- December 15, 2019 for summer enrollment
If you are the spouse or child of a military service member who was killed in action, is missing in action, or was taken prisoner or became permanently disabled as the result of military service, you are likely eligible to apply for this program. You will be required to submit a substantial amount of documentation to qualify, but this program offers four years of free tuition and a stipend (for eligible students) provided students are attending public colleges or universities in Virginia. It is just one way that the state honors those who served our country. This fact sheet provides more information about eligibility requirements.
This article highlights just some of the many Virginia scholarships available to residents. To learn about other scholarships you may qualify for, you have many options. Talk to your guidance counselor (or visit your financial aid office if you are already in college); check out the following sites: Niche.com, the College Grants Database, and a list of Virginia Scholarships at scholarships.com; or do some Googling of your own! There are scholarships available for all types of students, so make the effort to look for them. Good luck!
