Scholarship Opportunities

The non-profit AHA is offering up to seven scholarships that will be awarded to students who will or are planning to pursue an education that will lead to a two-year or higher degree in a course of study associated with Forestry, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Habitat Management, Conservation Resources, Conservation Criminal Justice or a similar field associated with improving wildlife habitat and/or protecting wildlife.

Students from the Virginia Counties of Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Highland and Rockbridge, and the Cities of Buena Vista, Covington, Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro are eligible for the scholarships.

The non-profit AHA will accept applications from 2026 graduating high school seniors and post-secondary students currently enrolled in programs at an institution with an accredited program as identified above.  

Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 will be awarded to the top seven applicants. Awards will total $30,000. 

Application requirements and the application are accessed at:

apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/AHAScholarship2026

Application deadline is May 31, 2026.

Available to:

• High school seniors and existing college students currently relying on Bank of Botetourt to provide their banking services.
• Maintains a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Maintains an active checking account.

Complete the online application by March 31, 2026

A Beacon Credit Union member or child of a member qualifies for the Beacon Scholarship if they meet the following criteria:

• Is graduating from high school (or an approved home school) located in the Beacon Credit Union membership area.
• Has been a member in good standing for at least six (6) months prior to the application deadline.
• Has a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Is planning to pursue higher education at an accredited institution, college, or certified technical/vocational school.

Complete the online application by April 3, 2026.

Students from Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge Station, and Glasgow areas of Rockbridge County are invited to apply for a Bob Gilbert Memorial Ruritan Scholarship. The scholarship currently has a minimum amount of $1000. If you receive a Bob Gilbert Memorial Ruritan Scholarship, you may re-apply for and be considered for subsequent years of financial aid according to the scholarship guidelines in place at that time. We are particularly supportive of students pursuing vocational and technical training, however, students pursuing a four-year college degree will also be considered.

Complete the application by April 15, 2026.

Requirements:

1. The applicant must be a 2026 graduate of Rockbridge County High School, Riverheads High School, or an accredited home-school in Rockbridge or southern Augusta Counties.
2. The applicant must have plans to attend a degree granting institution and/or a vocational center to further their education.
3. The applicant must graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Complete the application by April 16, 2026.

The recipient must have attended Central Elementary School for at least three full grade levels, K through 5, must have shown and continue to show good moral character, good citizenship, service to the school and/or the community, and must plan to attend either an academic or technical school program in the Fall Semester immediately following graduation.

Complete the application by April 17, 2026.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must be a resident of Virginia.
Must be a senior at a high school located in Rockbridge County, Va.
Must have plans to attend a 2- or 4-year accredited College or University.

Completed application, resume, and personal statement due by April 24th to Ms. Ramsey

Several scholarships are available through the Foundation, with only one application. Each scholarship has different eligibility requirements.

Complete the online application by March 27, 2026.

The Early Ace Scholarship given by the Community Foundation for Harrisonburg-Rockingham: this scholarship was established to support graduating seniors from public high schools in the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and the counties of Rockingham, Augusta, Shenandoah, Page, and Rockbridge who plan to attend a four-year Virginia public college or university.
Eligible candidates must be Federal Pell Grant eligible, and must be planning to work toward a bachelor’s degree with a science, engineering, or business major. Some part-time work experience during high school is required. First-generation students are encouraged to apply. 

Complete the online application by April 5, 2026.

Eligibility:

1. Graduation high school in Class of 2026
2. Residing in the South Buffalo or Collierstown area
3. Planning to enroll in a trade school, technical program, apprenticeship, certification program, or other nontraditional postsecondary training path
4. Demonstrating commitment, curiosity, and a strong work ethic.

Complete the application by April 1, 2026.

This scholarship is to be used for higher or technical education in an accredited institution. The recipient must:

1. Be a graduating senior from Rockbridge County
2. Complete at least 1 CTE program while at RCHS
3. Demonstrate abilities in technical and academic educational programs

Complete the application by April 17, 2026.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a high school senior at a high school (or homebound equivalent) in the local FRIENDS Chapter's service area.
  • To verify, a list of schools can be found on our website.
  • Homeschool students are also eligible
• GPA of at least 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
• Plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year institution of higher learning.
• Plan to pursue a degree/career in science, environmental or cultural studies, or significantly participate as a volunteer to support activities as shown below:
  • FRIENDS has a broad definition of environmental studies, which includes studies in natural resources, sciences, engineering, land management, etc.
  • Relative cultural studies such as Old Tim and Bluegrass music, Appalachian Studies, and more.
• Align with the mission of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge by demonstrating a commitment to working to make Blue Ridge communities better in ways that celebrate our unique culture, natural beauty, and/or quality of life.

Complete the application by March 26, 2026.

Criteria and Eligibility

1. Applicant must attend and graduate from Rockbridge County High School.
2. Applicant must be a graduating senior during the year of application.
3. Applicant must have a GPA or 2.5 or higher.
4. Applicant must plan to pursue a career as a first responder (Fire, Rescue, Police, Dispatcher, Military, Nurse, etc)
5. Applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from a mentor/coach/teacher. (If a member of Fire Department or Rescue Squad, please have Chief/Captain write letter of recommendation.

Complete the application by April 17, 2026.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Participated in sports for two or more years
• Excelled in academics
• Be of good character
• Live in the Natural Bridge High School Geographical Area
• Be accepted to a four year college (admission to 2 year colleges will be considered)

Submit your application, at least two letters of recommendation, a high school transcript, and any additional information you think the scholarship committee needs to know. 

Due Friday, April 24th to Ms. Ramsey

Criteria and Eligibility:

1. Applicant must attend and graduate from Rockbridge County High School or Parry McCluer High School.
2. Applicant must be a graduating senior during the year of application.
3. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
4. Applicant must plan to pursue a career as a Firefighter/EMS/Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
5. Applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from a mentor/coach/teacher (If you're currently a member of a fire department or rescue squad, please have the Chief/Captain write you a letter of recommendation)
6. Applicant must include a transcript

Complete the application by April 1, 2026.

Complete the application by April 15, 2026.

For students going to either community college or trade school only.

Complete the application by April 15, 2026.

Requirements:

1. Must be a United States Citizen
2. Must be a resident of Virginia
3. Must be a senior at a high school located in Rockbridge County, Virginia
4. Must have plans to attend college with an area of study focus in the arts

Complete the application by April 18, 2026.

The goal is to award qualified applicants according to their needs and worthiness.

Complete the Application by April 7, 2026.

Complete the application by April 24, 2026.

The Effa P. Quisenberry Memorial Scholarship grant of $2,000. The recipient must attend a 2- or 4-year accredited school, in or out of state. The applicant must rank in the top 20% of the 2025 graduating class. The scholarship is need-based. Preference is given to the applicant who demonstrates school and community involvement.

The Lexington Woman’s Club Scholarship grant of $3,500. The recipient must attend a 2- or 4-year accredited school in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The applicant must have at least a 3.5 GPA or show significant academic improvement in the senior year. The scholarship is need-based. Preference is given to the applicant who demonstrates significant school and community involvement.

Complete the online application by April 25, 2026.

The purpose of the Mike Burch Memorial Scholarship Foundation is to assist deserving college- or trade school-bound high school seniors of good character at Rockbridge County High School in obtaining continuing education. Awardees must have reasonable academic achievement and an intent to pursue a college or work-related education.

Criteria and Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a senior at Rockbridge County High School or a surrounding area high school with strong personal character
• Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and submit a transcript with application
• Applicant must have participated in a varsity high school sport
• Applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from a current or previous coach with application

Complete the application by April 15, 2026.

Award:

Two (2) one-time scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each will be awarded on the basis of merit, need, service, and leadership.

Eligibility:

Recipients must be graduating from, or a graduate of, a Rockbridge County High School, the Rockbridge Christian Academy, a Rockbridge County private school, or a home school curriculum while maintaining a residence in Lexington or Rockbridge County. They must be attending or planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or a career-oriented vocational/technical school.

Deadline:

Turn in your application, complete with essay and transcript, to the counseling office by Monday, April 27, 2026.

The Nathaniel G. Hughes Memorial Scholarship is to be awarded to graduating seniors from Rockbridge County High School who are pursuing a career in a field related to special education services. The scholarship is intended to help students pursuing a career as a special education teacher, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech and language pathologist.

Complete the application by April 10, 2026.

Requirements:

1. Must be a United States Citizen
2. Must be a resident of Virginia
3. Must be a senior at a high school located in Rockbridge County, Virginia
4. Must have plans to attend a degree-granting institution of higher education

Complete the application by April 18, 2026.

The mission of the North Rockbridge Women's Club is to unite our collective efforts toward better homes, a better community, better citizenship and a better America. One goal to which we work each year is funding a scholarship for a senior at Rockbridge County High School who intends to study in a field of art. This may include graphic arts, design, culinary arts, performance arts, etc.

Complete the application by April 15, 2026.

RHR is excited to provide one (1) $500 scholarship to a Rockbridge County High School graduating senior who is interested in pursuing a career in real estate or a related trade. This student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must be planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university, a career-oriented vocational or technical school. 

Complete the application by April 15, 2026.

Complete the application by April 17, 2026.

The Ronnie Campbell Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to supporting young adults from Rockbridge County, Lexington, and Buena Vista in attending trade schools and vocational programs, learning a trade to acquire practical skills leading to rewarding careers.

Complete the application.

Applicants are chosen on the criteria listed below, not on their choice of higher education.

1. Achievement/Accomplishments:
   1. Academic Achievement - Grades, awards, etc
   2. Non-Academic Accomplishments - Areas where the student excelled (talents, work, recognition in an area)
2. Financial Need: Family financial situation, other scholarships awarded, etc
3. Service to and/or Involvement in School, Church, Community, Organizations, Volunteering:
   1. Clubs (School, 4H Clubs, Church), volunteering to help others, the environment, etc.
   2. Area and/or event exhibiting good citizenship, personal responsibility, and character through individual and/or collective action
4. Chose career potential benefit to society

Complete the application by April 3, 2026.

Complete the application by April 3, 2026.

Complete the application by March 14, 2026.

Applicant must be a 2026 Graduate of Rockbridge County High School.

Applicant must have plans to attend a degree granting institution and/or a vocational center to further your education.

Complete the application by March 31, 2026.

The W.D. Goad Scholarship will be awarded to a student or multiple students who meet the following criteria:
1. Be a graduating senior from Rockbridge County High School
2. Complete at least 1 CTE program while at RCHS
3. Be pursuing a career in a connected trade or attend either, a 2-year, 4-year, or trade school with a concentration in the trade you are passionate about

Complete the application by April 17, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Rockbridge County resident (this includes Lexington City, Buena Vista, etc.)
• Be a graduating high school senior
• Plan to attend an accredited college, university, trade school, or vocational program
• Applicants may not be employees of Walkabout Outfitter, Inc., nor may they be immediate family members (including children, stepchildren, or dependents) of current Walkabout Outfitter employees

Complete the application by April 2, 2026.