In the middle of the second semester, many seniors are applying for scholarships outside of their college choices. If you’re planning to attend college, university or technical school, scholarships can make your degree possible. Although statewide or national awards can also help fund your education, Charlottesville has many great, accessible scholarship opportunities for local residents. Below, KTR highlights seven scholarships for CHS and CATEC students.
- UVA Community Credit Union Scholarships
Who can apply: High school seniors who are members of UVA Community Credit Union when they apply. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.7 and be planning to attend an accredited US two- or four-year college in the fall.
What they offer: Ten $5,000 scholarships
Application deadline: March 10, 2025
Other information: This scholarship program is in honor of Jeffrey C. Moscicki, who served as UVA Community Credit Union’s Board Chairman for three decades.
Link to learn more: https://www.uvacreditunion.org/about/community-impact/scholarships?dmxmbr=LXbFdTtE3OR3Dbm9CTrGFZ
2. Charlottesville Promise Scholarships
Who can apply: Low to middle-income seniors who are living in Charlottesville and graduating from the Charlottesville City School System.
What they offer: Ten annually renewable awards that can fund up to $13,000 of the cost of a technical certification program, undergraduate degree program, or master’s degree program. First-year awards are typically $2,500. Renewal awards typically increase by $500 each year.
Application deadline: March 1, 2025
Other information: One scholarship is reserved for a senior currently attending CATEC.
Link to learn more: https://www.cvillescholarship.com/general_information_to_update
3. Grace Tinsley Memorial Scholarships
Who can apply: Low to middle-income seniors graduating from Charlottesville High School seniors. Applicants must have participated in community service and demonstrated the traits of leadership, courage, and perseverance.
What they offer: Renewable awards that can fund up to $13,000 of the
cost of a 2- or 4-year undergraduate degree program, master’s degree program, or for a
vocational certification program at an accredited technical school. First year awards are typically $2,500.
Application deadline: March 1, 2025
Other information: This scholarship program honors the work of Grace Tinsley, an education advocate in Charlottesville.
Link to learn more: https://www.gracetinsleyscholarship.org/
4. Allen Opportunity Scholarships
Who can apply: Charlottesville High School seniors who will be attending a two-year community college or four-year university as full-time students, particularly prospective first-generation college students.
What they offer: The selection committee selects three students to receive $10,000 scholarships annually for up to four years.
Application deadline: October 21, 2025
Other information: This program is run by Elizabeth and Greg Allen, local alumni.
Link to learn more: https://cacfonline.org/grants/scholarships/
5. Scarpa Arts & Design Scholarships
Who can apply: Charlottesville students pursuing a degree relating to fashion, art, design, architecture, or theater at a 2- or 4-year college.
What they offer: The scholarship is renewable annually, with increasing amounts over the four years of study: $2,500 in the first year, $3,000 in the second year, $3,500 in the third year, and $4,000 in the fourth year, totaling a maximum lifetime award of $13,000 per recipient.
Application deadline: April 1, 2025
Link to learn more: https://thinkscarpa.com/pages/scarpa-arts-and-design-scholarship?srsltid=AfmBOooP1Eqtl_ytaIGOyXvkpjE3_H15bXX7PHOs9s7aoUtDEoGQNBhU
6. Saraswati Joni Boon Memorial Award
Who can apply: Individuals who live and study in Charlottesville or Albemarle County, and have faced mental health difficulties.
What they offer: Funding of at least $10,000 is available this year, and awards will be given to one or more nominees, depending on their financial need and the number of applications received.
Other information: The selection committee asks applicants to specify an educational goal for which the scholarship funds would be used – for example: for tuition, transportation to school, or childcare to enable taking a class. They also ask for a proposed spending plan and a nomination letter from someone who knows the applicant well. The award honors Joni Boon, a Charlottesville teacher who worked to reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Application deadline: November 17, 2025
Link to learn more: https://cacfonline.org/grants/scholarships/
7. The Charlottesville Twelve Scholarship
Who can apply: Graduating high school seniors at Charlottesville High School who will be entering an accredited, not for profit, four-year college or university.
What they offer: A one-time $5,000 scholarship.
Other information: The Charlottesville Twelve Scholarship exists to honor the twelve students who integrated Venable Elementary School and the formerly-named Lane High School on September 12, 1959 by giving deserving students an opportunity to attend the best educational institution they desire, without regard to race or ethnicity.
Application deadline: Not listed
Link to learn more: https://cacfonline.org//scholarships/
