SCHOLARSHIPS IN WEST VIRGINIA

If you reside within the "Mountain State" and are searching for innovative ways to reduce towering tuition expenses without accumulating mountains of student loan debt, then you should start looking for scholarships in West Virginia. Although its unique position in the Appalachian Mountains has covered almost three-fourths of the state with dense forests, West Virginia is still home to 25 public and 9 private universities that offer diverse educational offerings. Whether you are pursuing a major that involves the outdoors or are simply an outdoor enthusiast, West Virginia provides unparalleled recreational opportunities for skiing, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, hunting, and more. Read on to learn more about some of the top scholarship opportunities available while studying in the outdoor lover's paradise of West Virginia.

1. Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

Annually, the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation (ALEF) will present full-tuition scholarships to select West Virginia high school graduates who will be attending Concord, Marshall, or Shepherd University in the upcoming fall. Eligible candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, exhibit leadership skills through extracurricular activities, have an interest in working in West Virginia after graduation, and demonstrate critical financial need.

Contact

Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 1638
Williamson, WV 25661
(304) 542-6846

Scholarship Link

2. Cecil Highland Press Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Within the West Virginia Press Association Foundation (WVPAF), the Cecil Highland Press Scholarship is awarded for up to $2,500 annually to bona fide residents of West Virginia who are accepted for admission at an in-state institution to pursue a two or four-year degree with a major in journalism. Along with the application, candidates must submit a statement of financial need, proof of enrollment at a college in West Virginia, and a 300-word essay on career plans.

Contact

Cecil Highland Press Scholarship
3422 Pennsylvania Avenue
Charleston, WV 25302
(304) 353-1163

3. Charleston Chapter Scholarship Fund

Deadline: January 15th

As part of the West Virginia Society for Certified Public Accountants (WVSCPA), the Charles Chapter Scholarship Fund offers $1,000 awards each year to graduating high school seniors in Kanawha and Putnam counties who have declared a field of study in accounting at an accredited in-state public or private university. Qualified applicants must be enrolling full-time as an undergraduate student, maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, plan to pursue CPA licensure, and exhibit leadership potential relevant to future career interests.

Contact

Charleston Chapter Scholarship Fund
900 Lee Street East Suite 1201
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 342-5461

4. Corrie Whitlock Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Sponsored by the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs (VFGC), the Corrie Whitlock Memorial Scholarship is available for up to $2,000 annually to undergraduate sophomore or junior-level students currently enrolled in an accredited West Virginia institution in pursuit of a career related to horticulture. In order to qualify, students must have declared a major in horticulture, botany, floriculture, landscape design, plant pathology, biology, environment science, land management, city planning, agronomy, forestry, agriculture, and/or related subjects.

Contact

Corrie Whitlock Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 713
Jane Lew, WV 26378

5. Derflinger Earth Sciences Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

For residents of Berkeley, Jefferson, or Morgan County, the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) provides the Derflinger Earth Sciences Scholarship each year for up to $2,500 based on financial need to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a public college or university within West Virginia. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a degree in agriculture, forestry, geology, archeology, or environmental science while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher over four years.

Contact

Derflinger Earth Sciences Scholarship
229 East Martin Street Suite 4
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 264-0353

6. Dr. Carl and Margaret Tully Scholarship

Deadline: March 20th

In honor of their unselfish desire to help West Virginia citizens have access to affordable high-quality healthcare through a well-trained family physician, the Dr. Carl and Margaret Tully Scholarship is granted through the Family Medicine Foundation (FMF) to provide $5,000 per year to third and fourth-year medical students. Applicants must plan to specialize in the field of family medicine in the state of West Virginia for at least one year upon successful completion of his/her residency training.

Contact

Dr. Carl and Margaret Tully Scholarship
650 Main Street
Barboursville, WV 25504
(304) 733-6485

Scholarship Link

7. Ethel N. Bowen Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: April 30th

Through First Century Bank National, the Ethel N. Bowen Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually for $1,000 apiece to 20 high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior-level undergraduate students who are attending an accredited post-secondary institution full-time. Qualified candidates must be residents of southwestern Virginia or southern West Virginia, rank within the top tenth of their class, and be involved in community service projects.

Contact

Ethel N. Bowen Foundation Scholarships
500 Federal Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
(304) 325-8181

8. Fruth Pharmacy Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

With the goal of providing educational opportunities for those who might not otherwise have the option to earn a degree in higher education, the Fruth Pharmacy Scholarships are granted for up to $3,000 to West Virginia residents who are enrolled full or part-time at Marshall University, West Virginia University, University of Charleston, Ohio State University, or University of Rio Grande. Candidates must be pharmacy majors, be active employees of Fruth Pharmacy, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in major coursework.

Contact

Fruth Pharmacy Scholarships
4016 Ohio River Road
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
(304) 720-8341

9. Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: January 15th

Each academic year, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF) awards a total of over $445,000 in scholarships for more than 400 West Virginia students pursuing post-secondary education based on financial need, academic achievement, or both. General criteria requires that all applicants reside in West Virginia, be full-time students with at least 12 credits per semester, earn a minimum score of 20 on the ACT, demonstrate good moral character, and possess an overall GPA of 2.5 or greater.

Contact

Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Scholarships
900 Lee Street East 16th Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 346-3620

10. Helen Biery Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 7th

Within the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), the Helen Biery Memorial Scholarship is awarded for up to $1,000 annually to graduating high school seniors from Ohio County in West Virginia who are enrolling in an accredited post-secondary program for training in nursing or a related healthcare profession. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, list of extracurricular activities, proof of financial need, official transcripts, and a well-written one-page personal essay.

Contact

Helen Biery Memorial Scholarship
1310 Market Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 242-3144

11. Jim Dunn Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 31st

Established by the West Virginia Friends of Track and Field, the Jim Dunn Scholarship Program presents two $500 awards annually to West Virginia high school graduates who are currently enrolled full-time as undergraduate students at a four-year accredited institution. Recipients will be chosen based on their participation in track and field or cross country at the university level, high academic excellence, and leadership abilities through involvement in community activities.

Contact

Jim Dunn Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 409
Morgantown, WV 26507
(304) 296-3433
FriendsofTrack&
Scholarship Link

12. Kids' Chance of West Virginia Scholarships

Deadline: January 15th

Created by Governor Cecil H. Underwood in 1998, the Kids' Chance of West Virginia offers annual scholarships for at least $1,000 each to students between the ages of 15 and 23 years old whose parents were seriously, catastrophically, or fatally injured in a work-related accident in West Virginia. Applicants must be pursuing a degree or diploma from an accredited in-state institution, have financial need, and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Contact

Kids' Chance of West Virginia Scholarships
P.O. Box 11283
Charleston, WV 25339
(304) 269-1311

13. Larry D. and Margaret D. Brown Scholarship

Deadline: March 5th

As part of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the Larry D. and Margaret D. Brown Scholarship is granted each year for $1,500 to graduating high school seniors of Lewis, Gilmer, Braxton, Harrison, Ritchie, Randolph, and Upshur counties in West Virginia. Qualified applicants must have a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.2, be planning to attend an accredited two or four-year institution full-time, and demonstrate financial need for educational assistance.

Contact

Larry D. and Margaret D. Brown Scholarship
P.O. Box 1762
Parkersburg, WV 26102
(304) 372-8588

14. Mark Ware Construction Education Scholarship

Deadline: May 16th

Within the West Virginia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Mark Ware Construction Education Scholarship is distributed for $1,000 each year to West Virginia residents who are currently enrolled at an accredited post-secondary vocational school for pursuing construction-related fields, including electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, construction manager, carpenter, and architecture. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, submit an official transcript, and provide a letter of recommendation.

Contact

Mark Ware Construction Education Scholarship
P.O. Box 3965
Charleston, WV 25339
(304) 346-8791

15. Mary Olive Eddy Jones Art Scholarship

Deadline: February 28th

Through the Robert H. Mollohan Family Charitable Foundation, the Mary Olive Eddy Jones Art Scholarship is offered each year for up to $2,000 to West Virginia residents who are pursuing a major in art at any of the accredited in-state public or private post-secondary institutions. Along with an application, candidates should provide a typed resume, official college transcript, brief essay on career goals, and at least two evaluation forms from art-related faculty instructors.

Contact

Mary Olive Eddy Jones Art Scholarship
1000 Technology Drive Suite 2000
Fairmount, WV 36554
(304) 333-6783

16. Nelle V. and Kathryn McLaughlin Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

At West Virginia Wesleyan University (WVWC), the Nelle V. and Kathryn McLaughlin Scholarships are granted for up to $1,000 to incoming freshmen who are enrolling as full-time undergraduate students with a major in chemistry or English. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, possess an SAT math score of 600 or ACT math score of 26, reside in western Pennsylvania or West Virginia, and participate in an interview.

Contact

Nelle V. and Kathryn McLaughlin Scholarships
59 College Avenue
Buckhannon, WV 26201
(304) 473-8108

17. Richard C. Flint Scholarships

Deadline: May 1st

In remembrance of a beloved professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Public Administration who suffered a fatal heart attack in 1992, the West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) offers Richard C. Flint Scholarships for $1,500 annually to students who plan to major in health services administration, industrial relations, human resources, criminal justice, or public service administration. Students must be pursuing a bachelor's degree, be enrolled full-time, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Contact

Richard C. Flint Scholarships
405 Fayette Pike
Montgomery, VT 25136
(304) 442-3157

18. Samantha Ketchem Muncy Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Named in honor of a young woman who passed away at the youthful age of 26 at Ruby Memorial Hospital from severe injuries sustained in a vehicle accident, the Samantha Ketchem Muncy Memorial Scholarship is presented through the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation (WVSOMF) for up to $5,000 annually. Eligible third-year medical students must intend to remain in West Virginia to practice primary care, embody Samantha's dedication to community service, and demonstrate a solid work ethic.

Contact

Samantha Ketchem Muncy Memorial Scholarship
400 North Lee Street
Lewisburg, WV 24901
(304) 647-6374

19. Snowshoe Foundation Educational Scholarships

Deadline: March 31st

As advocates for the pursuit of higher education, the Snowshoe Foundation awards annual educational scholarships for up to $5,000 apiece to graduating high school seniors from Pocahontas, Randolph, and Webster counties of West Virginia on the basis of merit. In addition to the application, candidates must submit a FAFSA form, two letters of recommendation, an official transcript, and a two-page personal essay on career goals and extracurricular activities.

Contact

Snowshoe Foundation Educational Scholarships
P.O. Box 130
Snowshoe, WV 26209
(304) 572-5671

20. Terry Lee Walker Jr. Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 1st

Within the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF), the Terry Lee Walker Jr. Scholarship Fund has been established to award $1,000 annually to one graduating senior from each of the five public high schools in Jefferson and Berkeley counties of West Virginia. Although the funding was once restricted to students attending Shepherd University, the foundation has expanded its reach to include first-year undergraduate students who are seeking a degree full-time from any higher institution within the state.

Contact

Terry Lee Walker Jr. Scholarship Fund
229 East Martin Street Suite 4
Martinsburg, VA 25401
(304) 264-0353

21. Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship is granted annually for $5,000 to junior and senior-level undergraduate students as well as graduate students who are actively pursuing a teaching career in West Virginia's public school system. Applicants must be West Virginia residents, be enrolled full-time in an in-state accredited university, be pursuing teacher certification, and agree to teach at a public school in West Virginia for at least two years per year of funding.

Contact

Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship
1018 Kanawha Blvd. East Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-4618

Scholarship Link

22. West Virginia Health Sciences Scholarship Program

Deadline: October 15th

Through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), the West Virginia Health Sciences Scholarship Program provides $20,000 for medical students as well as $10,000 for students aspiring to become nurse educators, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, physician assistants, clinical social workers, and clinical psychologists each year. Eligible candidates must be in the final year of an accredited in-state graduate program and sign a contract to fulfill a service obligation of at least two years in an underserved area.

Contact

West Virginia Health Sciences Scholarship Program
1018 Kanawha Blvd. East Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-4618

23. West Virginia Library Association Scholarship

Deadline: July 31st

In an effort to increase the number of librarians in the state, the West Virginia Library Association (WVLA) Scholarship is presented each year for up to $5,000 to current members who are pursuing a master's degree from an institution approved by the ALA. Along with an application, candidates must submit proof of acceptance, list of WVLA membership activities, at least two references, statement of financial need, and a brief 250-word essay on career goals.

Contact

West Virginia Library Association Scholarship
One John Marshall Drive Suite 205
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-2312

24. West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Annually, the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship is granted through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) for up to $4,750 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory educational fees at a public or private institution within the state. As a merit-based financial aid program, candidates must be West Virginia residents, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, and perform at least 20 hours of unpaid community service each year.

Contact

West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship
1018 Kanawha Blvd. East Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-4618

25. West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Within the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), the West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship is awarded for $3,000 annually to encourage academically talented individuals to pursue in-demand career paths with a STEM major. Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, be enrolled in an associate's or bachelor's degree program at an eligible in-state institution, and agree to work full-time in an engineering, science, or technology field upon graduation.

Contact

West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship
1018 Kanawha Blvd. East Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-4618

Scholarship Link

As the cost of receiving a college degree continues to escalate across the nation, many Mountaineers are becoming dependent on financial aid opportunities in an effort to cover the educational expenses for reaching their professional goals. Whether you are a native West Virginian or are considering studying within the "Mountain State" to enjoy the wide range of outdoor recreational activities in Appalachia, be sure to check out these 25 great scholarships in West Virginia to financially boost your college career in the right direction.