Scholarships

Check out some Burke County Scholarships!

 Check out some local scholarships!

Check out statewide scholarships!

one application to many scholarships

Priority Deadline: March 31st

Final Deadline: July 1st
 

Amount: $4,000

Application Window: October 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026

Early Action Window:  Apply by November 1 for Early Action. You will receive an application update by November 21.

Apply after November 1 and receive an application update by February 21.

Requirements

• Must complete FAFSA
• Must be enrolled in a school that participates in the TEACH grant
• Be enrolled in a TEACH grant eligible program
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
• Receive TEACH grant counselling going over terms and conditions
• Sign a TEACH grant agreement to serve

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Rolling deadline

Requirements

• Be an undergraduate majoring in criminal justice at a UNC system school or NC private institution 
• Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes 
• Be enrolled full-time
• Must be recommended by local sheriff

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: Rolling deadline (each college is different - contact financial aid office)

Requirements

• Currently attending a NC community college 
• NC resident eligible for in-state tuition 
• 2.5 or higher unweighted GPA
• High school diploma or GED
• Filed FAFSA
• Exhibits leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Rolling deadline

Requirements

• Be enrolled at a NC community college 
• Be in good academic standing with said community college
• Completed at least 50% of that degree or credential program

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Rolling deadline

Requirements

• Have either been adopted from NC Division of Social Services (DSS) foster care after the age of 12, or aged out of NC DSS foster care at age 18 (must have been in care on their 18th birthday)
• NC resident eligible for instate tuition 
• Enroll at a state community college or a university in the UNC system (Listed Here!) at least as half time

Deadline: 11/12/25

• The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2026 competition.

• Male and female students compete separately.

• Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.

Eligibility:

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
• Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

Deadline: 12/1/25

A merit-based scholarship for high-achieving students with 3.5 GPA, planning to attend 4-year college right after graduation, must work 240 hours from January 1st, 2026 to September 1, 2026, and household annual income not exceeding $100,000. 

Do you have or know of a graduating high school senior looking for scholarship opportunities, please let them know that the NC JCI Senate and has such an opportunity ... it’s the Kyle Byrd Memorial Scholarship.

Each year, the NC JCI Senate Kyle Byrd Memorial Scholarship program selects two applicants and awards them a $500 scholarship each.

In addition, the NC JCI Senate Scholarship program will also select two applicants to submit for the US JCI Senate Scholarship program which awards several $2000, and $1000 scholarships.  This year both college and vocational scholarships are offered at the national level.

Please send applications and questions via email to Dianeupshaw2000@gmail.com. Do not send them to the national address, they will be rejected.

Aspiring social work students in North Carolina have access to a wide array of scholarships that support their academic and professional journeys at every level—from undergraduate to doctoral study. Whether you’re entering a community college, pursuing a master’s in social work (MSW), or advancing toward a Ph.D., these scholarships recognize academic merit, financial need, leadership, and commitment to underserved communities. From state-funded programs like the Next NC Scholarship to nationally competitive awards and school-specific opportunities, this guide brings together the most impactful financial resources available to help future social workers thrive in their education and beyond.

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Scholarship applications MUST be completed online by April 15th. You can only apply in one category.

Eligibility: There are various criteria for the different scholarships that are offered.
 

Category I (Financial Need)
Accredited four-year universities/colleges, two-year community colleges/technical schools —
undergraduate only

• Based on academic performance and financial need.
• Applicant must be enrolled full-time in, or have applied to, a university or college as stated above.
• No federal tax forms (1040’s) will be accepted.
• Must provide a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Student Aid
Index..

Category II (Merit)
Accredited four-year universities/colleges, two-year community colleges/technical schools –
undergraduate only

• Based on academic performance without regard to financial need.
• Applicant must be enrolled full-time in, or have applied to, university or college as stated above.

Category III (Members Only)
Accredited four-year colleges/universities or two-year community colleges/technical schools

• Awarded to active and associate members who are working full time and wish to continue their
education on a part time basis.
• Applicant must be enrolled before disbursement of funds are issued.
◊ Undergraduate degree (six hours or more per semester)
◊ Graduate degree (three hours or more semester)
• Applicant must be enrolled in, or have applied to, university or college.
• Application must be postmarked by April 15 and sent to the SEANC member’s district.

Retiree Grandchild - Category I Scholarship Application (Financial Need)

Accredited four-year colleges/universities or two-year community colleges/technical schools
• Based on academic performance and financial need
• Applicant must be enrolled full time before disbursement of funds are issued
• Must provide a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Student Aid
Index.

Retiree Grandchild - Category II Scholarship Application (Merit)

Accredited four-year colleges/universities or two-year community colleges/technical schools
• Based on academic performance without regard to financial need
• Applicant must be enrolled full time before disbursement of funds are issued

Leadership NC Scholarship
A scholarship program has been established by the Emerging Leaders Council of the State Employees
Association of North Carolina (SEANC) to allow one SEANC member the opportunity to participate in
Leadership North Carolina. Only active SEANC members are eligible to apply. Associate members and
affiliates are not eligible.

● Must be a currently active member of SEANC, and have been active for a minimum of 2
years
● Membership must be in good standing
● Currently working full time