Scholarships at the Eastern Shore Community College have been established through the generosity of individuals, organizations, businesses, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Eastern Shore Community College Foundation. 

Some scholarships are based on academic merit, some on financial need, and some on a combination of different factors.  Please carefully read each scholarship description to see if you meet the criteria for selection. All scholarship applicants are encouraged to file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for other financial aid.

Unless otherwise stated, scholarship applicants must be a degree or certificate-seeking student at the Eastern Shore Community College.

Students in the trade programs of HVAC, Welding, Electricity, Electronics, Google IT, Computer Technology, and Industrial Technology may apply to be Ratcliffe Scholars. Funding may cover tuition and fees, books, supplies and equipment, internships, technology, plus allowances for housing, transportation, and other living expenses. Priority is given to students enrolled in 15 or more credits, and students must enroll in a minimum of six credits.  Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit the Ratcliffe Foundation Scholars Application.  A fillable PDF application is also available. This program is funded by the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation to benefit students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science in Technology degree.

Students may also apply for the Johnsen Presidential Scholarships by completing a Fillable Johnsen Presidential Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Fillable PDF]or Regular Johnsen Presidential Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Regular PDF].

Students may apply for any of the following scholarships by completing a Fillable ESCCF General Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Fillable PDF] or Regular ESCCF General Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025[Regular PDF].

Deadline for receipt of the completed application is generally mid-May for the following fall semester and mid-November for the following spring semester.

3:20 Scholarships

Five (5) $2,000 scholarships are awarded to Accomack County students who graduate from Nandua High School (2 scholarships), Arcadia High School (2 scholarships), and Chincoteague High School (1 scholarship). Students must be accepted at ESCC and enrolled in 12 hours or more. Recipients are selected by Dr. Darrien Jamar and his Foundation board. In addition to a cash scholarship, recipients will also receive Gifts of Grace throughout the student’s first year at ESCC. Please contact the appropriate high school for the application.

Anne Crumb Craft Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship program awards two $1,000 scholarships to Practical Nursing students based on academic standing as evidenced by pre-admission testing, program head recommendations, and financial need.

Arc Welders Scholarship

This $500 scholarship funded by Arc Welders, Inc., is given each year to an Electronics student who maintains a minimum 3.89 cumulative GPA and who demonstrates financial need.

Arnold Barry Dalinsky Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is funded by family and friends of Mr. Dalinsky, who believed that in order to be successful in most careers, one must be able to communicate verbally and write effectively.  The recipient must be a graduate of Northampton High School, maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA.  He/she must also be a full-time student (enrolled in 12 or more credits). A one page essay on the student’s career goals must also be submitted. After minimum academic requirements have been met, preference will be given tothe applicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Bannon Foundation Scholarships

The Bannon Foundation funds six (6) $800 scholarships. An entering high school student must have a minimum of a “B-“ GPA.  Candidates must be admitted into a degree or certificate program and maintain a 2.75 GPA. After academic requirements havebeen met, preference will be given to the applicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Barbara and Steve Johnsen Presidential Scholars

Ten (10) academic merit-based $5,000 scholarships are given each year to graduates of Eastern Shore of Virginia high schoolswho are enrolled in any ESCC degree, not certificate, program. Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.40 GPA, and must complete an essay indicating their educational and career goals including plans to pursue additional education beyond ESCC.  Applicants must also be willing to serve as Student Ambassadors.  Students may apply for the Johnsen Presidential Scholarships by completing a Fillable Johnsen Presidential Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Fillable PDF]or Regular Johnsen Presidential Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Regular PDF].

Barry Neville Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Worcester Parish as a tribute to long-time ESCC Assistant Professor of History, Barry Neville, who was also an Ordained Deacon and a volunteer chaplain.  This scholarship awards $1,000 per year to a student pursuing History as his/her field of study.

Beth Taylor Posinski Post-GED Scholarship

Designed  to  assist  applicants  who  have  completed  the  Chincoteague  Island  GED  program,  this  $1,000 scholarship isawarded to a GED graduate, preferably who resides on Chincoteague, and demonstrates financial need.

Bill and June Wurtz Memorial Scholarship

Established by the children of Bill and June Wurtz, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student that is the first in their family to attend college (family is defined as parents and siblings), and demonstrates financial need.

Caramine Kellam and Dr. Carrie White Scholarship

This endowed scholarship is funded by Dr. Caramine White in recognition of her mother, Caramine Kellam, a long-time philanthropic leader on the Eastern Shore and the first female chair of the ESCC Foundation Board. Additionally, Dr. White taught in North Carolina’s community-college system for 13 years, during which time she became aware of the incredible value of community-college educations, both vocational and academic. This scholarship offers up to $4,500 annually to ESCC students who demonstrate need for tuition assistance and/or emergency living expenses. May be used for students in both Academic and Workforce programs.

C. L. Courtney Memorial Scholarship

Funded by the family and friends of C. L. Courtney, this scholarship is selected by Nandua High School.

Camellia Moon Memorial Scholarship

Funded by family and friends of Camellia Moon, this $250 scholarship is selected by Nandua High School and awarded to a full-time student who is a graduate of Nandua and has a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants should apply through Nandua High School.

Commonwealth  Chesapeake Power Station Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship is funded by Commonwealth Chesapeake Company, LLC. Recipient must be an Arcadia High School graduate with a minimum 2.5 GPA, eager to continue their education, as a first year full-time enrolled student in a STEM program at Eastern Shore Community College.

Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship

Funded by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, this $3,500 scholarship is awarded to a first-time, full-time, degree-seeking student who has demonstrated academic excellence, has a willingness to promote community college education and mentor future scholars, and demonstrates a commitment to developing leadership potential.

Cutler/Mears Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is given annually to students who are Eastern Shore residents, demonstrate financial need, maintain a 2.75 GPA, and are enrolled in a certificate or degree program.

David O’ Dell Memorial Scholarship

Funded by family and friends of the late David O’Dell, this scholarship provides $200 for the fall semester only to an applicant enrolled in 6 credits or more in general studies or education. Candidates must have a minimum of 2.75 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students desiring to major in English, Journalism or the Arts if transferring to a 4 year college or university.

David R. (Skeet) Skeoch Scholarship

Established by friends and family of the late David R. Skeoch, this scholarship is awarded to a degree-seeking, Accomack Countystudent who demonstrates financial need. New students must have had at least a “B” high school GPA. A 3.00 GPA must be maintained.

Dooley GED Scholarship

Established by friends and family of the late Elizabeth Sue and Samuel W. Dooley, this scholarship covers a minimum of tuitionand fees for six (6) credits. Candidates must have earned a high school equivalency diploma or certificate and be enrolled in at leastsix (6) credits. Preference will be given to the applicant demonstrating the

Dorothy and Joseph Etz, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Funded by the estate of Mr. Charles T. Etz, this scholarship awards $4,000 to a graduate of Northampton High School that been a resident of Northampton County for at least 3 years. Applicants must have a B- GPA in high school or a minimum cumulative ESCC GPA of 2.50, demonstrated financial need, and be enrolled in an Associate’s degree program.

Eastern Shore Nursing Scholarships

The Eastern Shore Community College Foundation funds five (5) $500 scholarships for full or part-time ESCC/TCC CooperativeNursing or Practical Nursing students. Three have financial need as the primary criteria; two are based solely on academic merit.Candidates must maintain a 2.00 GPA. 

Edwin Leatherbury Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 award given in memory of Edwin Leatherbury by his family is awarded to a student who exhibits financial need,demonstrates involvement in high school activities, has a minimum of a 3.00 high school GPA and, if a returning student, a minimum 2.75 college GPA.

First Generation Scholarship

Funded by an anonymous donor, this $5,000 award is made to one student each year toward continued pursuit of an Associate’s degree.  The scholarship is to be used for tuition and fees only. The student must be enrolled in a degree program, but may be either full- or part-time, must have accumulated at least 30 credits, have a 2.70 cumulative GPA, and must be the first person in their immediate family (parents and siblings) to have attended college. After the above criteria have been met, preference will be given to an applicant whose family or themselves are immigrants to the United States.

Frances B. Latimer Memorial Scholarship

This $500 award given in memory of Frances B. Latimer benefits students in the Early Childhood Education or Developmentprograms who demonstrate financial need and maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA.

GFWC Woman’s Club of the Eastern Shore Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is funded annually by the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs, Women’s Club of the Eastern Shore and is given to a student studying Education or Nursing and showing financial need. Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75, and priority is given to a female returning to school after raising a family or seeking a second career.

Grace United Methodist Church Scholarship

The Grace United Methodist Church Foundation funds this $1,000 scholarship. New students must have a minimum 2.00 GPA in highschool, and returning students must maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to the student demonstratingthe greatest financial need. The recipient will be required to write a letter introducing himself / herself and describing theireducational goals.

Martha H. James Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by Franktown United Methodist Women. This scholarship provides $500 a year to a student who is a Virginia resident in financial need with a minimum GPA of 2.8.

H. Michael Judge Memorial Scholarship

Awarded in memory of H. Michael Judge, this $500 scholarship is available for students who are enrolled in one of the transfer programs, maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA and demonstrate financial need.

H. Powell Custis Memorial Scholarship

The Eastern Shore Community College Foundation funds this $900 scholarship in memory of H. Powell Custis. New students musthave at least a 3.00 high school GPA and demonstrate involvement in high school activities; returning students must havecompleted at least twelve (12) credits and maintained a minimum 2.75 college cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to theapplicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Helen Goldberg Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is funded by the Melfa Rotary Club. The applicant must be a graduate of Nandua High School orArcadia High School.  If an entering high school student, the application must have a minimum of a “B-“ GPA. If a returningstudent, student must have a minimum 2.75 GPA. After academic qualifications have been met, preference will be given to theapplicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Jane Duer Chandler Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is given in memory of Jane Duer Chandler by friends and family. Candidates must enroll full-time in an Associate ofArts and Sciences Degree (Transfer) Program and maintain a 2.50 GPA. Applicant must have been a resident of AccomackCounty for at least two years and demonstrate financial need.

Jeanine Waterfield Tyson Memorial Scholarship

One $500 scholarship is given in memory of Jeanine Waterfield Tyson by Bonnie and R. L. Waterfield for students enrolled in theEducation program. Applicants must maintain a 2.50 GPA. Preference will be given to the applicant showing greatest financial need.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship

The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to low-income women, ages 35 and older, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing an undergraduate education or a trade skills certification at an accredited college or university in the United States. Scholarships are renewable for up to 5 years and distributed directly to the recipient.  The application is due in February. Please click here for more info and to apply:  https://rankinfoundation.org/

Jereme James Parks Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded anonymously in memory of Jereme J. Parks. New students must have a minimum 2.00 GPA in highschool. Returning students must maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.. Preference is given to the student demonstrating the greatest financial need. The recipient will be required to write a letter introducing himself/herself and describing their educational goals.

Jo Dahlke Nursing Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is awarded in memory of Mrs. Jo Dahlke to support the education of health care professionals whose field of study is Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assisting or Practical Nursing. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate financial need.

John Rogers Mapp Scholarship

This $900 scholarship is funded by the Eastern Shore Community College Foundation. New students must have at least a 3.00 highschool GPA and demonstrate involvement in high school activities; returning students must have completed at least twelve (12)credits and maintain a minimum 2.75 college cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to the applicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

John W. Robertson Memorial Scholarship

This award of $750 is funded by the Onancock/Melfa Rotary Club. It is given annually to an Accomack County resident who isenrolled for at least twelve (12) credit hours and maintains a minimum GPA of 2.00, demonstrates financial need, has a record ofservice to the community, and has been an Accomack County resident for at least six months.

Johna H. Davis Endowment Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is given by friends and family in memory of Johna H. Davis. Recipients must be enrolled in a transfer program,must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, and must demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to a students interested in pursuing a career in insurance or real estate.

Johna Davis Memorial Scholarship

The Eastern Shore Community College Foundation funds this $900 scholarship. New students must have at least a 3.00 high schoolGPA and demonstrate involvement in high school activities; returning students must have completed at least 12 credits andmaintained a minimum 2.75 college cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to the applicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Kore Heggoy Memorial Scholarship

Two $500 scholarships are given annually to students who are graduates of Nandua High School. Priority is given to those pursuing workforce training or professional certificates. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Landsberger Scholarships

Two scholarships are funded annually by David Landsberger in the amount of $1,000 each. Applicants must demonstratefinancial need, maintain a 3.00 minimum GPA, and be full-time students. Preference will be given to residents of Chincoteague, VA.

Latino Leadership Scholarship

Funded by the Eastern Shore United Methodist Church Hispanic Ministry Scholarship Fund, this scholarship awards up to $1,600 per student per semester for students of Latino origin who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Laura and Morris Lewis Memorial Scholarship

This award is funded in memory of Laura and Morris Lewis by friends and family. Applicants must be enrolled in the Electronicscertificate or degree program. New students must have maintained a 2.00 GPA or “C” average in high school and returning students must maintain at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA.

Margaret James Warren Nursing Scholarships

This scholarship awards $2,000 annually in grants of $500 up to $1,000 for students in the allied health programs. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and be residents of Accomack or Northampton County.  After other qualifications have been met, preference will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Margo Hunt GED Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by David Hunt, Alice Hunt, and Bruce Hunt as a tribute to Margo Hunt and as an encouragement toGED graduates to pursue a collegiate education. Up to four (4) awards will be given to applicants who have earned a highschool equivalency diploma or certificate GED and are enrolled in at least 3 credits. The awards fund the costs of tuition, fees,books, and required supplies to a maximum of $1,000 each. Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 2.00 cumulative GPA.Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Martha H. James Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by the Franktown United Methodist Church Women and provides $500 a year to a student who is a Virginia resident in financial need with a minimum GPA of 2.8.

Mildred Waples Bloxom Memorial Scholarship

The Soroptimist Club of Accomack County annually supports this $500 scholarship, which is based on academic achievement andfinancial need. The scholarship is awarded in the fall semester only. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program and musthave completed at least twelve (12) credits. Candidates must maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA.

Miles Blanco Scholarship

This scholarship program was established and funded by an endowment from Mr. Vernon Miles in memory of his wife, ElizabethPayne Miles, himself, and Isabel G. Blanco. This endowed scholarship will fund scholarships to students in the Educationprogram, the number and size of which will be adjusted by the income generated each year. Applicants must maintain a minimum2.75 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to the applicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Miss Lucille Memorial Nursing Assistance Scholarship

This $500 scholarship for a Nursing Assistant student awards tuition and fees and is funded by the family and friends of Lucille Brickhouse, whose zest and passion of brightening someone’s day and sharing the love of Jesus radiated from her even on a cloudy day. Miss Lucille’s family hopes that this scholarship will carry on her helping hand legacy, especially to the lonely patient. The recipient must maintain a 2.5 GPA and write a one paragraph essay on why the student believes he/she can make a positive difference.

Mrs. A’s Nursing Science Memorial Scholarship

Funded by Dr. James Alexander and daughter Mary Beth, this scholarship grants up to $1,000 per year for a student pursuing Nursing who demonstrates financial need and is taking Anatomy and Physiology or Microbiology.

Nancy J. Stern Health Care Scholarship

This scholarship honors the 37 years of service Nancy J. Stern gave to the Eastern Shore Community and Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. This scholarship recognizes Nancy’s passion for health education, and it provides a total of $5,000 to be awarded annually to Eastern Shore Community College students to advance their education in any facet of medical, dental, or behavioral health care. Priority is given to students with demonstrated need.

Ralston Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Mrs. Faye Ralston. Applicants must be the child of a current or past employee of ESCC or berecommended by a present or past employee of ESCC as having a special financial need. Entering students must havemaintained at least a 2.00 GPA in high school.  Returning ESCC students must have a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.

Reverend Harry W. and Mrs. Catherine D. Crandall Scholarship

This endowed scholarship is funded by members of the community, parishioners/friends of Hungars Church (Bridgtown) and Christ Church (Eastville), as a tribute to long-time rector, Rev. Harry W. Crandall and his wife Kitty who served the Hungars Cure Parish from 1983-2002. Reverend Crandall also served a number of Eastern Shore nonprofit community organizations, including the ESCC Foundation Board from 1999-2007 and as Foundation Board President from 2004-2007.  This scholarship awards tuition and fees annually to a graduate of Northampton High School, pursuing the academic or workforce track. Priority is given to applicants planning to attend full-time, enrolled in 15 hours or more, demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.25.

Robert L. Krieger Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Eastern Shore Community College Foundation. Normally, the award goes to a new student;however, the College reserves the right to make an award to a returning student when the number and quality of applicants warrantsthis action. The award will provide for tuition, fees and books up to $900. New students must have at least a 3.00 high school GPA,maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA at ESCC, and demonstrate involvement in high school activities. Returning studentsmust have completed at least twelve (12) credits and maintain a minimum 2.75 college cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to the applicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Robert S. Bloxom Scholarship

The ESCC Foundation funds this $900 scholarship. New students must have at least a 3.00 high school GPA, maintain aminimum 2.75 cumulative GPA at ESCC, and demonstrate involvement in high school activities; returning students must havecompleted at least twelve (12) credits and maintain a minimum 2.75 college cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to theapplicant demonstrating the greatest financial need.

Robin Rich-Coates Opportunity Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Robin Rich-Coates and provides $1,000 per year ($500 each semester) for students who maintain a GPA of 3.0.

Ronnie and Brenda Holden Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Dr. Ronnie and Mrs. Brenda Holden and provides $700 per year to a student studying Business or Education who maintains a GPA of 3.0.

Shiloh Baptist Church

This scholarship for one award annually is funded by Shiloh Baptist Church. The applicant must demonstrate financial need and be a resident of Virginia.

Sophie Rola Memorial Scholarship

This award of $100.00 is funded by the college staff and other friends, and is made annually in memory of Sophie Rola. It is intended to beapplied to the purchase of fall semester books and supplies for Business Administration, Business Management, or AdministrativeAssistant majors. Candidates must have completed a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits and maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.

Stephen Hopkins Memorial Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a financial need and has an academic standing of 2.75 GPA.

T. Hallett Badger Vocational Education Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is funded by the friends and family of T. Hallett Badger, a long-time member of the Accomack CountySchool Board who stressed the importance of vocational education in the county school system. The applicant must havecompleted a vocational education program in Accomack County schools and have a 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA. The applicantmust be enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree, Certificate or Career Studies Certificate program. Selection will bebased on academic merit, although good citizenship and involvement in school and community activities will also be considered.

Tyler-Gaskill Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Charles Tyler through the Tyler-Gaskill Scholarship Endowment Fund and isgiven to a student who has resided in Northampton County for at least five years and is a resident at the time of graduation fromhigh school. She/he must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) credits and must maintain a minimum of 2.25 GPA at ESCC. Preference will be given to the student demonstrating the greatest financial need. If the recipient meets minimum academicrequirements, the award will be renewed for a second year.

VASBA  Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is funded by the Virginia AeroSpace Business Association for a full-time student who is studying Electronics Technology, Electronics, or Industrial Technology.  Recipient must be a resident of Virginia and maintain a minimum GPA of  2.75.

Virginia Beta Tau Chapter of ADK Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is funded annually by the Virginia Beta Tau Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority and is given  to a student studying Education or Early Childhood Education. Recipients must show financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Walker Family Scholarship

Established by the Walker family, this scholarship offers up to $5,000 to recipients and prioritizes DACA and Undocumented students. Other students with demonstrated financial need can be eligible as well.

Whitehead Scholarship

Up to two $3,000 scholarships will assist students pursuing an occupational or technical certificate or degree. Recipients must have a high school diploma or GED and demonstrate financial need.

The Eastern Shore Community College Foundation reserves the right to alter the eligibility requirements and the amount of awards as circumstances may dictate.  Additional awards may be made and applicants will be considered for all awards for which they are eligible.  In addition to the listed scholarships, a number of organizations provide scholarships, where the recipients are selected by the clubs, not by the Eastern Shore Community College Financial Aid Committee.