A broad range of funding opportunities for students 

Eastern Shore Community College is pleased to offer 54 new scholarships totaling over $250,000 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Highlights include the addition of eight Johnsen Presidential Scholarships valued at $5,000 each and the new Ratcliffe Scholars Program. In partnership with the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, students in the ESCC trades programs of HVAC, Welding, Electricity, Electronics, Google IT, Computer Technology, and Industrial Technology are eligible for funding to cover tuition and fees, books, supplies and equipment, internships, technology, plus allowances for housing, transportation, and other living expenses. 

The fall semester begins August 24 with 8-week sessions, and many classes will be offered online. 

Additionally students can check out Chromebooks from ESCC’s Learning Resource Center so they can complete their coursework. 

ESCC President Dr. Jim Shaeffer explains, “At Your Eastern Shore Community College we are here to help. We can help you map out your path to a good paying job and career; we can help you enroll; and we can help in providing financial support to nearly all of our students. I am very pleased that through the generosity of our friends and neighbors, Your Eastern Shore Community College has an additional $250,000 in scholarship funding for Fall 2020. Our YES! is encouraging all students to complete the FAFSA and apply for these scholarships.” 

Applications are listed online along with a complete listing of all scholarships. Students can meet with a Success Coach to plan their course of study and complete their applications. 

“We truly have scholarships for every type of student in every field of study, and we want people to take advantage of them,” says Patty Kellam, Executive Director of ESCC Foundation. 

Shaw Matthews, a 2020 graduate of ESCC and the outgoing president of the Student Government Association explains, “Scholarships benefited me greatly at ESCC, and they are easy to apply for. I received the John Rogers Mapp scholarship, the Bannon Foundation scholarship, and the Jane Duer Chandler Memorial Scholarship from ESCC. I also received a Valley Proteins fellowship from the Virginia Community College System. Scholarships were instrumental in allowing me to pursue my education at ESCC, and provided me with major opportunities to grow my leadership and educational skills. I would not have been able to attend without them.” Shaw recently completed his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts at ESCC and will attend the University of Virginia in August where he plans to study history. 

ESCC Foundation is proud to partner with 60 generous donors and local organizations to offer over 127 scholarships providing over $312,000 in aid. 

Scholarships offered for the first time at ESCC 

The Jo Dahlke Nursing Scholarship will support the education of health care professionals for Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assisting or Practical Nursing. 

Five 3:20 Scholarships will be awarded to graduates of Arcadia, Nandua and Chincoteague High School. 

The Bill & June Wurtz Scholarship will fund a student who is the first in their family to attend college. 

The Walker Family Scholarship offers up to $5,000 to recipients with demonstrated need, including DACA and Undocumented students. 

The Whitehead Scholarships of $3,000 each will assist students pursuing occupational or technical certificates or degrees, including those in Allied Health. 

For those who do not qualify for traditional financial aid, WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) has money that may be available for training. These grants are distributed from the three funding categories of youth (ages 18-24), adults, and dislocated workers. Applicants must apply for traditional financial aid first. 

To help the Eastern Shore community and local students move forward from COVID-19, ESCC has extended the deadline for scholarships to July 15. Students are encouraged to visit es.vccs.edu/news/local-escc-and-community-scholarships-available/ for a complete listing and applications that can be completed online. Students can also email studentservices@es.vccs.edu with questions. 

ESCC scholarship recipient Shaw Matthews, pictured with Peggy and Dr. Jim Shaeffer, at a Virginia Community College System Scholarship celebration in Richmond earlier in 2020.