The DSLCC Educational Foundation has scholarships available for qualified graduating seniors from James River High School.  Most of the scholarships are merit based subscribing to the Foundation’s belief in rewarding academic success achieved through hard work and determination.

According to Scholarship Committee Chair, Donna Vaughn, of Eagle Rock, the Educational Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for area students who make DSLCC their college of choice and who meet both the College entrance requirements and the individual scholarship criteria.  Last year, the non-profit organization awarded over $95,000 to residents of the college’s service area.  

Although Foundation Director, Lynda Thompson, will visit all area high schools to discuss the scholarships and the application process, interested students or their parents are invited to contact the Educational Foundation office by phone at 863-2837 or by email at lthompson@dslcc.edu.

Since its incorporation in 1980, the non-profit Educational Foundation has awarded over 1000 scholarships worth more than $1 million.  “We are indebted to the foresight and support of our generous donors who have shown a commitment to the citizens of the local community by promoting and providing educational opportunities,” said Vaughn.  “The Educational Foundation’s mission is to “Build Hope…Build Futures…Build Lives” for area residents by securing the resources necessary to assist them in successfully pursuing post-secondary education, achieving positive life outcomes, and in building more productive futures.”  

 “Chances are that DSLCC has had some impact on area residents’ lives more than is realized,” continued Vaughn.  The nurse who assisted a loved one likely graduated from our nursing program.  Perhaps the friend of a son or daughter completed an Associate degree from DSLCC before transferring to a four-year college or university.  Or, maybe a neighbor who lost his or her job has been retrained at DSLCC and now is embarking upon a new and satisfying career.  Many DSLCC graduates have built successful and rewarding careers right here in the Alleghany Highlands,” Vaughn concluded.

DSLCC’s Guaranteed Admissions Agreements with about forty colleges and universities make it an ideal place to begin one’s pursuit of higher education. These agreements allow students enrolled at DSLCC to apply for guaranteed admission to some of the best colleges and universities in the nation and to enter the four-year institution with junior status.  This opportunity is offered to DSLCC graduates who want to enter a bachelor’s degree program, have earned the required GPA, and have satisfied certain other requirements of the college to which the student is transferring.  Guaranteed Admission Agreements allow the student to obtain a college education for half, or even less, of the cost of a similar program at a four-year institution.  When you consider DSLCC’s first-rate faculty, small class size, and state-of-the art facilities, DSLCC simply is the best choice for many area students.

Applications are available from all service area high school guidance offices and from the Educational Foundation Office in room 104, Backels Hall on the main campus in Clifton Forge. Applications also may be filled out online at http://www.dslcc.edu/PRESIDENT/about/foundation/ScholarshipForms/EducationFoundation_Scholarship_App.html#hsapplication and printed and mailed or hand delivered to the Foundation Office. Completed applications must be received in the Educational Foundation Office by Monday, April 15. 

Submitted by Lynda Thompson, Director