Investing in future community leaders
In 2002, Peggy and John Eaton established the CFNRV’s first scholarship fund – The T. Scott Eaton Scholarship Fund. They created this fund in honor of their son, Scott. That year, the fund awarded our first-ever scholarship of $500. In the years since, the program has become the fastest growing area of our work. Now, we have more than 50 different funds that give out $100,000+ in scholarships each year. In total, since we started our scholarship program, we have given out more than $1.2 million in scholarships, supporting hundreds of students as they pursued higher education.
We support students from all walks of life who are pursuing a variety of majors and careers. These students are either from and studying in Virginia’s New River Valley. Some are high school seniors about to embark on the next step in their education, some are current students in college or attending trade/technical school, and others are older adults who are headed back to school.
Many of these students stay in Virginia to attend school, but we also support students who venture out of state. In a typical year, 20% of our students are the first in their families to attend college.
Past CFNRV scholarship recipients
Our recipients have diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests. But what they all share is tremendous potential. Below, you’ll find lists of our scholarship recipients since 2017.
Hear from Recent Recipients
Andrea Leng, a student at Washington University in St. Louis, received a scholarship from the Benjamin Eiss Memorial Fund in 2024
“I am super grateful for the scholarship donors that are a part of the Community Foundation. It has helped me in my journey of pursuing higher-level education every year. Especially as a student already in college, I am thankful that this foundation is open to those who graduated [from high school] a few years ago, and can keep applying for aid throughout their years in college.”
Tali O’Neil, a student at New River Community College, received a scholarship from the Wings Fund in 2022
Thank you for believing in me! I am so grateful to the Community Foundation for supporting me in my endeavors to further my education. It is another step in me being able to fulfill my potential. It is also proof to myself and all others that have been in my shoes that it is never too late to believe in yourself and become the person you were always meant to be.
Noah McCarty, a student at The College of William and Mary, received a scholarship from the Jo Ann Slate Smith Fund in 2021
I would like to say thank you to the Community Foundation of the New River Valley and the donors of the Jo Ann Slate Smith Scholarship Fund. I am truly grateful for this generous award. This scholarship will help me afford much needed school supplies including housing costs, textbooks, technology supplies and give me the support that I will need to be a successful Biology [student].
Learn more
Students: are you interested in applying for a scholarship? Our application opens in each October and closes at the end of January. Learn more on our scholarships page.
Community members: are you interested starting a scholarship fund of your own? Learn more about establishing a scholarship fund on this page.