The Benwood Foundation will award $300,000 in scholarships to Hamilton County students over the next four years.
The foundation will partner with the Public Education Foundation and Hamilton County Schools to support high school seniors through their college journey.
Benwood will annually award last-dollar scholarships of up to $5,000 per student to cover unmet college costs as well as provide summer internships and other travel and enrichment experiences.
Community leaders and Benwood Foundation trustees will serve as mentors to the scholars.
“For the past 75 years, The Benwood Foundation has worked to ensure that all Chattanoogans have the opportunity to prosper,” says Benwood Foundation President Sarah Morgan. “Our trustees want to honor this work by supporting students throughout their college career.”
“This scholarship comes at a time when students have great need for support,” says Stacy Lightfoot, vice president of college and career success at PEF. “We’re excited that Benwood Foundation is partnering with PEF and giving hope to students through this scholarship.”
Scholarship awards will vary by recipient and will be based on costs that remain after financial aid and other scholarships have been applied.
The scholarship is need-based and will be renewable for up to four years. It will be offered to students graduating in 2020 from Brainerd High School, East Ridge High School, Hixson High School, The Howard School, Red Bank High School and Tyner Academy.
Students must have a 2.75 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation and demonstrate perseverance and leadership, the foundation says in a news release.
Apply at pefchattanooga.org. The application deadline is June 12.
Source: Benwood Foundation