Scholarship Opportunity

Melanie J. Retzke Scholarship Fund

Offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

One-time aid for eligible Erwin-district seniors, with a preference for female students.

EssayRequired
RenewableNo
Grade LevelHigh School Senior

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2027 foundation intake; early-November opening, exact day unannounced

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineFebruary 26, 2027

Eligibility

  • Buncombe County legal resident graduating from the Erwin district's public high schools, currently Clyde A. Erwin and Martin L. Nesbitt Discovery Academy; district residents at public magnet/charter schools, NCSSM or UNCSA also qualify.
  • Demonstrate financial need. Female students are preferred, not exclusively eligible.
  • Published academic criteria list 3.0 weighted GPA, writing aptitude and interest in music/arts; confirm how the GPA criterion is applied.
  • Virginia Tech or Ohio State attendance plans are listed among selection criteria; confirm whether other colleges qualify before applying.

Requirements

  • Online application, personal statement, academic/activities information and two recommendations.
  • Provide SAT OR ACT scores and financial information as requested by the current packet.
  • Narrative essay on the award's educational impact, how you have expanded your horizons and future opportunities you hope to pursue.

How to Apply

  1. 1Follow the fund's online link when the early-November intake opens.
  2. 2Submit the complete application and both recommendations by February 26, 2027.

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