CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The deadline to apply for the West Virginia Scholar Program is quickly approaching.
High school juniors in the Mountain State have until April 15 to apply for a four-year scholarship to West Virginia Wesleyan College.
The winner will receive a full ride to West Virginia Wesleyan valued at $160,000.
“It’s opening that pathway, not only to them getting into college and being able to afford it, but also a pathway to making an incredible difference not only in the state, but in the country as well,” said John Waltz, vice president for enrollment management and interim vice president for student development at West Virginia Wesleyan.
Waltz discussed the program during a Monday appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”
He said the program is open to every high school junior in West Virginia. Students are encouraged to fill out the application, which includes an essay portion.
“We want to know about the things that they’re involved in,” Waltz said. “The essay allows them not only a chance to show their creativity and thoughtfulness, but really to show the way that they write and the way that that information is organized.”
It’s not all about good grades, Waltz said. Those who judge the applications are looking for a well-rounded student.
“Usually they find it’s the co-curricular, it’s the service, it’s the accomplishments both in the classroom, but also outside the classroom that really differentiate people that have an opportunity to win. It really is a well-rounded thing,” he said.
The essay portion asks students how they can better West Virginia.
“Just in some of the early ones we’ve received — wow, what an inspiration it is to read about all the things students want to do and the ways they want to make our state better,” Waltz said. “I think the future is certainly in great hands with students from all around the state of West Virginia.”
The program, in its 11th year, is in partnership with MetroNews. Other sponsors include West Virginia Hospital Association, ZMM Architects, Friends of Coal, West Virginia Forestry Association, RBC Wealth Management, West Virginia Farm Bureau and KOMAX Business Systems.
To apply for the scholarship, CLICK HERE.