Local community foundation opens scholarship applications, with almost $1 million in funding available

Students seeking funding to pursue academic or vocational studies in fall 2025 can now apply for scholarship opportunities with The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham (TCFHR).

Nearly $1 million in funding is available, with additional funds for vocational studies available through the Virginia Ready program.

The application cycle closes April 24.

Learn more about all scholarships.

Awards range from $500 to $10,000. Approximately 80 committee members determine the awardees, which are announced in the late spring.

TCFHR’s website includes more information and eligibility criteria about the 26 scholarships offered. Adult students and high school students from most counties in the Shenandoah Valley and many adjoining areas are eligible to apply.

“Not all of the 26 scholarship funds are for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County students. We work with donors who want to support students up and down the Shenandoah Valley,” said Senior Director of Scholarships and Grants Ann Siciliano. “We encourage students, parents and guidance counselors to visit our website and take a look at what is offered, including some new opportunities this year.”

Scholarships offer general support to those pursuing trade skills, professional certifications, and general academic studies, as well as to those pursuing specific academic fields, such as music, kinesiology, education, and agriculture.

Some scholarships are limited to applicants from specific high schools. Others support students who want to pursue their education in a certain vocation or career path.

Siciliano urges students and parents to spend a few minutes reading about the scholarships. “I think people will be surprised about the number of opportunities,” she said. “Donors come to us with connections to geographic areas or certain high schools or fields of study and we work with them to help meet their philanthropic goals.”

About half of the scholarships funded by donors commemorate or memorialize a family member. The newest scholarship remembers Captain Anderson “Andy” King and is open to graduating seniors from public high schools in a 13-county area who will pursue agricultural studies.

The Mark Price and Kimberly Jo Price Lapsley Memorial Scholarship is also new this year and celebrates the lives of these two graduates of Turner Ashby High School by supporting fellow TA grads pursuing vocational education.