Winston Salem Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Winston - Salem Foundation

Since 1923 our community has come together so more local students can reach the futures they imagine. Today the Foundation manages more than 160 scholarship funds and, this school year, awarded $1.7 million to 582 students from Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties.

Which students should apply

• There are scholarships for many kinds of students: different interests, fields of study, GPAs, high schools, and colleges. Whether you’re a traditional-age student headed to a university or a non-traditional student returning to school, there are opportunities you might qualify for.

Two main programs WSF SCHOLARS

• Scholarships that typically target traditional-age students attending universities. Criteria vary (interests, GPA, area of study, etc.).
• One-Stop Scholarship Application opens January 1.
• Apply by midnight on March 15.
• Funding decisions provided in late May.

WSF ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS

• Designed to help students meet unmet financial need. Available to both traditional and non-traditional students at universities and community colleges.
• One-Stop Scholarship Application opens January 1.
• Apply by midnight on March 15 to be considered for the largest number of awards.
• Final application deadline is midnight on August 15 (note: many awards are given first-come, first-served).
• Funding decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the summer, with final notifications by August.

Key dates at a glance

• January 1: One-Stop Scholarship Application opens.
• March 15 (midnight): Best deadline to apply for maximum consideration.
• Late May: WSF Scholars awards announced.
• Rolling through summer / by August: WSF Access awards announced; final deadline August 15.

How the application works (one application, many matches)

• Most scholarships are accessed through the online One-Stop Scholarship Application. Complete the application once and you’ll automatically be considered for any funds for which you’re eligible.
• You’ll create an online account so you can save and return to your work.

Step-by-step checklist

1. If you are a U.S. citizen, complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov as your first task. If you are not a citizen, enter the WSF portal after January 1 and follow the instructions there.
2. Log in to the One-Stop Scholarship Application and create your account.
3. Complete the General Application and any recommended supplemental questions you are prompted to fill out.
4. Upload the required documents (see below) and meet the deadlines listed above.
5. Wait for notifications—Scholars decisions in May; Access awards on a rolling basis through the summer.

Documents you’ll need

• FAFSA Submission Summary (after you file FAFSA).
• Most recent transcript:
  • High school transcript through 11th grade for graduating seniors, or
  • College transcript if you are already in college.
• Contact information for someone who can write a recommendation for you.

Teacher tips

• Start early. FAFSA can take time, and some awards are first-come, first-served.
• Save drafts often in the One-Stop portal so nothing is lost.
• Ask for recommendations early and give your recommender any necessary details about deadlines and how to submit.
• Even if you think your GPA isn’t perfect, apply — many scholarships consider more than grades.

Final note One thoughtful, complete application opens doors to many different scholarships. If you want, bring your questions (or a list of your activities and classes) and I’ll help you get started.