Robert H. Short Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.

Overview

The Robert H. Short Scholarship provides need-based, last-dollar renewable awards to eligible Cumberland County, NC students pursuing undergraduate study at nonprofit institutions. Awards may be applied at public universities or private nonprofit colleges and support full-time matriculation. The program combines academic achievement and demonstrated financial need to prioritize recipients. Administration focuses on ensuring continuity of support through annual renewal requirements.

Description: Renewable scholarship for high school graduates from Cumberland County to attend nonprofit colleges or universities.

Award Value: Up to $7,500 per year for up to four years.

• Last-dollar, need-based aid for undergraduate study.
• Supports full-time enrollment at nonprofit institutions.
• Renewable annually subject to academic and need-based conditions.

Eligibility

Applicants must be high school seniors with residency and graduation ties to Cumberland County, NC, and demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need. Candidates must matriculate full time at an eligible nonprofit college or university within six months of high school graduation. The application requires submission of the FAFSA-generated Student Aid Index and supporting materials, including transcripts and recommendations. For-profit institutions are not eligible for award funds.

Eligibility: Requirements applicants must meet to apply and be considered for award selection.

• Proven residency in Cumberland County, NC
• Graduation from a Cumberland County high school, early college, or home school in the spring after the application deadline
• Enrollment at a nonprofit college or university within six months of high school graduation
• Full-time, matriculating student status (for-profit institutions excluded)
• Weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Proof of Pell Grant eligibility via the Student Aid Index from the FAFSA
• Complete online application with required recommendations and high school transcripts

• Designed for recent Cumberland County high school graduates.
• Strong academic performance and demonstrated Pell eligibility required.
• Timely and complete application materials are mandatory.

Selection Criteria

Applications are scored using a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and evidence of community involvement or work experience. Financial need is a primary factor and is assessed using the Student Aid Index from the FAFSA. Academic record and extracurricular or work contributions are considered to distinguish among similarly needy candidates. The selection process aims to allocate funds to students most likely to benefit and persist in postsecondary study.

Selection Priorities: Factors used to evaluate and rank applicants.

• Financial need (primary consideration)
• Academic achievement
• Community service and/or work history

• Need drives initial prioritization of candidates.
• Academic performance remains an important differentiator.
• Community or work engagement strengthens applications.

Renewal Requirements

The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years provided recipients meet ongoing academic and financial standards. Renewal requires continuous full-time enrollment in good standing and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Recipients must continue to demonstrate financial need and submit the renewal request by the specified deadline to remain eligible. Compliance with these conditions enables sustained support through undergraduate study.

Renewal Conditions: Required criteria to maintain the scholarship from year to year.

• Maintain full-time enrollment in good standing
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Continue to demonstrate financial need
• Submit the renewal request on or before the deadline

• Renewal depends on academic progress and documented need.
• Timely renewal applications are mandatory.
• Failure to meet conditions may result in loss of funding.