Scholarships
Ledford High School
Scholarship Newsletter
NOTE: This scholarship list is not inclusive of all available scholarships. Most colleges offer merit scholarships and need-based scholarships. Student Services encourages seniors to research each college in which they are interested, in order to determine all possible scholarship opportunities. Seniors should contact the colleges to request information on scholarships and financial aid. Student Services is always available to answer questions and provide assistance with future-planning procedures.
Welcome, Seniors of the Class of 2021!
We are fast approaching some very important deadlines. Get your minds in gear quickly about the following!
- Take admissions tests (SAT and ACT) – YOU MUST REGISTER SOON!!!
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- Please be advised that the UNC System universities will not require SAT and ACT test scores on students’ applications for the spring, summer, and fall 2021 sessions. Sending in test scores is optional for UNC System universities
- Please check with non-UNC System universities individually for SAT and ACT test scores requirements.
- Apply to college - You need to be checking specific college websites for application deadlines IMMEDIATELY and for college-specific scholarship information.
College Admissions / Placement Test Dates
Students must be aware of registration deadlines for the following standardized tests. To register for the SAT, go to College Board. To register for the ACT, go to ACT.College admissions information:
Seniors should check the website for ANY college of interest regarding the admission deadlines that may apply. Guidance can not possibly check all college websites. MANY COLLEGES ARE EMPHASIZING: Apply online. Students are encouraged to apply with their CFNC account to apply to multiple colleges. The Common Application is also available online at Common App. This form can be filled out once to submit to any one of the almost 500 participating colleges.
Transcripts
You can send your transcript electronically to any North Carolina college/university via CFNC; if you need assistance with this please email your School Counselor. Students who need a transcript for a college/university outside of North Carolina for any reason should sign up on the clipboard in Student Services.
Volunteer Hours
You can find a copy of the Volunteer Service Form on the Student Services website or you may pick up a copy in Student Services. 
Dakota Mills Memorial Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Who: Dakota Mills passed away in July 2015 from injuries sustained in a tragic car accident. He was a student at Ledford High School, class of 2018. Dakota had an infectious smile, knew no stranger, and was loved by many in our community. His first love was his involvement in The Explorer program at Gumtree Fired Department, with a future goal in mind of becoming a professional firefighter. This Scholarship was created by the men and women of Gumtree Fire and REscue to honor and memorialize Dakota. The family would like for the recipient of this scholarship to be interested in Fire Safety or Paramedic/EMT studies, however, they will review all applications regardless of the field of study.
How: You may pick up an application in Student Services or print a copy from the Student Services website.
Application Deadline: April 9, 2021
LHS Student Services Scholarship
Award: $500
Who: This scholarship is intended for a senior who will be attending a 4-year university or college as a full-time student beginning in the fall of 2020. Students must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA while in high school, have no incidents on Ledford’s campus, and have at least 50 hours of community service documented through the Ledford Student Services Volunteer Service Form
How: You may pick up an application in Student Services or print a copy from the Student Services website.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2021
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens program
Award: $250
Who: The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools that are in good standing with their state boards of education. United States citizenship is not required. The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of:
- Dependability: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality, and being worthy of trust
- Service: cooperation, courtesy, and contributing to the welfare of others
- Leadership: personality, self-control, ability to assume responsibility, ability to inspire others, and a decision-maker
- Patriotism: devotion to and support of one’s country, supporting service members and veterans, working for causes that make one’s community stronger, and appreciating the cultural and historic importance of America’s unique population.
How: Please see Mrs. Cecil in Student Services by Thursday, November 5, for more information.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2020
Lenoir-Rhyne University Teaching Scholars
Award: Up to $5,500 per year
Who: The Lenoir-Rhyne University Teaching Scholars scholarship program is for seniors who wish to pursue teaching as a career.
How: Apply online @ Lenoir-Rhyne Teaching Scholars
Application Deadline: Priority consideration will be given to students competing at the University’s invitation-only Scholarship Day and to applications received by January 10th. However, applications will continue to be accepted beyond this date until all spaces are filled.
Davidson College James B Duke Scholarship
Award: Full tuition + a $5,000 special study stipend
Who: The James B. Duke Scholarship recognizes students whose academic achievement, diverse talents, work ethic, resilience, and concern for others give evidence of their capacity to make a difference in the world. Five new James B. Duke Scholars will be named in each entering class.
How: Apply online @ James B Duke Scholarship
Application Deadline: Finalists will be identified in March and will participate in selection interviews
UNC-Chapel Hill-Morehead-Cain Foundation Scholarship
Award: Full tuition
Who: Seniors that show leadership skills, the moral force of character, scholarship, physical vigor, and set a higher standard for the school community.
How: The Ledford High School Scholarship Committee may endorse three candidates. If you are not one of the three candidates chosen you may still apply directly for this scholarship. Interested students can apply directly by visiting Morehead-Cain Foundation Scholarship
Application Deadline: October 15, 2020
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-Thomas Wolfe Scholarship
Award: Full tuition for 4 years
Who: Seniors must show exemplary leadership, be involved in community service, show academic excellence, and physical vigor. Artistic merit is the chief criterion of selection. Students who write poetry, fiction, plays, literary non-fiction (personal narratives, memoir, travel and nature essays, literary journalism, belles-lettres) are eligible. The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship seeks to identify and reward students with exceptionally focused literary ability and promise.
How: Apply online @ The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship
Application Deadline: General application to UNC is due by October 15, 2020. The scholarship application deadline is November 15, 2020.
Seton Hall University’s Pirates Pitch Competition
Award: Varies
Who: Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this competition. Applicants are asked to submit an original business idea that, in 350 words or less, describes an innovative product or service that you would like to create or have already created. Applicants will compete for prize money and a scholarship to Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
How: Apply online @ Pirates Pitch Competition
Application Deadline: October 27, 2020
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Award: $20,000
Who: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Eligible high school seniors must be attending a school in the U.S. who will graduate during the 2019-2020 academic school year. They must be a U.S. citizen planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
How: Apply online @ Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Application Deadline: October 31, 2020
UVA Jefferson Scholarship
Award: Full tuition and fees
Who: High school seniors demonstrating excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
How: Stop by student services and see Mrs. Cecil for more details by October 31
Application Deadline: December 1, 2020
NC State University-Park Scholarship
Award: Full tuition
Who: Selection criteria is based on academic merit, exemplary character, exceptional potential for leadership, and the sense of promise that they may one day make contributions of enduring importance to the betterment of the human condition. Financial need is not a consideration. To be eligible for the Park Scholarship students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and apply for fall, the first-year admission into a baccalaureate program at N.C. State.
How: The Ledford High School Scholarship Committee may endorse two candidates. If you are not one of the two candidates chosen you may still apply directly for this scholarship. Interested students can apply directly by visiting Park Scholarship and completing the Self Endorsement Form.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2020
NC State University-Centennial Scholarship
Award: Varies
Who: The Centennial Scholarship program is designed for students who are interested in career fields such as engineering, business management, design, chemistry, polymers, forensics, medical fields, fashion merchandising, and retail management. Competitive applicants demonstrate high academic achievement, strong leadership qualities, involvement in extracurricular activities and civic engagement, and interest in textile-related careers. For scholarship consideration, students must submit an NC State admissions application by the November 1 deadline.
How: Please see Mrs. Cecil in Student Services for a school endorsement as each school is able to endorse an unlimited number of students for the NC State University-Centennial scholarships. Upon completion of the School Endorsement form, students will be emailed a Scholarship application link between mid-October and November 1. For more information about these scholarships visit the Wilson College of Textiles Scholarship Page.
Application Deadline: For scholarship consideration, students must submit an NC State admissions application by the November 1 deadline. All Centennial Scholarship application materials must be submitted by December 1, 2020.
NC State University-Goodnight Scholars
Award: $20,500 and renewable for four years.
Who: Seniors that have applied for admissions to NCSU for fall 2021. Student must indicate a family income of less than $110,000 on the NC State application. The student must be a North Carolina resident. Student must select a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) major or STEM education major. Student must demonstrate a history of exceptional academic performance. Submit the general NC State application by November 1, 2020.
How: Apply online @ Goodnight Scholars Program. The Self Nomination Form must be completed between November 1, 2020, and December 1, 2020.
Application Deadline: General NC State application is due by November 1, 2020. The Goodnight Scholars Program Application is due by January 11, 2021.
UNC Charlotte Levine Scholars Program
Award: Full tuition
Who: Students must be applicants for freshman enrollment at UNC Charlotte in an undergraduate program for the fall term immediately following their high school graduation. Note: Students must be admitted to UNC Charlotte to receive a Levine Scholarship. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students must demonstrate a commitment to community service, hold an academic record that reflects a sustained passion for knowledge, and possess a capacity for ethical leadership that elevates fellow students to a higher standard. While there are no minimum SAT, ACT, or grade point averages to apply for the Levine Scholarship, students must excel academically and show evidence of experience, motivation, and commitment toward the ideals of the program.
How: Please stop by Student Services if you are interested in being nominated for the Levine Scholarship. Additional information can be found at the Levine Scholars Program website.
Application Deadline: Nominations for the Levine Scholarship are due October 8, 2020. General admissions application to UNCC is due by November 1, 2020. Levine Scholarship supplemental application is due November 16, 2020.
Army ROTC Scholarship
Award: Varies
Who: The Four-Year High School Scholarship is for high school students planning on attending a four-year college program.
Scholarship Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 26
- Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Score a minimum of 1000 on the SAT (math/verbal) or 19 on the ACT (excluding the required writing test scores)
- Meet physical standards
- Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on Active Duty or in a Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard)
How: Apply online @ Army ROTC Scholarship
Application Deadline: February 4, 2021
Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Award: Varies
Who: Students must be in grades 5-12 as of November 5. The student must be a legal resident of any U.S. state or Washington, D.C. Students must have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred during the 12 months prior to the date of the application. Students must submit a completed application to a school or the head of an officially designated local organization by November 10, 2020.
How: Apply online @ Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Application Deadline: November 10, 2020
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Program
Award: Varies
Who: Seniors who are U.S. citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks National Foundation. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
How: Apply online @ Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: November 15, 2020
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Award: Varies
Who: The Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs specifically assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. While many programs are directed primarily to recognizing academic achievement or leadership potential, the Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need
How: Apply online at Horatio Alger Association National Scholarship
Application Deadline: Varies
Voice of Democracy Essay Scholarship
Award: Varies
Who: Seniors graduating in Spring/Summer of 2021. Students must record an original 3 to 5 minute essay based on the year’s theme, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” and submit it to your local VFW post.
How: Apply online @ VFW Voice of Democracy
Application Deadline: October 31, 2020
Mary and Elliot Wood Foundation-Parker McLendon Scholarship
Award: $6,000
Who: Seniors that are residents of Davidson and Davie County at the time of graduation and have been an active member of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts for a minimum of three years and continue to demonstrate growth toward the aims of Scouting in character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership. Applicant must also have a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 4.0 and an SAT total score of at least 1400 and or a minimum ACT score of 29. SAT or ACT test scores will be optional, and not required, for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
How: Please see Mrs. Cecil in Student Services by Wednesday, October 26 if you are interested in being nominated for this scholarship.
Application Deadline: School nomination must be completed by October 31, 2020. The student application must be completed by December 11, 2020.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
Award: Varies
Who: A senior that plans to graduate from a U.S. high school in 2021. Student must intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2021. Student must earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above. The student must demonstrate unmet financial need. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000. Last year’s cohort of new college scholarship recipients had a median family income of approximately $35,000.
How: Apply online @ Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
Application Deadline: October 31, 2020
Davidson College-John Montgomery Belk Scholarship
Award: Full Tuition
Who: Current high school seniors representing integrity, intellectual enthusiasm and ability, global awareness, leadership potential, and admission to Davidson College.
How: The Ledford High School Scholarship Committee may endorse two candidates.
Application Deadline:
- December 1: Nomination Deadline
- December 15: Admissions Application Deadline
USBC Youth Scholarships
Award: Varies
Who: Seniors who are USBC Members; Requirements vary for the scholarships
How: Apply online @ USBC Youth Scholarships
Application Deadline: Varies
North Carolina A&T Cheatham-White Scholarship
Award: Full Tuition
Who: A senior that has been admitted as a freshman in the fall semester into a baccalaureate program at North Carolina A&T. Student must be a United States citizen or permanent resident. Student must be on course to graduate from high school in the spring semester prior to college admission. Students must have a Minimum 4.0 or higher weighted cumulative GPA. Students must have a minimum scholastic test score of 1280 SAT or 28 ACT. Student must show exceptional qualities of character and leadership and be significantly involved in extracurricular activities. Student must demonstrate a strong commitment to service.
How: For more information on school nomination and self-nomination please see Mrs. Cecil in Student Services by October 23, 2020.
Application Deadline: Scholarship nomination deadline is November 1, 2020. The early action date to apply for admissions to North Carolina A&T State University is October 15, 2020. Cheatham White Scholarship application deadline is December 1, 2020.
Catawba College West Teaching Scholarship
Award: Up to $5,000
Who: Seniors planning to attend Catawba College to pursue a career in teaching. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.4 and a minimum SAT of 1170 or a minimum ACT of 24. Selection criteria include high academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and commitment to teaching. Must apply to Catawba for admission before completing the scholarship application.
How: Apply online @ Catawba College West Teaching Scholarship
Application Deadline: December 1, 2020
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Award: Varies
Who: Seniors who are U.S. citizens. Applicants do NOT need to be related to a member of the Elks National Foundation.
How: Scholarship application can be found online @ Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Application Deadline: November 15, 2020
Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson University
Award: $10,000 dispersed over four years.
Who: Seniors who are interested in Clemson University and would like to study the moral, political, and economic foundations of a free society. Scholarships are competitive.
How: Apply online @ Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson University
Application Deadline: December 11, 2020
Criminal Justice Essay Contest
Award: Varies
Who: The essay contest is open to juniors and seniors in high school, as well as students enrolled in two-year and four-year colleges and universities and graduate school programs in Nevada and throughout the United States. Applicants who are 17 years old or younger will need to provide parental consent to enter.
How: Apply online @ Adras & Altig Criminal Justice Essay Contest
Application Deadline: December 15, 2020
AXA Achievement Scholarship
Award: Varies
Who: Seniors planning to enroll full-time in a two or four-year college or university for the entire 2020-2021 school year and are U.S. citizens or legal residents. Award is given to those who demonstrate ambition and self-drive as evidenced by outstanding achievement in school, community, or work-related events.
How: Apply online @ AXA Achievement Scholarship
Application Deadline: December 15, 2020
FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) Essay Contest
Award: Varies
Who: Open to juniors and seniors in U.S. high schools, including home-schooled students, as well as U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.
How: Apply online @ FIRE
Application Deadline: December 31, 2020
UNCG Teacher Education Fellows Scholarship
Award: Up to $20,000
Who: Seniors who have a minimum 3.8 weighted GPA and an SAT of at least 1100 or ACT composite score of at least 24. Student must select a UNCG major that leads to N.C. teaching licensure.
How: Apply online @ UNCG Teacher Education Fellows Scholarship
Application Deadline: Priority will be given to applications received by January 1, 2021.
Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award
Award: $5,000
Who: The Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award Sweepstakes is open only to residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories who are at least sixteen (16) years old at the time of entry. Entrants must also be high school senior students who will be or college students who are enrolled at least half-time in a Bachelor's or Associate's degree program or graduate program at an eligible school or parent/legal guardians of students that satisfy the above eligibility requirements.
How: Apply online @ Discover Student Loans Scholarship
Application Deadline: January 31, 2021
Allegacy Mel Hughes Scholarship Program
Award: Varies
Who: Seniors accepted as a full-time student at an accredited post-secondary institution (2 or 4 year). Must be an Allegacy Member with your own savings account.
How: Apply online @ Allegacy Mel Hughes Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: Application period lasts from November to February each year
North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Scholarship
Award: Four-year scholarship
Who: In appreciation for the service and sacrifices of North Carolina’s war veterans: a four-year scholarship program at approved schools in North Carolina has been established for the qualifying natural or adopted (before age 15) children of certain class categories of deceased, disabled, combat or POW/MIA veterans.
How: Apply online @ North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Scholarship
Application Deadline: February 14, 2021
College and Scholarship Search Websites
The following list outlines a variety of Web sites available for students who are interested in gathering information related to college and scholarship searches. Please note that some of these websites will send visitors to sites that request money for additional searches. The counselors ask that you investigate such searches completely before offering any monetary payments.
Online Colleges, Online Degrees, and College Scholarships