Michael Wassmer Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Michael Wassmer Foundation
Intro
Are you a determined student who has overcome obstacles to reach your goals? The Michael Wassmer Foundation awards multiple need-based scholarships of $30,000 each every year to exemplary students from the Richmond region. If Mike’s story resonates with you and you meet the qualifications below, consider applying to become a Wassmer Scholar.
Award details
- Each scholarship recipient will receive $30,000 in total, disbursed directly to the recipient’s college in four equal annual payments.
- Scholarships are need-based and intended for students beginning a four-year college program in fall 2026.
Important dates
- January 15, 2026 — Applications open
- March 15, 2026 — Application deadline (revised)
- April 15, 2026 — Award notifications sent
Who is eligible
To qualify for a Michael Wassmer Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:
- Live in the City of Richmond or in Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, or Goochland counties
- Be graduating from high school in spring 2026
- Hold a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.5
- Have filed the FAFSA or VASA for the upcoming academic year and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 25,000 or less
- Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. four-year college in fall 2026
Application requirements
The online application asks for the following materials:
- Official high school transcript
- Financial documentation (FAFSA or VASA information and related materials)
- At least one recommendation
- Record of employment, community service, extracurricular involvement, and any awards or honors
- Short written essays
- A brief video submission
About the Michael Wassmer Foundation
The Michael Wassmer Foundation was established in September 2022, shortly after Mike’s passing from an undiagnosed heart condition. Mike was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and community leader. In his memory, his family continues his philanthropic work in Virginia by providing substantial need-based scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Goochland. Wassmer Scholars are expected to reflect the values Mike lived by: resilience, integrity, compassion, and determination.
How to apply
Visit the Michael Wassmer Foundation scholarship portal beginning January 15, 2026 to complete the online application and upload all required documents before the March 15, 2026 deadline. Recipients will be contacted by April 15, 2026.