Robert H. Short Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Overview
The Robert H. Short Scholarship is a last-dollar-in award that can provide up to $7,500 per year for as many as four years of undergraduate study. Awards may be used at accredited public institutions or private nonprofit colleges and universities (for‑profit institutions are not eligible). The scholarship is renewable annually for up to three additional years, for a total maximum of four years, subject to renewal requirements.
Who may apply
High school seniors who meet all of the following conditions are eligible to apply:
- Are residents of Cumberland County, North Carolina
- Will graduate from a Cumberland County high school (this includes traditional high schools, early college programs, and home schools) in the spring immediately following the application deadline
- Plan to enroll full-time as a matriculated student at a nonprofit college or university within six months of high school graduation
- Are not enrolling at a for-profit college or university
- Hold a weighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Can document eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant by submitting the Student Aid Index (SAI) generated after completing the FAFSA
Application requirements
A complete online application must be submitted by the stated deadline and include:
- The Student Aid Index from the FAFSA showing Pell eligibility
- Official high school transcripts
- All required letters of recommendation
- Any other supporting materials requested on the application
How applications are evaluated
Selection emphasis is placed on:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Academic performance
- Community service and/or employment history
Renewal conditions
If awarded, the scholarship may be renewed each year (for up to three renewals) provided the recipient:
- Maintains full-time enrollment and remains in good academic standing
- Keeps a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0
- Continues to show financial need
- Submits the renewal request and any required documentation by the renewal deadline
Contact the scholarship program or review the official application portal for specific deadlines and any additional instructions.