OBCF 101-15- Community Scholarships
In an effort to better connect with our community and educate people about all of the unique facets of the Community Foundation, we have created OBCF 101.
Our 2026 scholarship application is open and while we manage over 80 scholarships for Dare, Currituck, and Ocracoke students, for OBCF 101-15 we are going to talk about the community scholarships that OBCF offers.
First things first… What’s a community scholarship? A community scholarship supports adults who have completed high school, often recognizing diverse life experiences like delaying enrollment, returning to school after an interruption, or individuals seeking out educational opportunities at colleges, universities, and even trade schools that offer certifications.
What are some of the community scholarships that OBCF offers?
- The Helping Hand Cookie Jar Scholarship, established by Karen DelVacchio, supports community members ready to take the next step. This scholarship is specifically for individuals returning to school after spending one or more years in the workforce following high school graduation or GED certification.
- The Mark Ward Scholarship is now available for community members who have been in recovery for a minimum of two years and are seeking to further their education or develop new skills. This scholarship provides renewable financial support for community members pursuing education after high school graduation or GED certification.
- Local salon owner Linda Porter recently established the Shear Genius Scholarship, which is a needs-based scholarship that will support community members pursuing cosmetology or esthetics after spending one or more years in the workforce.
The scholarships listed above were created by individuals to support our community members, and we are so grateful for their creative ideas and entrusting the Community Foundation to administer these scholarships. Below you can find information about how to apply for these scholarships.
Where can I find helpful information on how to apply? www.obcf.org/scholarships/how-
When To Apply: OBCF’s scholarship application portal is open now. It closes on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Where To Apply: www.obcf.org/scholarships
Stay tuned for our next OBCF 101!
About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.
