2026 Scholarship Cycle – Will open January 9th

The Outer Banks Community Foundation is proud to offer over 70 scholarships to support students in their educational journeys. Whether you’re a graduating senior, a returning student, or a non-traditional learner, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit our Scholarship Portal to create a free account. This allows you to save your progress and return later to complete your application.

Returning students with renewable scholarships will receive a special invitation and code to apply. If you haven’t received it by January 9, contact our staff (nandy@obcf.org or lilianna@obcf.org).

PORTAL LOG IN

Step 2: Select Your Scholarship Opportunity
Once logged in, choose the appropriate application:

  • Graduating High School Seniors: Select the 2026 Scholarship Application for High School Seniors.
  • COA Dare Guarantee Graduates: Select the 2026 Scholarship Application for COA Dare Guarantee Graduates.
  • Returning Students: Use your renewal code to access the renewal application.
  • Non-Traditional Students: Apply for the Helping Hand Cookie Jar Scholarship, designed for individuals returning to school after time in the workforce.
  • Art Students: Apply for the DareArts Artrageous Youth Scholarship or Wayne Fulcher Art Scholarship.

Application Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Note: This year’s application window is extended to 7 weeks.

What You’ll Need

  • Transcript: Upload your most recent transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
  • FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS): Required for need-based scholarships.
    • If you are unable to complete a FAFSA (e.g., DACA students), you may submit a document outlining your financial need.
  • Showcase Materials: Upload letters of recommendation, awards, or media that highlight your talents and passions.  Although these are optional, they are highly recommended for a successful scholarship. These must be submitted with your application by the March 2 deadline.

Key Dates for Students

Community-Wide Scholarship Info Sessions
Hosted at the Dare County Public Libraries in collaboration with COA and School counselors:

  • Manteo Library: Monday, January 12th, 5:30–7 PM
  • Kill Devil Hills Library: Tuesday, January 13th, 5:30–7 PM
  • Buxton/Hatteras Pop-Up at Fessenden Center Annex: Wednesday, January 14th,  5:30–7 PM

Awardees will be notified at their school’s Senior Awards Night or via email shortly after.

Good luck; we cannot wait to read your applications!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 252-423-4003 or email Nandy Stuart at nandy@obcf.org and Lilianna Rivera at lilianna@obcf.org

Here are more resources for scholarship seekers: