Apply for a Scholarship

Scholarship Deadlines

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Eligibility: Students graduating from WJCC High Schools - Jamestown, Lafayette, Warhill; Walsingham Academy students are eligible for some scholarships.

Qualifications: Scholarships are awarded without discrimination, in consideration of these factors: curriculum difficulty, academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, application essay, and financial need. Please review the list of scholarships available.

Award Amounts: $1,500 - $5,000 (one-time award)

Award Use: Scholarships may be used for any accredited two or four-year college programs, including career/technical education

How to Apply: Students submit just one application and will be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible. One essay is required. The essay question choices are the same as those used in the Common App. No references are required. Your school will supply your transcript after you apply. The online application opens January 5, 2026.

Application Deadline: March 8, 2026 at 11:30pm

Williamsburg Descendants Scholarships

Who May Apply: The Williamsburg Descendants Scholarship is open to students of any age who are descendants of an African American resident of the City of Williamsburg who lived in the City prior to 1964. Eligible descendants include naturally born or legally adopted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces or nephews, and subsequent generations. Current residents of the City of Williamsburg receive first priority for scholarship consideration. Residents of James City County or York County who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria receive second priority.

Eligible Educational Programs: Scholarship funds may be used at any accredited educational institution. This includes two-year or four-year colleges or universities, workforce training programs, certificate programs, and graduate degree programs. Applicants may already be enrolled in an educational program or may not yet have begun their studies. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution and may be used for qualified educational expenses, including tuition, fees, or room and board.

Selection Criteria: Scholarship recipients are selected based on eligibility as a qualifying descendant, educational goals and plans, and personal background. Background information may include prior education, work experience, volunteer service, and family or community involvement. The selection process also considers a personal statement describing the applicant’s educational goals and how the scholarship will help achieve them, as well as a recommendation submitted on the applicant’s behalf. Financial need is not required to be eligible; however, applicants are asked to share information about other financial aid they receive for their education.

Award Information: Scholarship awards are up to $5,400 per year and are renewable for up to three years (i.e., four years total), subject to continued eligibility and satisfactory progress in an accredited educational program.

Application Process: Applicants complete a single online application. The application includes personal and contact information, a brief description of the applicant’s relationship to a qualifying Williamsburg descendant, and information about educational plans and the intended or current institution. Applicants must also submit a personal statement, which may be written or recorded, and provide one recommendation submitted directly to Williamsburg Community Foundation.

Questions? Call the WCF office at 757-259-1660 or email Office@WilliamsburgCommunityFoundation.org

Federal Financial Aid – FAFSA

Scholarships are just one part of paying for college! You may qualify for federal loans or grants to help you pay for your education. You should submit your FAFSA every year to see what you qualify for. Colleges will also use your FAFSA information to determine financial aid offered  from the school. Learn more and apply at StudentAid.gov.

State Financial Aid – VASA

The Virginia Alternative State Aid Application or VASA is the  alternative state application available for Virginia students who are ineligible to file the FAFSA. These students include Virginians who have certain nonimmigrant visa statuses, are undocumented, have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or are otherwise ineligible to file the FAFSA and would like to be considered for state financial aid.

Need help with Financial Aid & Scholarships?

Get FREE financial aid counseling through GRASP. Your GRASP financial aid counselor can help you find scholarships, fill out your FAFSA, and understand your financial aid offers. Learn more at https://grasp4va.org/ 

Contact your GRASP counselor:

Jamestown: jamestown@grasp4va.org
Lafayette: lafayette@grasp4va.org
Warhill: warhill@grasp4va.org

Privacy Statement:

Once submitted, scholarship applications will be kept on file at the Williamsburg Community Foundation for three years. The foundation will not share applicants' personal information or use their information for other purposes. Please contact us with any questions or concerns: Williamsburg Community Foundation, 1323 Jamestown Road, Suite 103, Williamsburg, VA 23185, or email office@williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org.