YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
The Journey Scholarship supports WNC students who show up, pitch in and care about the places they call home.
$8,000 TOTAL
STANDARD AWARD
$12,000 TOTAL
PREMIER AWARD
APPLICATIONS OPEN
DECEMBER 15
3.0 GPA
MIN. TO APPLY
4 YEARS
OF SUPPORT
YOU MIGHT BE A JOURNEY SCHOLAR IF YOU….
✓ Take initiative and follow through
✓ Invest your time in helping others
✓ Are motivated to learn and grow
✓ Plan to attend college
✓ Care about your community
Grape Creek Community Volunteers
WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Real ways young people are joining in and improving their communities.
SUPPORT COMMUNITY LIFE
Help with food pantries and meal distribution
Take part in donation drives and fundraisers
Support disaster relief and emergency supply efforts
Volunteer at festivals and community events
SHARE SKILLS & LEADERSHIP
Take part in traditional arts and cultural activities
Share your skills through music and tutoring
Help with photography, technology and communications
Take on leadership roles and lead youth programs
CARE FOR NEIGHBORS & NATURE
Help maintain buildings, playgrounds and grounds
Plant community gardens and trees
Join beautification projects and cleanups
Care for trails, streams and wildlife habitats
EXPLORE JOURNEY SCHOLAR STORIES
Want to see what getting involved can look like? Explore Journey Scholars stories and see how they have served and strengthened their communities.
START CLOSE TO HOME
Strong communities are built by people who care and then show up and contribute.
Connect
Identify the WNC Honors community you live in or are connected to, then reach out and introduce yourself.
GET INVOLVED
Attend an event, offer to help with an existing project or use your unique skills to make a difference.
APPLY
Apply during senior year and share how you have contributed to your community.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
✓ Graduating high school senior
✓ Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
✓ Planning to attend an accredited two or four-year college in the fall
✓ Live in a participating WNC Honors community or have an established connection to one
Not sure which WNC Honors community you are connected to? We can help. Complete the form at the bottom of this page, and we will help you identify the right community.
HOW TO APPLY
1. CONFIRM YOUR COMMUNITY
Identify your participating WNC Honors community and ask an officer to complete the Community Nomination form.
2. GATHER YOUR MATERIALS
Request your transcript and recommendations early.
3. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Complete every section and take time with your personal essay.
4. SUBMIT BY THE DEADLINE
Make sure materials sent by other people are also received on time.
APPLICATION OPEN
DECEMBER 15
APPLICATION DEADLINE
MARCH 15
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO APPLY
✓ Official High School Transcript
Ask your school counselor to send your official transcript directly to us at scholarship@wnccommunities.org.
✓ School, Community and Work Experience
Be ready to share your activities, volunteer service, employment and other responsibilities during high school.
✓ Personal Essay
This is one of the most important parts of your application. It is where we get to know the person behind your transcript and activities. In your own voice, tell us about the people, places and experiences that have shaped you. Tell us the ways you have shown up for your community and your future goals. We are not looking for a perfect story; we want an honest one.
✓ Community Nomination
An officer from a participating WNC Honors community must confirm you are part of the community and nominate you for the scholarship.
✓ Two Teacher Recommendations
Choose two teachers who know your character, academic potential and ability to follow through. An optional third recommendation may come from someone familiar with your community involvement.
✓ Financial Aid Information
Include your FAFSA Submission Summary.
✓ SAT or ACT Score Report (if taken)
Include a copy of your score report if you took either test.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR ESSAY?
Writing about yourself can be hard. These practical tips can help you write a focused and authentic scholarship essay.
WHY COMMUNITY MATTERS
Across Western North Carolina, local community centers bring neighbors together to share resources, celebrate local traditions, support one another and respond to community needs.
These centers are sustained by people who choose to show up and pitch in. The Journey Scholarship is rooted in that same spirit. One goal of the scholarship is to help you get to know these vital community spaces, build relationships and find meaningful ways to contribute. Your time, ideas and unique talents can make a real difference in your community.
LET’S FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
To apply, you must live in or have an established connection to a participating WNC Honors community. If you are not sure which community you are connected to, we can help you find your community.
