Arkansas students can apply for more than 200 private scholarships through the Arkansas Community Foundation. 

Wednesday, April 1, is the deadline to apply for most opportunities. Students can begin their application by visiting arcf.org/apply/scholarships. 

“Post-secondary education is a key to financial stability and opportunity,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “When Arkansans earn college degrees or professional certificates, they benefit as individuals and we all benefit as a state. The Community Foundation is honored to help connect students with the resources they need to keep learning.” 

Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria; in general, the Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors. 

Students from Faulkner County are eligible to apply for these scholarships, established for students in the area: 

Anne Pressly Scholarship (Female journalism students)

Toad Suck Daze Challenge Scholarship (Sunday, March 15, deadline)

Students in the Vilonia School District can apply for these additional scholarships:

Charles and Linda Weaver Scholarship

Phillip Weaver Scholarship

“Funding for these scholarships comes from families, businesses and individuals who want to support higher education and invest in Arkansas students,” said Shelley Mehl, executive director for the Faulkner County affiliate. “These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and we manage the scholarship process on their behalf.” 

More information is available at arcf.org/scholarships. 

The Arkansas Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fosters smart giving to improve communities. The Community Foundation offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow and direct their charitable dollars as they learn more about community needs. By making grants and sharing knowledge, the Community Foundation supports charitable programs that work for Arkansas and partners to create new initiatives that address the gaps.  Since 1976, the Community Foundation has provided more than $179 million in grants and partnered with thousands of Arkansans to help them improve neighborhoods, towns and the entire state. 

Opening its doors in 2001, the local office has returned more than $4.35 million in grants to nonprofits. Contributions to the Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 28 affiliates are fully tax deductible.