Scholarship Opportunities

Student Testimonials

A Little Effort, a Big Reward

When Michael Flora first thought about applying for a scholarship from the Virginia Western Educational Foundation, he never thought he had much chance of receiving one.  A new student at Virginia Western having just graduated from Northside High School, he was not even sure it would be worth the time.

But, Michael’s effort did pay off.  He was awarded the first Virginia Western Alumni Association Annual Book Scholarship.  “The Book Scholarship was such a big help, especially with the cost of books today.  The scholarship allowed me to work fewer hours at my part-time job and to concentrate more on my schoolwork. Without the scholarship, I would have had to pay for my books out of my own pocket.”  Because of this scholarship, Michael was able to sustain his high level of academic commitment and maintain his GPA.

Completing the Big Picture

For an artist, it is about the “big picture” and thanks to the Access Annual Scholarship Michael Odum will be able to complete his education at Virginia Western Community College.  This scholarship not only helped Michael financially, but also gave him self-confidence.

“Receiving this scholarship really gave me a boost in my confidence especially because it came from an advertising firm, and I am a commercial art student.  It really provided me with an affirmation that I was on the right path since someone recognized my talent,” says Michael.  The scholarship also provided Michael with the opportunity to see the world of commercial art first hand.

Michael was personally invited by the Vice President of Access to their offices to see for himself what goes on at Access.  The company represents more than 50 clients for advertising, design, and public relations.  Michael remarked, “It was an honor to be selected for this scholarship, but especially to be invited down to their offices and to really gain an insight to my future profession.”  For Michael, the Access Annual Scholarship was an integral part of completing his “big picture,” here at Virginia Western and for the future.