2026 Green Scholarship Launched

Rutherford County, NC - Keep Rutherford County Beautiful (KRCB), a local environmental and beautification nonprofit organization and affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, is thrilled to announce the opening of the 2026 Green Scholarship. This year, the scholarship aims to support graduating seniors demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

The Green Scholarship program, now in its sixth year, aims to support aspiring environmental leaders in pursing higher education and empower them to drive positive change in their communities. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, KRCB continues to invest in the future of environmental stewardship and sustainability. 

The Green Scholarship initiative is funded by local businesses and citizens to support students seeking to influence a greener future. Applicants' future degrees could include sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, environmental science, engineering, law, waste management, or anything related to environmental stewardship. 

In 2025, a Rutherford County senior received an award through the Green Scholarship program. Aiden Wheeler, now pursuing Engineering with a minor in Environmental Studies at NC State University, was awarded the $1,200 Green Scholarship. Aiden is a previous senior at Rutherford Early College High School and a local of Rutherfordton, NC who spearheaded the school's involvement in the annual Litter Bowl and motivated REaCH to formally adopt a segment of Piney Ridge Road to continually keep the community clean. The scholarship committee was thrilled to support Aiden’s future endeavors in environmental conservation.

This scholarship awards $1,200 and $500 to two eligible high school seniors in Rutherford County. The application window is open now and closes on April 13th, 2026. For more information about the Green Scholarship, application details, and submission guidelines, visit www.keeprcncbeautiful.org/scholarship. Applicants may contact KRCB at allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org or (828) 289-3260 with any questions.

Keep Rutherford County Beautiful began as an Earth Day litter pickup and has transformed into a movement throughout Rutherford County, North Carolina. Neighbors, industry leaders, business owners, schools and municipalities have joined forces to change the way we define community, leading programs and initiatives to propel Rutherford County's beautification forward. As of 2023, KRCB became an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s largest community improvement organization. This milestone is a testament to the work the organization has put in since 2017 and the progress they have made. Together, we are taking action to love where we live, work and play. 

For more information about KRCB, visit their website www.KeepRCNCBeautiful.org, Facebook page @KeepRCNCBeautiful, Instagram page @keeprcncbeautiful, or email KeepRCNCBeautiful@RutherfordCountyNC.gov.