RUTHERFORDTON — Keep Rutherford County Beautiful (KRCB) has announced the complete funding of the $1,200 Green Scholarship, thanks to a $1,000 donation from Andrew Tisdale, founder of Freedom Financial Management in Forest City.
Dr. Brock Heflin also contributed to fully fund the larger scholarship.
“We are thankful that both Dr. Heflin and Mr. Tisdale recognize the impact we are having on our young leaders and have supported our scholarship for multiple years,” said Jenna Bailey, executive director of KRCB. “The increased funding has allowed us to help two students, and there are many in need.”
KRCB is celebrating the fourth year of the Green Scholarship, and applications are now being accepted. Eligibility extends to any senior attending school in Rutherford County, including public, charter, or private homeschool groups.
Students intending to major in a “green” area of study are encouraged to apply. Last year’s recipients, Amelia Harris and Maija Elina, are studying environmental science and marine biology, respectively.
The list of applicable majors is not limited to these two. Applicants can pursue any environment-related degree.
Additional requirements include a GPA of at least 3.0, 20 hours of community service, a letter of recommendation, and an essay submission demonstrating an interest in environmental practices. The complete application and checklist can be found at KeepRCNCBeautiful.org.
The deadline for application submissions is Thursday, March 28, 2024. Once applications are reviewed, the top three candidates will be notified in April if they qualify for the finalist stage. The top two winners will be announced in May.
The purpose of the scholarship is to help alleviate financial barriers to higher education, for aspiring eco-advocates. Two scholarships will be presented; one is for $1,200, and the other is $500, to be applied to college expenses.
To reach this amount, an additional $500 is needed.
“Our budget comes from government entities like Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, Rutherford County, and the Town of Rutherfordton. None of these funds can be used for scholarship purposes,” Bailey said. “If you or your business wish to support the next generation of environmentalists, call 828-278-7840 today.”
Bailey says the Green Scholarship is just one of the may ways KRCB executes its mission to educate and empower Rutherford County citizens to take pride, clean up the streets, and live green. As a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, KRCB provides free pick-up kits for volunteer road cleaning groups and will be hosting a Spring Litter Sweep from April 8-30 this year.
KRCB began as an Earth Day litter pickup in 2016, and has transformed into a movement throughout Rutherford County.
For more information about KRCB, visit their website www.KeepRCNCBeautiful.org, Facebook page @KeepRCNCBeautiful, Instagram page @keeprcncbeautiful, or email @KeepRCNCBeautiful@RutherfordCountyNC.gov.