College Scholarships

We provide financial support to high-achieving students with high financial need, so that they can take the next step in their educational journey.

2024 Scholarship Application Timeline

• March 4 at 11:59 p.m. - All applications due

• Week of April 8 - Candidate interviews

• Week of April 23 - Awards announced at Senior Awards ceremonies at FFHS and MHS

• Mid-May - Awards announced at CHSS Senior Awards

We offer approximately $20,000 in college financial support annually through:

• DEF Scholarships - Available to ALL DCS high school seniors, prioritizing financial need and academic achievement.

• Mollie Shannon Gallop Scholarships - Available to DCS high school seniors enrolled in AVID. 

• Lynn Blackburn & Sea Change Scholarships - Available to DCS high school seniors who participated in the English Language Learners program.

• Kellogg Scholarship - Available to DCS high school seniors pursuing a trade-based education at COA.

• Harmony Cabinets Scholarship - Available to DCS high school seniors pursuing carpentry.

• Averi Valdivieso Culinary Scholarship - Available to DCS high school seniors pursuing culinary arts.

Student Competition Grants

We encourage and support student participation in national academic, leadership, and vocational competitions or conferences. You may apply as a student group or as an individual for funding. Clubs, classes, and other special student programs and Dare County Schools-sponsored activities are eligible for the grant  (i.e., Forensics, Odyssey of the Mind, DECA, etc.).  Athletic competitions are currently not eligible for this program.

We offer up to $250 in support to individuals and up to $1500 to groups.

The Dare Education Foundation Programs Committee will determine eligibility and the availability of funds on a rolling basis.