GRASP Virginia Community College Pathway Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by GRASP Virginia

H2: Scholarship overview

This GRASP scholarship provides $1,000 for the recipient’s first year at a Virginia community college and may be renewed for a second year of the recipient’s program. Awards support students who intend to complete a career certificate or to transfer from a Virginia community college to a four‑year public or private institution. Many Virginia community colleges have Guaranteed Admissions Agreements and transfer supports that can help scholarship recipients continue to a bachelor’s degree program. The award is intended to reduce first‑year costs for eligible graduating high school seniors who plan a clear post‑secondary path.

Key takeaways
- Award amount: $1,000 for the first year.
- Renewal: Possible for a second year of the same program.
- Purpose: Support certificate completion or transfer from a Virginia community college.
- Designed for 2026 high school graduates planning a Virginia community college pathway.

H2: Eligibility

The scholarship is limited to students who meet specific academic, planning, and financial-need criteria. Applicants must have worked with their high school GRASP advisor to create a post‑secondary plan, hold at least a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA, and be graduating in spring 2026. Financial eligibility is determined via FAFSA or the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application, with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $12,000 or less required. Applicants must plan to enroll at a Virginia community college for a career certificate or with intent to transfer to a Virginia four‑year institution.

Bold subpoints
- **GRASP advising:** Must have met with the high school GRASP advisor to establish a post‑secondary plan.
- **GPA requirement:** At least a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA.
- **Graduation timing:** High school graduation in spring 2026.
- **Financial need:** FAFSA or VASA completed with SAI ≤ $12,000.
- **Program plan:** Plan to enroll at a Virginia community college for a certificate or transfer intent.

Key takeaways
- Meet with a GRASP advisor before applying.
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and graduate spring 2026.
- Complete FAFSA or VASA to confirm SAI eligibility (≤ $12,000).
- Intent to enroll at a Virginia community college is required.

H2: Application requirements

The application is submitted via a Google Form and includes several required materials. Applicants must complete and submit the Google Form (be sure to hit “Send”) and upload the required essay document into the form. A complete Student Submission Summary from FAFSA or a statement that the VASA has been completed is also required; the Student Submission Summary is available at fafsa.gov, and VASA is available at vasaapp.org. Applications may be submitted before the Student Submission Summary is available, but the summary must be provided once it becomes available for the application to be considered.

Bold subpoints
- **How to apply:** Complete and submit the Google Form (ensure you click “Send”).
- **Essay:** Upload the required essay via the Google Form.
- **FAFSA/VASA documentation:** Provide the Student Submission Summary or a VASA completion statement; Student Submission Summary available at fafsa.gov, VASA at vasaapp.org.
- **Conditional submission:** Applications may be filed without the summary, but final consideration requires submission of the summary once available.

Key takeaways
- Use the Google Form and confirm submission by clicking “Send.”
- Include the downloadable essay file in the form.
- Provide FAFSA Student Submission Summary or VASA evidence; can submit later if not yet available.
- Application is incomplete without the required financial documentation for final review.

H2: Enrollment and transfer pathways

Recipients must enroll at a Virginia community college either to complete a career certificate or with the intent to transfer to a four‑year institution in Virginia. Many community colleges have Guaranteed Admissions Agreements with Virginia four‑year public and private colleges, and transfer grants such as the Two‑Year College Transfer Grant can further support continuation to a bachelor’s degree. Industry credential options and additional program information are available through the Virginia Community College System resources, including vccs.edu/industry-credentials. Choosing a program that aligns with transfer agreements or industry credentials helps maximize the scholarship’s value as a bridge to the next educational step.

Bold subpoints
- **Where to enroll:** Any Virginia community college for certificate or transfer pathway.
- **Transfer supports:** Guaranteed Admissions Agreements and Two‑Year College Transfer Grant options exist.
- **Program alignment:** Consider programs with recognized industry credentials (see vccs.edu/industry-credentials).

Key takeaways
- Recipients must enroll at a Virginia community college.
- Many colleges offer formal transfer agreements to four‑year institutions.
- Explore programs tied to industry credentials and transfer grants to plan next steps.

H2: Renewal and next steps

Renewal of the scholarship for a second year is possible but is tied to the recipient’s ongoing enrollment in their program. Recipients should monitor communications from GRASP and their community college for any renewal instructions and eligibility requirements. To ensure consideration for renewal, maintain the program enrollment and follow any reporting or documentation requests from the scholarship administrator. Early engagement with college advisors and adherence to financial-aid and enrollment deadlines will help preserve eligibility for continued support.

Bold subpoints
- **Renewal eligibility:** Scholarship may be renewed for a second year of the recipient’s program.
- **Documentation & communication:** Follow GRASP and college instructions for renewal documentation.
- **Advising:** Stay in contact with college advisors to support continued eligibility.

Key takeaways
- Renewal is possible for a second year but is not automatic.
- Maintain enrollment and respond to GRASP/college requests for renewal documentation.
- Proactive advising and on‑time documentation improve chances for continued funding.