The John and Ruth McGee Foundation Education Scholarships are funded by a grant from the McGee Foundation of Charleston, WV. The scholarships are for incoming or current residents of West Virginia and one of the following four neighboring counties in Virginia, Bland, Giles, Tazewell, and Wythe County; students are awarded per academic year for no more than eight consecutive fall/spring semesters. Space in the program is limited and competitive.
Students with demonstrated need after all other Federal and State aid have been awarded up to $ 5,000 per academic year, for no more than four consecutive years (eight consecutive fall/spring semesters), assuming the student maintains eligibility for the program once selected.
Eligibility
- Must be considered a resident of the State of West Virginia or Bland, Giles, Tazewell, or Wythe County in Virginia for the purpose of admission.
- Graduates of this program agree to work in the State of West Virginia or the stated Virginia counties for two years (24 months) following their graduation from Bluefield State University.
- Applicants to the McGee Foundation Education Scholarships must have completed the admissions process for Bluefield State University and be conditionally or fully admitted to the University.
- Applicants to the McGee Foundation Education Scholarships must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and must accept any federal or state grants offered by that process.
- All McGee Foundation Education Scholars will be required to participate in the University’s student success program by signing a student success contract and developing a student success plan to assist them in maintaining good academic standing. This will include regular meetings with the Academic Success Center staff.
- Each McGee Community Scholar will meet with the University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Deans’ Council each semester at a breakfast funded by the Provost’s Office, to discuss their experiences, performance, and progress toward a degree. Students will be encouraged to reach their potential and lessen the post-secondary intimidation factor by sharing firsthand experiences and playing an active role in eliminating barriers to student success.
- Each McGee Community Scholar must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, as defined by the Office of Financial Aid, which requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA and that you successfully complete 67% of all credit hours you begin.
McGee Foundation Scholarships Application Process
- Complete the Bluefield State University Admissions Application
- Complete the McGee Foundation Scholarships Application
- Complete the FAFSA
- Applicants must supply two written recommendations from educators, employers, or community leaders concerning the character and motivation of the applicant for entry into the McGee Foundation Scholarships program. Recommendations must not be from a family member or from someone unfamiliar with your work ethic.
- Applicants must agree to take part in live interview, preferably on campus unless a compelling reason requires remote interview.
Expenses the McGee Scholarship Can Assist With
- Tuition and fees
- Books
- Praxis exam cost
- Cost of professional attire for interview
- Other expenses related directly to completing early/middle education degree