Suffolk, VA, February 17, 2026 — Scholarship season is underway, and the Suffolk Foundation has opened online applications for students in Suffolk, Smithfield, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, Sussex, Surry, and Gates County in North Carolina. Students may apply online at www.suffolkfoundation.org/scholarships until March 20, 5:00 PM.
The Suffolk Foundation expects to award $200,000 in scholarships to students in Suffolk and Western Tidewater to attend college or trade school this fall. The scholarships range from $1,000 for community college to eight-year awards of $10,000 per year for undergraduate and graduate studies.
Students complete one common application that qualifies them based on matching criteria for any of the scholarships managed by the Suffolk Foundation. Some scholarships prioritize specific fields of study or career paths, while others focus on financial need, academic performance, community involvement, place of residence, or additional qualifications.
Two new scholarships are available through the foundation this year and another is expanding its focus. The Sgt. AJ Parker Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for the first time to four graduating seniors from Suffolk who demonstrate need. That scholarship is renewable for up to four years for a total award of $5,000 per recipient.
In addition, this year the Suffolk Foundation is managing the Suffolk Presbyterian Church Willis-Volper Scholarship intended for graduating seniors from any public high school in Suffolk who demonstrate financial need, strong character, and academic distinction.
The Louis & Mary Haddad Foundation Scholarship has expanded its focus this year. This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors from Suffolk who have faced significant obstacles. This can include students who have a learning difference, students who have experienced homelessness, and/or students who have survived violence.
Once again, the Suffolk Foundation will award the $1,000 “Just Because” Scholarship. One student will be chosen through a random drawing of applicants who were not selected for any other foundation-managed scholarships just because they persevered and applied.
“So, get online and apply!” encourages Lorelei Morrow, Executive Director of the Suffolk Foundation. “You could be one of the students to be awarded this year!”
In addition to the scholarships awarded through the online common application, one scholarship is offered exclusively for students at Paul D. Camp Community College. This scholarship and their application is managed by PDCCC. To apply, please contact PDCCC Financial Aid office (757-569-6711 or financialaid@pdc.edu).
The Suffolk Foundation scholarships were generously established by local families, businesses, and other groups, who work with the foundation to establish criteria and a selection process. Anyone can start a scholarship program through the Suffolk Foundation. To learn more about establishing a scholarship of your own, contact the foundation at 757-923-9090.
