Scholarships

Holly Adams was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on July 12, 1979 and made her home in Franklin, TN. She graduated from Page High School in Franklin in 1997 and then went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the U. S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2001 and the Aerospace and Basic Course in 2002. She was awarded the John K. Hester Memorial Award which is presented to the cadet who best exemplifies the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity and courage. Holly was the first female class President in the history of the Air Force Academy. She was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the National Defense Service Medal. On December 18, 2002 Holly was killed in a car accident on her way to celebrate Christmas with loved ones. The Air Force's Commendation Medal was awarded posthumously.

Eligibility
This scholarship will benefit students from the Page High School area in Williamson County who not only achieve, but also possess the integrity, courage and caring spirit to help others achieve. The ideal recipient of this award should be the student who, like Holly, best exemplifies a combination of integrity, courage and selflessness and is academically qualified for college, but who needs financial assistance in taking that step.

As a businessman who enjoyed much success, Jim Ayers has at various times in his career been in the nursing home business, the car business, the banking business, the real estate business, and sometimes all of the above. In addition, Jim is in the business of making dreams come true. Jim Ayers credits much to his early expectation that he would attend college and create more opportunities for himself by furthering his education. Now, with The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program, he is providing both encouragement and resources for students from Decatur County, Tennessee to set those same early educational expectations themselves. By providing college counselors and renewable last-dollar scholarships, available to all Decatur County, Tennessee graduates beginning with the 132 members of the Class of 2000, Mr. Ayers hopes not only to affect the lives of individual students, but also the life of the entire community where he was born, raised, and continues to live. It is The Community Foundation’s honor to be able to make this extraordinary charitable vision a reality.

Applications from the general public are not accepted for this scholarship.

The Commercial Music Department of the School of Music at Belmont University educates and trains people who work to perform, compose/arrange, produce and sell Nashville's signature product. This Fund was established by the LifeWorks Foundation to permanently endow scholarships for Belmont University students working toward a commercial music major.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must be a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore, or junior accepted to/or attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee as a commercial music major.

Known as the "Lobbyists' Lobbyist," George Oliver Benton served as the President of the Tennessee Lobbyists Association from its founding in 1996 until his death in the fall of 2001. A former State Senator and Lieutenant Governor, George Oliver was often sought out by state leaders for his opinions and legal advice on government in general and the legislature in particular. The Tennessee Lobbyists Association is thankful for what George Oliver did for the lobbying profession and honors George Oliver with this scholarship in his name. This scholarship is designed to benefit Legislative Interns.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply are Legislative Interns. Scholarships will be awarded to students who attend an accredited four-year college/university in the State of Tennessee and/or are residents of Tennessee. Consideration will be given to extracurricular activities, especially those indicative of an interest in government.

Dody Boyd was a Cheatham County Central High School graduate and remained dedicated to her alma mater throughout her life. Ms. Dody drove Bus #13 for West Cheatham Elementary School, Cheatham Middle School, Cheatham County Central High School, the Cheatham County Cubs Wrestling Team and the Cheatham County Cubs Football Team. Ms. Dody's influence went far beyond her work with Bus #13. She impressed everyone with whom she came in contact. She shared her passion for watching and participating in sports. And the young people knew if they ever needed anything, they could come to her and, if at all possible, Dody would make it happen. Instilling an appreciation of the importance of good grades and successful graduation was just part of the encouragement.

Eligibility
Those eligible for this scholarship are seniors graduating from Cheatham County Central High School and wishing to attend a two-year community college/technical school or four-year university. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 2.5 or better and an ACT score of 20 or better. The scholarship will not be renewable.

JoAhn Brown-Nash's major focus and passion throughout her entire professional career was education. She committed herself to using her talents in every way she could to fulfill the hopes and dreams of young people. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University, a Masters degree from Chicago State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of San Francisco. After spending a number of years in various positions in the Chicago Public School System, JoAhn was Professor and Administrator at Governors State University in Chicago in the College of Human Learning and Development. She co-founded the Josten Learning Corporation and founded the Prescription Learning Corporation. Civic and community involvement was always an intricate part of her life. JoAhn served as National Vice President of Links, Inc. from 1996-1997 and Central Area Director from 1992-1996. In addition to her Links dedication, she served on numerous boards and commissions. Because of her vision to enrich the lives of children and her exemplary service to the Links Inc., especially the Central Area, the Central Area Links, Inc. honors her memory with the establishment of this Scholarship.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply are female students at Fisk University, entering their junior year, who exemplify outstanding leadership skills with a GPA of 3.2 or above.

William and Clara Bryan were both natives of Giles County, Tennessee who believed in the power and possibilities of education. Their son, Bill Bryan, established this scholarship in their memory to assist Giles County students in realizing their dreams of attending four-year colleges and universities. The Bryan Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors and/or college underclassmen who evidence merit and financial need.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply are high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are from Giles County, Tennessee and have lived there for the majority of their pre-college schooling.

This memorial scholarship, established by the Tennessee Chiropractic Association, honors Leigh and her passion for learning. The Leigh Carter Scholarship will provide financial support to students who wish to attend Chiropractic college upon completion of their undergraduate degree programs.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must be full-time students attending one of the nation's accredited Chiropractic colleges or universities. Preference will be given to students from Tennessee. Recipients are eligible to reapply throughout the four-year degree process. Applicants must also demonstrate a strong interest in health care delivery. Financial need, extracurricular and civic participation will also be considered in candidate evaluation. Applications will be accepted for this scholarship beginning February 2003.

A group of concerned Cheatham County citizens were looking for a way to serve current and future generations. Based upon their sense of county priorities, they opted to create a scholarship not only for the "A" student, but for the average "B" and "C" students as well.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must be a Cheatham County, Tennessee resident for a period of one year or more. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED with a grade point average of 2.0 or better. Students must attend an accredited college, university, or technical school and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Colonel Richard Dawson was, to many, a leader, a mentor and a significant asset to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Many of his colleagues and those close to him developed a great admiration for him and respected his character, judgment and fairness. Colonel Dawson had the unique ability to listen and form an opinion based on merit and facts. The Richard M. Dawson Scholarship was established by friends and co-workers to honor his dedication to family, friends and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Students who are pursuing an education for a career in criminal justice are eligible to apply. Such a career might include service with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, or as a lawyer.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants are children of employees of the Tennessee Highway Patrol who serve in uniform, undercover, or plainclothes. Applicants may be rising sophomores, juniors or seniors in college who demonstrate a commitment to a career in criminal justice through their course of study.

B. J. Dean was born on September 14, 1933 to Joseph and Inez Runnels. As a girl, she taught Mission Bible Schools around Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was Valedictorian of her Pascagoula High School class and graduated from Mississippi State College for Women with highest honors. She received a Master of Religious Education Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

A devoted wife, mother, and friend, B. J. touched thousands of lives in her service to persons in churches and Baptist state conventions throughout the United States as a consultant, teacher, writer, chorister and minister. B. J. was keenly interested in advancing the cause of women in ministry. The intention of this scholarship fund, established by Myrte Veach and the many friends of B. J. Dean, is to permanently endow one or more interdenominational scholarships for women entering the ministry.

Eligibility - An eligible applicant is a woman preparing for full-time ministry, but is not limited to those seeking ordination or serving in any particular denomination. An Eligible applicant must be a resident of Tennessee or Texas or be enrolled in Yale Divinity School.

"Principal Jimmy Edwards was Donelson High School," said 1964 graduate Bill Sorey, of the school's leader who served from 1952 until it closed in 1971. "He was a disciplinarian and we knew we had to do what he told us to, but he did it in such a way that we wanted to obey," said Lorraine Webb, also a 1964 graduate. "You did what he expected you to do out of respect." Out of that same respect and the love he inspired, Bill, Lorraine and others have set up the Jimmy Edwards Scholarship. A Donelson resident since 1922, Mr. Edwards graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in engineering. Ironically, he didn't intend to be a teacher, but took a job in Bellevue teaching seven classes and coaching athletics, and found that he liked it. The Jimmy Edwards Scholarship provides scholarships to individuals who attended and/or graduated from the original Donelson High School, Donelson, Tennessee, as well as descendants of alumni of Donelson High School.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must be past students or graduates of Donelson High School, Donelson, Tennessee, and any descendants of alumni of Donelson High School.

Cynthia and Alan Baran have a great passion for the arts.  After 25 years in the corporate world, Cynthia followed her passion for the arts and enrolled in fine arts classes at two local universities. Alan’s interest in music, specifically the guitar and mandolin, has provided him with a creative outlet from his work in the nonprofit sector. This scholarship was established to help provide an opportunity to help young people pursue their passion early in life in the areas of visual arts and music.

Eligibility Criteria:
Eligible applicants are rising sophomores, juniors, seniors in college, and graduate students at an accredited college, university or institute full-time or part-time (6 or more credit hours).  One scholarship will be granted to students enrolled in a Bachelors of Fine Art (BFA), a BA in Studio Art, or a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA).  Fine Art or Studio Art is limited to a major course of study in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics, Photography or Printmaking.  A second scholarship will be made to a Music Degree granting program (Bachelor or Masters) with preference given to those students pursuing a course of study in acoustic mandolin or acoustic guitar.  Applicants must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.

The Genesco Scholarship was created to commemorate the Company's 75th anniversary and honor its employees. Genesco Inc. believes in its employees, and wanted to establish this scholarship to give something back to them on an annual basis. This Scholarship is designed to assist Genesco Inc. employees, both full-time and part-time, and the children of Genesco employees in realizing their dream of attending college or university.

Eligibility - Children of employees and employees of Genesco, Inc., as of the application date, who will be enrolled as an undergraduate in an accredited college or university for the following Fall semester, are eligible to apply. The level of entry into one of the accredited schools does not matter.

As a woman who worked her way through school, Pauline Gore was always interested in easing the way for others who might have the desire to learn but be constrained financially. She believed that "there is nothing worse than wanting an education and being unable to get one." Her selection as the 1998 recipient of the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award gave her the opportunity to address that concern by putting in place a Scholarship Fund for residents of Smith County, Tennessee wishing to attend a four-year college or university. It was her hope that the Fund would grow through additional gifts and prudent management and that under the supervision of The Community Foundation generations of students would be offered a helping hand.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply are high school seniors and current college underclassmen who are from Smith County, Tennessee and have lived there for the majority of their pre-college schooling.

Regina Higdon was a person with an extraordinary gift of being able to show those around her what it mean to be loved and to love. For many years, she ran a day care center in her home where she nurtured and gave special care to the children of numerous families, just as if they were her own. Regina was a devout Catholic who believed strongly in the value of a Catholic education. She made many sacrifices to ensure her own children received that type of education and when she died in 2003, friends and family set up this fund, in Regina’s name, to help students of Christ the King School, attend Father Ryan High School or St. Cecilia Academy.

Eligibility - The Regina Higdon Scholarship is designed to help graduates of Christ the King School of Nashville, Tennessee who have a desire to attend either Father Ryan High School or St. Cecilia Academy, both in Nashville, Tennessee. Eligible applicants must be graduating eighth graders of Christ the King School and/or former graduates of Christ the King School attending Father Ryan High School or St. Cecilia Academy. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA or equivalent. Recipients should also exhibit a love for the arts. Strong consideration will be given to financial need.

To download the Regina Higdon Scholarship application, click here

Jennifer Ingrum was a teacher in the Washington, DC public schools fulfilling her dream of working with underprivileged children.  She graduated from Gallatin High School, the University of Virginia and Harvard University.  She completed a second Masters Degree from George Washington University while teaching.  Family and friends established this scholarship after Jennifer’s tragic death.

Eligibility
The scholarship is designed to benefit Gallatin High School and Station Camp Creek High School area students who qualify academically for college but who need financial assistance.  Annual scholarships of up to $2,000 per student will be awarded to at least two students.

This scholarship was established in memory of Maude E. Keisling, former University of Tennessee Extension Agent in Cumberland County, and in honor of all the Extension Homemaker members who worked so diligently for many years to make this possible. Following Mrs. Keisling's death in 1967, club members established a scholarship in her memory to assist students majoring in Home Economics meet expenses and make it possible for them to complete their college education. The purpose of this Fund is to assist students pursuing a degree in a field of study that will prepare them to work directly with families and/or children.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must be a resident of Cumberland County, Tennessee for a period of four years or more. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior, a GED graduate, or a current college undergraduate with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Extra consideration will be given to adults out of school for five years or more seeking higher education. Applicants must pursue a degree in a field of study such as but not limited to Human Ecology, Family & Consumer Science, Education, and Social Services. Applicants must attend school as a full-time or a part-time student with 6 or more semester hours and must attend an accredited college, university, or community college.

From Maryville,Tennessee, Senator Carl O. Koella served 25 years in the State Senate. In 1999, upon his death at age 64, the Senator Carl O. Koella, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was set up to honor him. Senator Koella was an advocate of bright young people becoming involved in the political process. This scholarship was established to honor his memory and to help students realize their goals for public, government, and political service.

Eligibility - Those eligible are Legislative Interns, either public or private, currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a four-year college the year of the application. Extra consideration will be given to extra-curricular activities in the areas of government and politics and also to residents of Blount and Sevier Counties of Tennessee.

Friends and colleagues at Kruse and Associates joined together to create a scholarship to honor the company founder, Mike Kruse, and to show how much they respect and admire him for his personal and professional accomplishments. Kruse and Associates is one of the fastest growing regional public accounting and consulting firms in the Southeast, and for the tenth anniversary of the company, in 2003, staff members raised the money for this scholarship, which was presented to a very proud Mike at a company meeting.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants are rising juniors, seniors and graduate students majoring in accounting with a goal to becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Applicants must be residents of Tennessee and attend an accredited college/university in the State of Tennessee and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 or better. Extra consideration will be given to married students.

As a mother, grandmother, and community volunteer in Nashville, Heloise Werthan Kuhn is an ardent supporter of the Crittenton mission of preventing first and repeat teen pregnancies. Mrs. Kuhn believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that often accompanies teen pregnancy. Mrs. Kuhn established this scholarship to help teen parents develop self-esteem through education or technical training in order to qualify for better jobs. In the words of one recipient, this scholarship gives teen parents "a second chance" to be successful citizens, parents, and members of our community.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants are pregnant or parenting teens. They must be enrolled or planning to enroll in post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, junior college, technical school, or job training program as a way to increase their job skills and become more employable.

Dr. James W. McPherson, Jr., "Dr. Mac," believed in hard work and education. He had the innate ability to make his patients, and anyone who knew him, smile through his generosity and his contagious love for life. Throughout his life, Dr. Mac made many sacrifices in order to educate his three children. He wanted his children to focus on learning and not stress upon financial needs. In addition to assisting his children, he loved to assist young aspiring dental students. The Dr. Mac Scholarship will allow a dental student to meet his or her educational goals without having to worry about the financial barriers of an education. Dr. Mac’s children hope that the dental student receiving this award will find the same love of dentistry and the ability to make others smile as their father did.

Eligibility - Eligible students must be enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Memphis School of Dentistry entering into his or her third year of school with a minimum of 2.7 GPA. Financial need and civic participation will also be considered in candidate evaluation.

Edna Martin was a dedicated English teacher for forty-five years in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. She loved teaching and had a passion for English literature and poetry. Ms. Martin touched the lives of so many students during her years of teaching. She was an avid traveler and a member of the Nashville Woman’s Club, the Retired Teachers’ Association and many other education-related organizations. She wanted to make scholarships available that would assist young people who plan to follow her career choice of teaching. This scholarship will benefit those academically deserving and financially needy students of Davidson County.

Eligibility - Graduating high school seniors or individuals previously graduated from the Davidson County-Metropolitan Nashville Public School System who have a desire to pursue a career in teaching in elementary, middle, or high school.

Participants in the Athletes Build Life Experiences (ABLE) program play sports at the highest levels for their age group, but unlike many other children they do it from the seat of a wheelchair. Through sports and recreational activities the children in ABLE build strength, confidence, and social skills and, through the process, learn that no barrier should prevent them from achieving their goals, especially educational goals. John Mayfield created this scholarship to encourage, not only participants in ABLE but, individuals with disabilities to pursue their dream of post-secondary education whereby giving them the tools needed to become productive and independent citizens in our communities.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must be graduating seniors and be participants of the ABLE program. Applicants must attend an accredited college, university, junior college, technical school or job training program. Individuals who have previously received scholarship assistance from this scholarship are eligible to re-apply.

John Mayfield did not always take advantages of the positive opportunities available to him. To help others from making the same mistakes, John set up three scholarships to provide educational opportunities for fellow Cheatham Countians. John will add to this scholarship through his estate planning. He hopes that others will contribute as well to this fund for the benefit of young Cheatham County scholars.

John E. Mayfield Scholarship for Cheatham County Central High School
Eligibility - Eligible applicants must be alumni and/or graduating seniors of Cheatham County Central High School in Cheatham County, Tennessee. Applicants must be residents of Cheatham County and have a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

John E. Mayfield Scholarship for Harpeth High School
Eligibility - Eligible applicants must be alumni and/or graduating seniors of Harpeth High School in Cheatham County, Tennessee. Applicants must be residents of Cheatham County and have a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

John E. Mayfield Scholarship for Pleasant View Christian School
Eligibility - Eligible applicants must be alumni and/or graduating seniors of Pleasant View Christian School in Cheatham County, Tennessee. Applicants must be residents of Cheatham County and have a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

John E. Mayfield Scholarship for Sycamore High School
Eligibility - Eligible applicants must be alumni and/or graduating seniors of Sycamore High School in Cheatham County, Tennessee. Applicants must be residents of Cheatham County and have a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Archie Hartwell Nash always knew he would rise above the poverty in which he was raised -- no matter what it took. By sheer determination and tenacity, Archie worked his way through college and later became the owner of Overton Produce Co. and several peripherally related companies. His wife, Carolyn, established this scholarship in Archie's memory to benefit students who embody his work ethic and commitment to education.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must be Middle Tennessee State University sophomores or above (including graduate students) who are working a minimum of 20 hours a week and maintaining a 2.0 average or better. Applications are available to students of Middle Tennessee State University who are working their way through school.

Jerry Newson, Jr. was blessed with a helping and giving spirit. He believed in the possibilities education could and did offer as it opened different avenues of opportunity for the mind and body. This scholarship in his memory will keep that belief alive. This Fund is designed to help Davidson County residents realize their dreams of attending a four-year accredited college or university. It is hoped that the applicants will major in the social sciences or areas where they will be giving back to the community from which they came. Such service would be a fitting testimonial to Jerry Newson who lost his life in the line of duty as a Deputy of the Davidson County Sheriff's Department.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply must currently reside in Davidson County, Tennessee. High school graduates and adults who have been "out in the world" are encouraged to apply. You must have a high school diploma or a GED. Those applying must attend a four-year accredited institution of higher education, which may be out-of-state. It is hoped that the applicants will pursue a degree in the social sciences or areas where they will be helping and giving back to their community.

The vision of O'More College of Design was born in Paris, France, in 1935, while Eloise Pitts O'More was attending the summer semester at Le College Feminin. She had a dream to recreate in America the ambiance of the French design school, which eventually became reality upon the establishment of the College in 1970. This scholarship was created under the guidance of Elva Bertram 2000-2001 student chapter president of ASID, and Gary Alexander, 2000-2001 student chapter president of IIDA, to honor Mrs. O'More and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the College. This scholarship will be awarded each year to a rising junior or senior interior design student at O'More College of Design.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants must be an interior design student who is currently pursuing a degree in interior design at O'More College of Design. The student must be classified as a junior or higher and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application. Scholarships will be weighted for students with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Applicants must be actively participating members of either the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) and/or International Interior Design Association's (IIDA) student chapters.

This scholarship was established to perpetuate the memory of Buster Pool by providing assistance to deserving individuals in their educational endeavors. Buster was a native of Meridian, Mississippi, a graduate of Meridian High School and Tulane University for which he was awarded a full four-year scholarship. At the time of his death, he was Senior Surety Underwriter with Frontier Insurance Company in Nashville. Prior to that, Buster was with F. W. Williams Agency/USF&G in Meridian for 26 years. Buster was a life long and avid golfer. He took pride in the seven hole-in-one trophies he acquired throughout his life. Buster loved life, triumphed in adversity, possessed an infectious sense of humor and was endeared to his family and friends. A close friend once said of him "Buster is the type of friend, that if you walk into a room and are faced with a choice of five individuals to speak with, you go to him, because you know you will come away laughing". There is a saying that . . . when you're gone, people may not remember what you did or what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. This reflects Buster Pool. As a lasting legacy to Buster's memory, his widow, Babs Weaver Pool, along with many friends and family have created this scholarship.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants are graduating seniors of Meridian High School in Meridian, Mississippi and/or previous recipients of this scholarship who have chosen to reapply. Eligible applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher at the time of application. In deciding between two applicants of equal merit, preference will be given to members of the Meridian High School Golf Team and/or golfers in deference to Buster Pool's passion for the game of golf.

Barbara Hagan Richards grew up in Pulaski where her father had the drugstore on the square. After studying library science at Peabody, she raised her family in Nashville but always maintained her connections to Giles County, Tennessee. She and her family established this scholarship to encourage young people to pursue an education just as she encouraged her own children.

Eligibility - Applicants must be graduating seniors, undergraduates, and/or graduate students currently enrolled in college/university and/or alumni of any high school located in and serving Giles County, Tennessee. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0.

James Edward "Bill" Richards graduated from East High School and Vanderbilt University. He went on to expand successfully his family business and receive honors from the Nashville business community. Throughout his career, East Nashville continued to be associated in his mind with family and the carefree years of his youth. He and his family established this scholarship as a way of sharing his success with the community, which nurtured him.

Eligibility - Applicants must be graduating seniors, undergraduates, and/or graduate students currently enrolled in college/university and/or alumni of East High School in Nashville, Tennessee. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0.

Seeking an even greater positive impact on the lives of his employees and their families, Wilbur Sensing has created this scholarship fund. Recipients must attend an accredited university, college, or junior college. The level of entry into one of the accredited schools does not matter.

Eligibility - Children of all Enco Materials, Inc. employees - except the officers - are eligible to apply. Criteria for selection, in addition to academic aptitude, are extracurricular, civic, and church participation as well as financial need.

Mike and Dottie Silverman were founding citizens of the Oak Ridge community, helping settle the city in the early years of World War II. The Silvermans were very active in all aspects of life in Oak Ridge and were part of the original founders of the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra. Dottie played the viola and Mike the violin, both accomplished musicians. Avid supporters of live music in the community, the Silverman's dedication and sincere love of music and the arts was a central part of their lives. Mike and Dottie enriched the cultural fabric of the Oak Ridge community for all of the 64 years they lived there, and continue to do so with this Scholarship.

Hoping to touch as many lives as possible with small awards, the Fund provides scholarships benefiting string students in grades 7-12 in Oak Ridge Public Schools who are committed to developing their talent as string instrument players but who otherwise would be financially unable to take private string instruction. Eligible students are recommended by a strings instructor, and selection is based on both financial need and a commitment to music.

Drue Smith, a Chattanooga native, was the first woman to join the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and was the first woman to become its chapter president. Drue was considered the queen of Tennessee’s legislative press corps and was the first woman to cover Nashville’s Capitol Hill. Drue was the first honorary member of the Tennessee General Assembly and was named National Broadcaster of the Year by American Women in Radio and TV. She also was named Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women's Club, the Tennessee Press Women, the Pilot Club and the Altrusa Club. She was colorful in many ways from her clothes to her style. Asking her famous question “What’s the bottom line?” She reported for print, radio, television and United Press International in her 50-year career. This scholarship was established in memory of Drue upon her death in 2001 by the members and board of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

Eligibility - Applicants must be college juniors, seniors or graduate students who have graduated from high school in Middle Tennessee and have chosen journalism or broadcast news as a career or mid-career working journalists who seek training to develop professionally or further their careers.

Richie Stevenson is grateful for the excellent education he received at Benton Hall. His parents, Jimmy and Donna Stevenson, created this scholarship in Richie's honor to acknowledge that appreciation by giving something back to the school and the fellow students that helped craft such a positive experience. The Richie Stevenson Scholarship will provide last dollar support to students.

Eligibility - Those eligible to apply are graduates of Benton Hall School who wish to attend technical school, vocational school, community college, junior college or four-year college or university.

Sometimes parents and children don't see eye-to-eye. And, sometimes, they need time and space to bridge a gap that has developed between them because the children are gay or lesbian. The Student Education Loan Fund (SELF) can buy students and parents a chance to work things out between them by providing emergency educational loans to young men or women whose parents have discontinued financial support for their education because they are gay or lesbian.

Eligibility - Young men or women whose parents have discontinued financial support for their education because they are gay or lesbian are eligible to apply. The loans are awarded to the recipient and a co-signing adult and come with the personal responsibility of prompt repayment within two years. The co-signer should agree to pay the interest on the loan and serve as a mentor for the student.

Through the members of the Tennessee Trucking Association, the Tennessee Trucking Foundation (TTF) has made significant contributions to the community in an effort to increase public awareness of highway safety. Additionally the TTF has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to children’s charities in an effort to improve the lives of sick children and their families. The TTF believes that the children of Tennessee are the future of both this state and our nation. As an extension of their efforts, the TTF Board of Directors has created a scholarship for dependent children, spouses, or employees of organizations who are members in good standing of the Tennessee Trucking Association. It is their belief this natural extension will chart a course of success for the future of Tennessee while continuing to assist those in need.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants are Tennessee residents who are dependent children, spouses, or employees of organizations who are members in good standing of the Tennessee Trucking Association. Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years at accredited colleges or universities located in the State of Tennessee.

Dollar General Founder Cal Turner announced plans to establish the Turner Family Scholarship during Dollar General's 60th Anniversary celebration in October 1999. This scholarship offers financial assistance to Dollar General employees who have at least one year of service and seek personal development opportunities through education. Applications to GED and Adult Basic Education coursework, vocational or technical school, junior college, college or university will be given preference.

Eligibility - Applicants must be full-time or part-time employees of Dollar General with at least one year of service to the company. Eligible applicants may choose any area of study; coursework does not have to be related to the person's job. Employees may enroll in GED or Adult Basic Education courses, classes at a community college or vocational school or attend a four-year college or university. These choices will reflect the personal development goals of the applicants.

To download the Turner Family Scholarship application, click here

Emmett H. Turner ably served Davidson County as police chief from 1996 until 2003 and was a 34-year-veteran of the police force. Upon his retirement, friends and admirers wanted to do something meaningful to show him their appreciation for his hard work. A scholarship was created in Emmett’s name at The Community Foundation to benefit students who attend Tennessee State University’s Criminal Justice program. It is fitting that from now on, with the aid of the Emmett H. Turner Scholarship, TSU will be graduating students who will follow in Emmett’s footsteps of public service, making life safer for our citizens.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants are students enrolling or currently enrolled at Tennessee State University in the Criminal Justice Program.

Thurman T. (Teddy) Wilburn passed away November 24, 2003 of congestive heart failure at the age of 71. Well known for his frequent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, he began performing regularly on the Opry with his five brothers and sister at 9-years-old. After a long stint at The Grand Ole Opry, Teddy joined his Brother Doyle and the duo performed for almost 30 years. The Wilburn Brothers had more than 30 songs on the country charts and their hits include "Troubles Back in Town,"  "Roll Muddy River,"  "It’s Another World," and "Arkansas."  . Together the duo performed on the Arthur Godfrey Show as well as Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. They also had their own syndicated television show for more than twelve years - introducing such country greats as Loretta Lynn, the Osborne Brothers, Crystal Gayle and Patty Loveless to national audiences. The Wilburn Brothers career ended when Doyle died from cancer in 1982.

Teddy was not able to attend college because he went "on the road with his music" at an early age.  He chose to give much of his estate to The Foundation to help students attend Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University.

Eligibility
This scholarship is designed to benefit students at Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University.  To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must have at least a B grade average overall during the last two years of high school and have, for the majority of their career attended high school within the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee.

The few friends and neighbors who met together on May 30, 1909, could never have dreamed the scope and influence, which would follow and spread, when on that day, they organized themselves into the East Nashville Civic Club now known as the Woman's Club of Nashville. They were to grow into 1,000 members; to have owned two beautiful clubhouse buildings; and to have become effective advocates of public good, especially in philanthropy, needs of children and women's rights. The Woman's Club of Nashville Scholarship was created to award one or more scholarships benefiting women residing in Davidson County, Tennessee.

Eligibility - Eligible applicants should be women residing in Davidson County, Tennessee. Students should be graduating high school seniors or high school graduates with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Recipients are eligible to reapply each and every year up to three consecutive years of post-secondary education. Reapplying applicants will be given every consideration for renewal of the scholarship, but such funding is not guaranteed.

For 39 years, John W. Work, III, was an inspiring teacher at Fisk University, director of the famous Jubilee Singers, and an internationally known composer and arranger. Five years following his death, the Nashville Chapter of The Links, Inc. established the John W. Work, III Memorial Foundation. To perpetuate his memory, the Board of the John W. Work, III Memorial Foundation proposed to protect and promote his manuscripts and work; to sponsor research in black musicology; and to award scholarships to students in the areas of musicology, performance and composition.

Eligibility - The John W. Work, III Memorial Foundation Scholarship is intended to award one or more scholarships to undergraduate juniors, seniors, or graduate students, especially African American, pursuing a degree in music at an accredited university, college or institute. The applicants must have a B average and demonstrate potential for excellence in music.