The Smyth County Foundation, Smyth County Board of Supervisors, and Wytheville Community College created the Smyth County Promise Scholarship in 2023. The scholarship provides full tuition and fees for all qualified residents who graduate from Smyth County area high schools as a "last dollar" scholarship. This scholarship is awarded after all other scholarships, financial aid, and grants are awarded if needed.
The scholarship covers 5 of 6 semesters at Wytheville Community College immediately starting after high school graduation.
Important Links for the 2025 Graduating High School Seniors Class
Letter to current 2025 Smyth County area High School Seniors
2025 Smyth County area High School Graduates Checklist
Links for current recipients of the Smyth County Promise Scholarship
Approved Non-profit Volunteer Agency List
Instructions for Completing Volunteer Service Hours
Submit an online "Volunteer Waiver of Responsibility" form for the Fall 2024 Semester
Spring 2025 semester is the last qualifying semester for 2023 High School Graduates.
2024 High School Graduates Eligibility Dates:
Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026
2025 High School Graduates Eligibility Dates:
Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027
Some courses are part of the "IncludED Course Fees" program and the Smyth County Promise Scholarship will not cover these fees because they are considered textbook fees. These fees are automatically added to your course materials and tuition upon registration of certain courses. You will be responsible for payment of these fees through your student account.
Eligibility Requirements
- Provide proof of residency in Smyth County for at least the two years prior to graduation (tax receipts, bills with dates, etc.)
- Must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency
- Recipients must have attended a public or private high school in Smyth County for at least their junior and senior years. Students must graduate from:
- Marion Senior High School
- Northwood High School
- Chilhowie High School
- Private schools in Smyth County
- Homeschool or GED
- Homeschool students who meet WCC entrance requirements are eligible provided they satisfy the other eligibility requirements
- Students who complete a GED by the graduation date of their original graduating class are eligible for the program provided they satisfy the other eligibility requirements
Applying for the Smyth County Promise Scholarship
• Complete an Application for Admission to Wytheville Community College
• Provide an official high school transcript
• Complete a 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and have a completed financial aid file
• The 2024-2025 FAFSA is not yet available. Please continue to check the FAFSA website for updates
• If you are attending summer 2024, please complete a 2023-2024 FAFSA
• Apply for scholarships or grants offered through Wytheville Community College
• Enroll in a degree/diploma/certificate or Workforce Short Term Training program
Remaining Eligible for the Smyth County Promise Scholarship
• Complete 10 hours of volunteer service hours each semester the scholarship is received
• Achieve a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) by the end of the first year (two semesters)
• Complete 67% of all classes to continue receiving the grant for the second year
• Complete a Volunteer Waiver of Responsibility form each semester
• Apply for a WCC Scholarship every Fall and Spring semester
Scholarship Contact
Amanda Pauley
Scholarship Program Manager
apauley@wcc.vccs.edu
Smyth Hall, room 146
276-223-4719