About the Program

The Charlottesville Scholarship Program was established in 2001 with an initial gift from City Council of $250,000.

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Since then, CSP has grown its endowment to over $1.3 million, and has awarded 201 scholarships totaling more than $1.1 million.

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The goal of the program has remained constant:  to assist low- and moderate-income City residents and City employees who wish to improve their lives through post-secondary education.

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Income-eligible Charlottesville Public School System high school seniors, City residents who are Charlottesville Public School System graduates or GED recipients, and City municipal and City School System employees, no matter where they reside, are all eligible for CSP scholarships.

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Students may use CSP scholarships for technical certification programs, or for 2- or 4-year undergraduate or master's degree programs.

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CSP scholarships typically begin at $2,500 with $500 annual increases for successful academic progress.

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A student can receive up to $13,000 over the course of a typical 4-year undergraduate program.

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In a typical year, CSP awards 11 new, renewable scholarships.  10 of these are designated for eligible high school seniors, and the 11th scholarship is designated for an eligible adult applicant.

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Each scholar is paired with a Navigator—a local adult volunteer who supports and encourages the student all the way through to the student’s certificate or degree.

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For the 2024-25 academic year, we have awarded a total of $132,700 in scholarships to 42 students.

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All of the students we select have financial need and many would not choose not to attend without our support.

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Many of these students are the first in their family to attend college.

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