Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
Program Funding Cut Announced
May 20, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Education (USED) has withdrawn funding for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Pprogram for fiscal year 2011; and there will be no new awards made for fiscal year 2011. It is anticipated the program will be eliminated in 2012. Virginia will not receive a federal grant to fund Virginia students, and applications submitted for the 2011 scholarship cannot be considered for awards this year. The status of funding for students currently receiving the scholarship is still being considered. For additional information, see Superintendent's Memo #141-11.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who have achieved academically and show promise of continued outstanding academic achievement. Graduating seniors of public and private secondary schools, and those who have the equivalent of a high school diploma, are eligible for the Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. The applicants must have demonstrated and show promise of continued outstanding academic achievement.
Under separate cover, materials describing the Byrd Honors Scholarship Program are also being sent to the headmasters of accredited nonpublic secondary schools. The Virginia Department of Education is requesting that public and private schools assist in identifying and securing applications from eligible students who wish to be considered for college scholarships offered by the U. S. Department of Education.
A prompt response from each school is important to the program's success. Please note the chart on page 3 of the instructions, which indicates the maximum number of applications each division may submit.
Application Procedures & Important Dates
The total number of applications submitted by each division cannot exceed the limit established on the basis of the total grade 12 fall membership for the public school division or the private school. Only complete applications will be accepted. Any part or parts of the application submitted separately (including letters of recommendation) will cause the application(s) to be rejected. Each school should keep a copy of the application(s) sent from the school.
Byrd scholars must be selected in such a way that all parts of the Commonwealth are fairly represented. We request that you emphasize activities that ensure students from low-income and moderate-income families have access to the information about the opportunity for full participation in the scholarship program.
Scholarship applications must be postmarked by April 8, 2011. A statewide committee will select the scholarship recipients and notify them prior to the end of the current school year. If you have questions regarding the program or wish to receive a copy of the application materials, please contact Joseph Wharff, school counseling connections specialist, by e-mail at Joseph.Wharff@doe.virginia.gov, or by telephone at 804-225-3370. You may also contact Nicole Hicks by e-mail at Nicole.Hicks@doe.virginia.gov, or by telephone at 804-225-3119.
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