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Keep Rutherford County Beautiful (Keep RC Beautiful) announces the complete funding of the $1,200 Green Scholarship, thanks to a $1,000 donation from Andrew Tisdale, Founder of Freedom Financial Management in Forest City.
Dr. Brock Heflin also contributed to fully fund the larger scholarship. Expressing gratitude, Jenna Bailey, Executive Director of Keep RC Beautiful, stated, "We are thankful that both Dr. Heflin and Mr. Tisdale recognize the impact we are having on our young leaders and have supported our scholarship for multiple years. This program not only impacts our graduates' lives; it is a statement to where our character and community pride lie." Bailey continues, "The increased funding has allowed us to help two students, and there are many in need."
Apply Now: Keep RC Beautiful is celebrating the fourth year of the annual Green Scholarship, and applications are now open for submissions. Eligibility extends to any senior attending school in Rutherford County, including public, charter, and private homeschool groups. Students intending to major in a "green" area of study are encouraged to apply.
Last year's recipients, Amelia Harris and Maija Elina, are studying environmental science and marine biology, respectively. The list of applicable majors is not limited to these two. Applicants can pursue any environment-related degree. Additional requirements include a GPA of at least 3.0, twenty hours of community service, a letter of recommendation, and an essay submission demonstrating an interest in environmental practices. The complete application and checklist can be found on the KeepRCNCBeautiful.org website. The deadline for application submissions is Thursday, March 28th, 2024. Once applications are reviewed, the top three candidates will be notified in April if they qualify for the finalist stage. The top two winners will be announced in May.
The scholarship's purpose is to help alleviate financial barriers to higher education for aspiring eco-advocates. Two awardees will be selected; one will receive $1,200, and the other will receive $500 to go towards college expenses. To reach this amount, an additional $500 is needed. Jenna Bailey, Executive Director of Keep RC Beautiful, expressed her gratitude for private partnerships that make the Green Scholarship possible. "Our budget comes from government entities like Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, Rutherford County and the Town of Rutherfordton. Zero of these budgetary funds can be used for scholarship purposes," added Bailey. If you or your business wish to support the next generation of environmentalists, call 828-278-7840 today.
The Green Scholarship is just one of the many ways Keep Rutherford County Beautiful executes its mission to educate and empower Rutherford County citizens to take pride, clean up the streets, and live green. As a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, Keep RC Beautiful provides free pick-up kits for volunteer road cleaning groups and will be hosting a Spring Litter Sweep from April 8- April 30.
Keep Rutherford County Beautiful began as an Earth Day litter pickup in 2016 and has transformed into a movement throughout Rutherford County. Neighbors, industry leaders, business owners, school systems, and municipalities have joined forces to change the way we define community. Now an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, KRCB leads multiple green programs and initiatives, including litter sweeps, their annual Green Scholarship, and their Green Business Program. Together, we are taking action to love where we live, work, and play.
To stay up-to-date with KRCB events and volunteer opportunities, visit the KRCB Facebook page @KeepRCNCBeautiful, IG page @keeprcncbeautiful, or email KeepRCNCBeautiful@RutherfordCountyNC.gov. Learn more about KRCB's green initiatives on KeepRCNCBeautiful.org.
