Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Greg Keener
Shallow Ford Foundation

The Shallow Ford Foundation announces three scholarships specifically for adult and young adult students working towards a degree or credential to improve their career. Following the awarding of 19 scholarships in the spring of 2022, the foundation is offering these three additional opportunities. The application period is open now and will close on Nov. 18. Awards will be made to students in early December.

The scholarships, all open to students who graduated from high school in 2021 or earlier, are made possible by philanthropic individuals and organizations wishing to support adult students with a passion for improving their career outlook.

The application opening period corresponds with the ongoing five-part event series, Career Connections, presented in partnership with the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce. The program is a unique series of events to connect employers with candidates who have an interest in specific industries. In addition to networking, these programs are designed to be educational, including a panel discussion from professionals who can share about the various opportunities in each industry. The series, which has already held sessions focusing on careers in the trades and in education, continues with a session on hospitality and retail on Sept. 21, the medical and health professions on Sept. 28 and concludes on Oct. 5 with a program on the finance and insurance fields.

Information on Career Connections can be found at https://lewisville-clemmons.com/. Information on the three scholarships is below.

The Thad and Mary Bingham Education Assistance Award for adult students

Up to $2,500 for a graduate from West Forsyth High School from the class of 2021 or earlier. The applicant must have demonstrated financial need and a commitment to pursue a credential for advancement in a chosen career.

Thad and Mary Bingham were long-time Clemmons residents who loved their community, family, and Clemmons United Methodist Church. They generously gave back in a variety of meaningful ways, including the establishment of the Thad and Mary Bingham Fund with the Shallow Ford Foundation, which has supported many community initiatives and programs through grants since it was established.

The Wayne C. Matthews Continuing Education Award

Up to $2,000 for a student who graduated from high school in 2021 or before who is a current resident of Yadkin County attending or planning to attend Surry Community College — Yadkin Campus, full-time or part-time, to complete a credential-producing program leading to an in-demand occupation. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, or course textbooks and other materials.

In its second year, this scholarship opportunity is offered to honor Dr. Wayne Matthews, who served as director of the Yadkin Center at Surry Community College. His family and the entire community remember Dr. Matthews’ life, his contributions, and his tremendous model of servant leadership that he lived into daily throughout the community he loved.

The BNI Advantage One Scholarship

Up To $2,500 for an adult student planning to enroll in or currently enrolled in an academic program at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university to complete a degree or credential that will improve their current career or help them transition to a new career.

BNI, Business Networking International is the world’s leading business referral organization with over 10,000 chapters worldwide. NC WS BNI Advantage One, a local chapter that meets in Bermuda Run, has partnered with the Shallow Ford Foundation this year to launch this new scholarship.

Students may apply online at shallowfordfoundation.org.

Questions? Contact Program Officer Greg Keener at 336-403-0433 or greg@shallowfordfoundation.org