Timeline for Community Scholarship Award Cycle
This table provides an overview of opportunities available. Answer every question on the application in order to be offered applications for which you are eligible.
Timeline for Community Scholarship Cycle for Academic Year 2026/2027 – FAFSA required for most :
October 1, 2025: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available. Go to FAFSA.Gov to complete your application. (Required for all need-based scholarships.)
January 15, 2026: For renewable scholarships - deadline for application to renew (online)
February 17, 2026: Online application available
March 18, 2026: Application deadline at 11:59 PM
March - April, 2026: Application processing
April TBD – May TBD, 2026: Selection committees meet to review and make awards
May 5-16, 2026: Students receive notification of awards
May 20, 2026: Scholarship Awards Celebration Event (4pm at Cape Fear Botanical Garden)
June 1, 2026: Deadline to accept awards online (scholarship funds will be allocated to another student after this date)
July - August, 2026: Payments made directly to the college for students who have accepted the awards and submitted their proof of enrollment
