Monroe County Scholarships 2026: A Ticket to Dreams

By Becky Crabtree

The Monroe County Education Foundation's long-standing support reflects its commitment to helping dreams come true and uplifting Monroe Countians. The list of scholarships has expanded over the years, offering awards worth $250, $500, $1,000, and up to $2,000 for various educational pursuits, inspiring hope for many students. (Most are awards of $1000.)

This support is open to ALL Monroe County residents, regardless of age, and applies to high school students as well as older residents. Colleges, trade schools, and other specialized training qualify for this support.

Scholarships awarded, by year:

• 2022: 17 scholarships, $14,000 total

• 2023: 27 scholarships, $21,000 total

• 2024: 27 scholarships, $24,900 total

• 2025: 24 scholarships, $24,750 total

This year will mark the 25th year of MCEF's existence. It has awarded 239 scholarships, valued at $211,050, and has had a profound influence on many lives. Later this spring, in April, a new list of individuals willing to seek support for their dreams will fill the 2026 column. Several new scholarships are available this year, making the list a bit longer than in earlier years.

If you or someone you know has an educational dream that needs a financial boost, please consider applying for an MCEF scholarship and/or sharing the possibilities with others. If you are aware of a family with more than one member seeking additional training or education, sharing this information with them may make a dream come true.

The electronic application is available at mcefwv.org with a deadline of Feb. 15, 2026. To strengthen your application, review the website guidelines or contact Laura Rice at 304-646-2423 for tips and assistance. Paper applications and guidance are also available at James Monroe High School's counselor's office.

This is the fourth in a series of articles about the work and far-reaching impact of the Monroe County Education Foundation. A full table of named scholarships and recent recipients is available on request from MCEF. More information can be found at mcefwv.org.