July 15, 2027
Kendra Ruestow Atherton Memorial Scholarship
Direct application
Amount varies
Eligibility
Education level
High school
Enrollment
Full-time
About this scholarship
Students who lost a parent or legal guardian to cancer may apply for the Kendra Ruestow Atherton Memorial Scholarship. One track is open to Hampton Roads high school seniors accepted to a two- or four-year college; the other is for incoming or current full-time Virginia Tech students, including transfers.
Award amounts vary based on fundraising. Submit a resume, two non-family letters of recommendation, and two essays of no more than 500 words each. Finalists may be interviewed.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Personal resume
- Two non-family letters of recommendation from different eligible roles, mailed directly
- Two essays of no more than 500 words each
- Be a senior enrolled in a public or private high school in the Hampton Roads cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Newport News, Poquoso
- Be accepted to an undergraduate curriculum at a 2- or 4-year college/university as a full-time student, with proof of acceptance (photocopied acceptance letter)
- Have lost a parent or legal guardian to cancer
- Submit a personal resume
- Submit two letters of recommendation from two different roles (teacher, guidance counselor, coach, clergy, mentor, or work supervisor; not from family members), mailed directly
- Agree to a face-to-face interview by the scholarship committee if requested
- Application is mailed (postal), not an online portal
- Finalists may be required to participate in a face-to-face interview.
- Application must be mailed by post.