George H.V. Cecil Scholarship (Journey Scholarship)

George H.V. Cecil Scholarship

Geographic Scope: High school seniors from participating WNC Honors communities across 20 western-most counties of North Carolina

Purpose: Honor the legacy of George H.V. Cecil, founder and Scholarship Committee Chair, who believed in the power of education to transform lives and communities. The scholarship furthers educational opportunities, encourages community service, and fosters leadership skills.

Award Details:

• Type: Four-year renewable scholarship
• Eligibility for Colleges: Accredited four-year or two-year college programs
• Funding Amount: Not specified on website

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a high school senior eligible to enter college in the fall
• Must live in one of the active WNC Honors Program communities or otherwise participate in that community center
• Must have at least a 3.0 unweighted grade point average
• Priority given to those who have actively volunteered with their community centers
• Must demonstrate:
  • Good character
  • Strong academic potential
  • Dedication to community service
  • Leadership skills
• Must be verified by an officer from an active WNC Honors Program community center

Application Status (2026): Applications for 2026 have closed

General Contact: WNC Communities, 594 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806; (828) 252-4783; info@wnccommunities.org

George H.V. Cecil Scholarship Application Process

Application Method:

• Online application (link provided to eligible applicants)

Key Application Requirements:

• Verification by an officer from an active WNC Honors Program community center
• List of eligible community clubs by county provided on page 2 of application
• Applicants unsure of their community center should contact Scholarship Coordinator

Timeline Note:

• Applications for 2026 have closed
• Plan ahead as it may take several days to connect with a community center officer for verification

Required Information:

• Evidence of 3.0+ unweighted GPA
• Demonstration of good character
• Evidence of academic potential
• Documentation of community service and volunteering
• Leadership examples
• College enrollment plans (4-year or 2-year accredited program)

Contact for Questions: scholarship@wnccommunities.org