Heffington Scholarship Grant

Heffington Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Amount: Up to US $4,000
Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Summary

The Heffington Scholarship is a memorial fund honoring Nina Weintraub Heffington, established by her family and friends to support students from Cashiers and Highlands. This scholarship aims to empower local high school graduates and seniors who plan to pursue further education at accredited institutions. Nina's legacy of kindness and dedication to youth education lives on through this initiative, encouraging community engagement and academic achievement among the next generation.

Overview

Friends of Mark W. Heffington, M.D., and Nina Weintraub Heffington established this scholarship fund as a living legacy of their giving and caring spirit that has enhanced the communities of Cashiers and Highlands. It became a memorial scholarship to Nina when she lost a battle with cancer on June 30, 1999 at the age of 42. Nina's focus in life was centered around not only her own children, but all of the children of the communities. She was an avid volunteer in the schools, using her many talents to enhance educational opportunities. Her interests included but were not limited to dramatic arts, computer science, writing and psychology. Friends will always remember Nina's laughter, love of life, and willingness to share of her time and talents. Her kindness, enthusiasm and dedication toward young people were well known. These scholarships, which demonstrate Nina's loving and giving nature, are a legacy to the support and encouragement that were the hallmark of her life by enabling students in the Cashiers-Highlands area to further their education.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Scholarships are available to qualified graduates or graduating high school seniors who are residents of the Cashiers (Jackson County) or Highlands (Macon County) communities.Recipients must plan to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, community college, or vocational school full-time.Those who attend the NC School of Science and Mathematics, the UNC School of the Arts High School, or a home school registered with the NC Division of Non-Public Education are also eligible, as long as their primary residence is in one of the two communities mentioned above.Previous recipients of this scholarship may re-apply for consideration.

Ineligibility

New Century Scholars will not be considered for a Heffington Scholarship.