Catawba Valley Optimist Club Scholarship Endowment

The Catawba Valley Optimist Club Scholarship Endowment is established to provide scholarship for deserving students enrolled at Catawba Valley Community College. This endowment was made possible by the funds from the Hickory Optimist Club upon merger of the Hickory Optimist Club and the Unifour Optimist Club into the Catawba Valley Optimist Club. Optimist International is a worldwide organization of people committed to optimism and self-development for the improvement of youth and community. The mission of the organization is to foster an optimistic way of life, through a network of optimists, dedicated to the full development of their potential in order to provide ever-expanding service to youth, the community and the world. The Catawba Valley Optimist Club exhibits optimism in the community, which it serves by providing support for higher education through this scholarship endowment with the hope of enabling and encouraging students to complete requirements for programs at Catawba Valley Community College.

Award

Scholarships will be awarded annually. The amount of the awards will vary as does the growth and income of the endowment. The scholarship will be based on academic achievement and financial need for tuition, fees and books only.

Commitment

The recipient must posses the potential for a successful career in the field of Basic Law Enforcement, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Technician, or Early Childhood Education. The recipient must exhibit a desire for academic excellence in his/her chosen field.

Criteria for Selection

The recipient must meet the following criteria:

• Be a North Carolina resident.
• Be in process of enrollment in the stated program.
• Must provide information on a timely basis, as requested.
• Maintain a 2.75 GPA to renew for a second year.

Selection Process

Students may be nominated by CVCC staff, high school officials, his/herself or members of the business community. Applications will be reviewed by the CVCC Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee. In addition, an interview may be requested with the applicant.

Other Criteria

The recipient may be invited by the Catawba Valley Optimist Club to attend a meeting and/or function during the college year.