25 Henrico eighth-graders to receive full scholarships to VUU

Through a new program called “VUU Henrico Scholars,” Virginia Union University will provide full college tuition to 25 current Henrico County Public Schools eighth-graders. The scholarships will begin once the students graduate from a Henrico high school in 2026.

Recipients also will receive college-readiness support while in high school and will participate in events at Virginia Union. Recipients will be responsible for non-tuition costs, such as room, board and fees.

Applications will be accepted for the opportunity beginning Nov. 1 and continuing through Dec. 17; scholarship recipients will be announced in March. For details and to apply, visit www.henricoschools.us and look under “Hot Topics.”

A virtual family information session will be held Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn more and ask questions. To attend, visit https://tinyurl.com/VUUHenricoScholarsProgram.

Scholarships will cover VUU tuition and college-readiness support as students pursue bachelor's degrees in an area of their choosing.

While in high school, eighth grade recipients will:
• be assigned a mentor throughout their high school years to help support, advise and prepare them for college.
• take part in a weeklong college-readiness and exploration program each summer.
• enjoy regular on-campus experiences, such as sporting and other events.
• have access to VUU labs, classrooms and faculty for educational and professional development.
• connect with local business leaders in their areas of career interest.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from HCPS and Virginia Union. The selection process will be based upon:
• extracurricular involvement.
• community involvement and leadership.
• a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• essay questions.
• a statement (written or recorded) about the student’s career aspirations and dreams. A written statement should be fewer than 500 words; a recorded statement should be three to five minutes long.
• a student interview.
• two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher, counselor or other school staff member, and one from a community member not related to the applicant).

The selection process also will prioritize first-generation college attendees and seek representation from Henrico County’s five magisterial districts.

HCPS and Virginia Union are planning a series of “Panther Parties” at HCPS middle schools to provide more information about the VUU Henrico Scholars scholarships. The events will be open to all HCPS families.

If you have questions, contact Deia Champ, HCPS’ director of middle school education, at vuuhenscholars@henrico.k12.va.us.