The Cultivating Resources and Opportunities (CRO) Community Foundation is committed to increasing access to education and reducing student debt.

Our scholarships are eligible to residents of Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, Rolesville, and Wake Forest.

Please read through this overview carefully. The application deadline is Saturday, May 10, 2025, 11:55 PM EST.

Applicants may apply to more than one scholarship, pending they meet the qualifications. 

Parental consent is required for applicants under 18. Access the parental consent form here and upload the signed document using this link. 

Scholarships GPA Minimum Requirement: 2.9

Scholarship awardees must confirm Fall 2025 enrollment before the award is confirmed. The scholarship award will be submitted directly to the awardee’s academic institution. 

Awardees will be contacted via email and invited to attend a reception on June 22, 2025. 

Applicants who are not selected for an award will be notified via email.

Application Submission Procedure

• Each scholarship has a unique application link. Applicants will only be considered for the scholarships they apply for. 
• Answer all scholarship form and essay questions.  
• In one PDF attachment, submit essay question responses, recommendation letter(s ) (minimum 1 – maximum 2), and resume (Volunteer and extracurricular activities are welcomed). The attachment will be loaded to the scholarship form. Upload your application with the file name (Last Name_First Name_Scholarship Acronym_Submission Date). 
• Recommendation letters on official letterhead should be signed by the author and state the following: 

• Relationship to the applicant 

• Example of academic achievement 

• Example of service to local and/or academic community, church, and/or teammates, etc.

• Upload a copy of your official transcript. 

• Wake County high school students, please access WCPSS Records Request to order your transcript.

• Community College students, please access your school’s online order form or visit the applicable student support office in person. 

• Please note that only official transcripts will be accepted. Applications submitted without official (authenticated) documentation will be considered incomplete and disqualified from consideration.

• Upload your transcript here with the file name (Last Name_First Name_School Name_Submission Date) 

If you have questions, please email crocomfoundation@gmail.com.

Scholarships and Eligibility Criteria 

• Crystal Creech Shepherd Memorial Scholarship (CCSMS) | APPLICATION LINK
  • The scholarship is eligible to high school seniors pursuing a four-year college or university degree. 
• CRO Business & STEM Scholarship (CBSS) | APPLICATION LINK
  • Eligible to high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in business or STEM at a four-year college or university. Applicants will share accomplishments and/or interests in the business and STEM fields. 
• CRO Excellence in Service Scholarship (CESS) | APPLICATION LINK
  • Eligible to high school students pursuing a degree from a two-year community college or currently enrolled community college students going into their second year. Applicants must illustrate service to their local and/or academic community.

Scholarships GPA Minimum Requirement: 2.9

Must reside in Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, Rolesville, or Wake Forest.

ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO UPLOAD AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT HERE.