The 2026 application cycle has closed. Check back for updates on the 2027 cycle.
CULTIVATING RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Invest in Your
Future.
2026
The CRO Community Foundation provides college scholarships to students residing in Eastern Wake County, awarding up to $3,500 toward four-year universities, community colleges, and STEM and business degrees. We believe that every determined student in our community deserves access to the resources that make higher education a reality, not just an aspiration. Four distinct scholarship opportunities are available for the 2026 application cycle, each designed to meet students where they are in their educational journey.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Jami Ward
East Carolina University
Crystal Creech Shepherd Memorial Scholarship
Ashlee Hua
UNC-Chapel Hill
CRO Community Foundation Scholarship
Benjamin Chavis
North Carolina A&T State University
CRO Community Foundation Scholarship
Arielle Burt
North Carolina Central University
CRO Community Foundation Scholarship
Jayden Grantham
North Carolina Central University
CRO Business & STEM Scholarship
Monica Mekael
Wake Tech Community College
CRO Excellence in Service Scholarship
4
Scholarship Awards
$3,500
Top Award Amount
2.9+
Minimum GPA Required
Closed
Application Deadline
AVAILABLE AWARDS
Four Pathways to Your
Education
$1,000
CRO Community Foundation Scholarship
A general scholarship open to high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university and are looking for foundational financial support to begin their academic career.
$2,000
CRO Excellence in Service Scholarship
Designed for high school students pursuing a degree from a two-year community college, as well as current community college students who are entering their second year of study.
$3,500
CRO Business & STEM Scholarship
Awarded to high school seniors who are planning to pursue business or STEM-related degrees at an accredited four-year college or university, celebrating ambition in high-growth fields.
$3,500
Crystal Creech Shepherd Memorial Scholarship
A memorial scholarship honoring Crystal Creech Shepherd, available to high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university and reside in the eligible Eastern Wake County communities.
Who Can Apply?
Scholarships are open to students who currently reside in one of the qualifying Eastern Wake County communities and who meet a minimum GPA threshold on a 4.0 scale. Residents of Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, Rolesville, and Wake Forest are all encouraged to submit a complete application before the May 15, 2026 deadline. Students should visit the CRO Foundation website to review the full eligibility requirements specific to each award before beginning their application.
