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The ROB Foundation Scholarship is awarded to students who have experienced the profound loss of a parent or primary legal guardian, and are taking the next step to build a brighter future by attending a college, university, or trade school. Up to ten $2,500 awards are available to students who meet the criteria and whose essay exemplifies the foundation's purpose.

The purpose of the foundation is in our name: we REMEMBER those we've lost, we OVERCOME our adversity, and we BUILD a brighter future.

This form is to be completed by the student applying for a scholarship award. All fields, except those otherwise noted, are required.

Students eligible for the ROB Foundation Scholarship must meet the following criteria:

• Currently a high school senior or attending a college/university/trade school with at least one full academic year remaining.
• Student must have at least one deceased parent or primary legal guardian. Proof of death is required in the application.
• Student must be a resident of North Carolina or South Carolina. For students already in college, you must have a parent or legal guardian still residing in North or South Carolina.
• A Student Reflection essay and one Letter of Recommendation are required in addition to completing this form.

Proof of Passing

• We understand that this is a difficult request, but to ensure the integrity of the ROB Foundation, we require proof of the death of your deceased parent or primary legal guardian. Please upload the death certificate, obituary, newspaper article, online obituary site, or other type of confirmation.

Important Dates

• Application Period: March 1 - April 30, 2025
• Award Notification: Late May to early June 2025

Write an essay (maximum 500 words) that describes how the loss of your parent or guardian has inspired you to set goals and establish a new path forward. Explain your goals and how higher education will enable you to achieve them.

Your essay should provide insight into your experiences, challenges, and aspirations, as well as incorporate the ROB Foundation's purpose: how you REMEMBER the loved one you've lost, how you've OVERCOME adversity, and how you plan to BUILD a brighter future for yourself. 

Essay Instructions

• Essay must be typed, double-spaced, and no longer than 500 words.
• Submit your essay and complete the following form by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
• Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
• Save your Essay in this format: Your Last Name_Your First Name_Essay
• Attach your statement below before completing the remainder of this form.
• For questions about the ROB Foundation Scholarship or the application, please email kory@robfoundation.org.

Provide one letter of recommendation that details your character, fortitude, and ability to build a bright future. This can be written by a teacher, coach, academic advisor, employer, or other non-parent/guardian adult who can comfortably speak to your strengths as an individual. The letter should be no more than two pages in length.

The person writing this recommendation must include their full name, title, relationship to you (the applicant), and their primary email and phone number.

The letter must be saved in this format: Your Last Name_Your First Name_RecLetter.

The selection committee will evaluate all completed applications submitted by the deadline. Awards will be issued based on the following:

• Applicant meets all eligibility requirements. 
• Confirmation of deceased parent or guardian.
• Thoughtful student reflection that highlights the applicant’s goals, efforts of overcoming their tragedy, and how higher education will enable them to achieve their goals. The essay should incorporate the ROB Foundation’s purpose: REMEMBER the loved one you've lost, how you've OVERCOME your tragedy, and how you plan to BUILD a brighter future. An easy-to-understand, well-written, and cohesive reflection is important to convey this information.
• Letter of recommendation supports the applicant’s character and provides additional insight into how the applicant strives to build a brighter future.
• Application is complete and submitted on time, and instructions are followed.