Student Scholarships

Qualified applicants are invited to apply for the three scholarships listed below. Awards will be determined using the application process of the Highland UMC Endowment Committee and will be awarded to recipients chosen by the Highland Scholarship Committee. Request an application form by clicking on the appropriate link below. If you have questions, contact Ruth Moore, Endowment Committee Chair, by email or telephone (919) 306-3306.

UM Dollars for Scholars Scholarships

Applications and all requested materials are due March 10, 2025.

Highland’s newest scholarship, the United Methodist Dollars for Scholars Scholarship was established in 2024 by Richard and Ruth Moore for post-secondary students attending a United Methodist-related college or university. The United Methodist Dollars for Scholars program requires that a student’s home church provide support in the amount of $1,000, which is matched by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation to become $2,000 and is matched again by the participating United Methodist-related institution to become $3,000! Students are eligible to reapply annually.

Download the Dollars for Scholars Application Form

NOTE: There is a separate application which must be submitted to the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation which can be found here. 

The scholarships below have a deadline of April 15, 2025.

Robert R. and Betty M. Gardner Memorial Scholarships

The Betty M. Gardner Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established by Highland member Mr. Robert Gardner and his family in memory of Mrs. Gardner. There is no requirement for an applicant to be a member of Highland UMC. There is no restriction on the major or field of study of applicants, to the extent that the Scholarship Committee approves the major or field of study. Each applicant must meet these qualifications:

1. Is a graduate of a secondary school or a community college, or is scheduled to graduate, and is accepted to matriculate as an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university.
2. Shows proof of financial need as demonstrated by commonly-accepted instruments for showing need for financial aid such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. If not a Highland UMC member, must be a resident of Wake County, North Carolina.

If all above requirements are met equally by more than one applicant, preference will be given to applicant(s) from Highland UMC.

NOTE: Recipients from previous years who will still be studying at a post-secondary institution of higher learning next academic year, are in good standing, and meet scholarship financial aid requirements are eligible for continuing support. Contact Ruth Moore if interested.

Download the Gardner Scholarship Application

Grace George Scholarships in Education

The Grace George Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the Upper Room Sunday School Class, the George family and others in memory of Highland member Bill George’s late wife, Grace. One or more scholarships will be awarded to Highland UMC qualifying student members enrolled in an Education curriculum at an institution of higher learning at any level of study. Priority will be given to applicants whose concentration is Elementary Education.

Download the Grace George Scholarship Application

Mulwee Scholarships

The Mulwee Scholarship Fund was established by Highland members Earleen and Hal Barnes in memory of Mrs. Barnes’ parents, Earl and Juanita Mulwee. One or more scholarships will be available to qualifying Highland UMC high school seniors who are accepted at a post-secondary institution of higher learning. Applicants must have participated in Highland’s music program or in a music program outside of Highland. There is no restriction on the major or field of study of applicants, to the extent that the Scholarship Committee approves the major or field of study.

Download the Mulwee Scholarship Application