In addition to philanthropic grantmaking, Community Foundation of North Louisiana also offers a number of student scholarships. The following CFNLA scholarships have been made possible by generous donors. Each scholarship has different requirements. If you have questions about scholarships please contact Garrett Johnson at johnson@cfnla.org.
Scholarship Opportunities
G. Scott Griffin Award
Community Foundation of North Louisiana will accept applications for the annual G. Scott Griffin Award starting September 13, 2023. The award, which features a cash prize of $1,000, will be given to a local artist who has contributed to the community through his or her art while overcoming adversity. The deadline for entries is October 9th, 2023, at 5:00 PM. The application and guidelines can be found here. The winner will be announced publicly at an event at Artspace (date and details TBA). Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Evelyn Holcomb Hightower Scholarship
The Evelyn Holcomb Hightower Scholarship was established in 1995 by William Hightower and Dr. Patricia Bates to assist worthy Homer High School graduates in pursuit of their studies at Louisiana state-supported colleges or universities. Each applicant must be a Homer High School graduating senior with an overall grade point average of 3.4 or higher and must be among the top 10 or 10 percent of the graduating class. He or she must submit a one- or two-page, single-spaced, typed essay that demonstrates academic accomplishments, evidence of leadership and involvement in community and school activities. Financial need may be a consideration in the selection. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The George Thurman Norton and Sue Annie Tinsley Norton Memorial Fund
The George Thurman Norton and Sue Annie Tinsley Norton Memorial Fund was established in 1998 by James A. (Dolph) Norton and Fay-Tyler Norton (Mrs. James A.) to recognize and encourage the further education of graduates of Haynesville High School in Claiborne Parish. From among prospective graduates of Haynesville High School, the recipient should be the student whose educational achievements and community citizenship most warrant recognition the year of the award. The graduate should be exemplary for study accomplishments and community service. This is not a renewable award. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr. Scholarship
The Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2010 to benefit students planning to pursue a professional career in the United States military. Preference is given to students interested in a career with the U.S. Air Force and to dependents of Air Force members currently serving or who have served at Barksdale Air Force Base. The scholarship is named in honor of Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr., who served as commander of the Eighth Air Force, Strategic Air Command, with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base. Each applicant must submit a copy of his or her official transcript, a resume and an original essay on why he or she has chosen to pursue a professional career in the U.S. military. The essay shall not exceed 500 words in length. Applications will be judged based in the student’s clarity of expression, demonstrated integrity and evidence of a desire to serve others. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Shreveport Geological Society Scholarship
The Shreveport Geological Society Scholarship was established in 1986 to award scholarships and provide financial aid to worthy students for their study of geology at an accredited institution at either the graduate or undergraduate level. Applicants must be enrolled in, or be about to enroll in, an accredited educational institution that has a department or course of study in the field of geology. Applicants must exhibit some need for financial assistance in order to enable them to complete their course of geological studies. Applicants also must show sufficient academic ability to enable them to complete courses of study necessary to graduate. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Thomas E. (Tem) McElroy, Jr. Scholarship Fund
The Thomas E. (Tem) McElroy, Jr. Scholarship will be awarded to a Byrd High School senior who chooses to study science and engineering in college with excellent academic record, leadership skills and community involvement. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
Colonel Steven L. dePyssler Mission Support Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was created in honor of Colonel Steven L. dePyssler and provides scholarships for students who are dependents of active duty men or women at Barksdale Air Force Base. Colonel dePyssler retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 after 38 years of active duty, including serving in World War II, the Korean War, the French-Indo China War, and Vietnam. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
Haley Scholarship
The Haley Scholarship award winner will be chosen from among those students who have previously awarded the Hightower Scholarship. Those students will be given written instructions on the method for applying for the Haley ScholarshipPlease apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Eugene C. and Gertrude S. Ozag Scholarship
The Eugene C. and Gertrude S. Ozag Scholarship was established February 2003 by John Mudd to help defray the educational costs for students majoring in human resources or a related field of study. The fund benefits The Northern Illinois Human Resources Council (NIHRC). The NIHRC selects one student each year to receive the award. The successful applicant must be enrolled in college-level classes and maintain at least 15 credit hours, must have completed at least two courses related to the field of human resources, must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of college credits, must have earned the equivalent of a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, he or she must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, must demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and/or commitment to community service, and must demonstrate an active involvement in extracurricular activities and programs within the school or through outside organizations. Student membership in the Society of Human Resource Management may weigh in an applicant’s favor. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
Rowena and Henry Kirsch Fund
Rowena and Henry Kirsch Fund was established Nov. 1981 by Henry A. Kirsch primarily to provide scholarships for deserving students who attend educational institutions in the state of Louisiana. Applicants must be nominated by the Rabbi of B’Nai Zion Temple. Applications will be reviewed based on the academic achievements and whether the student is deserving of a scholarship award. Required are a letter of recommendation from the Rabbi of B’Nai Zion Congregation and a letter of recommendation from the high school counselor, or a high school or college or university teacher.
The eligible applicant must be either a high school graduate, hold a GED certificate, or be a senior high school student with a GPA of 3.0. Applicants who have been enrolled in college for at least one semester must have a college GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who are high school graduates but who are not presently or previously enrolled in college must have an 80 on a 100 scale. A current transcript is required. Please contact B’nai Zion for additional information.
The Zachary J. Harris Memorial Scholarship
The Zachary J. Harris Memorial Scholarship was established in February 2022 by April P. Harris and Amy M. Brumfield to assist worthy seniors graduating from Fountainebleau High School in Mandeville, Louisiana pursue a degree at a Louisiana University. Preference will be given to students attending Louisiana Tech University. Zachary J. Harris was born on June 10, 1991 in Covington, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Fountainebleau High School and Louisiana Tech University. He was a science teacher at Quitman High School and coached track and field winning the state championship. Zach graduated with this EdD in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University. He was a friend to all, a runner, cyclist, and an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt and fish. Zach loved Louisiana Tech and the Ruston community. His final act to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation impacted families of both Louisiana and Texas. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The William Roy Keene Memorial Scholarship Fund
The William Roy Keene Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in July 2021 following the passing of beloved C. E. Byrd teacher William Roy Keene. Roy’s passion for history and teaching was never more evident than through his work as a teacher, mentor and friend at C. E. Byrd High School. Roy spent over 25 years educating students in Caddo Parish and many more hours volunteering following his retirement. To honor his memory, the William Roy Keene Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide an annual college scholarship for one or more graduating Byrd students. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.