The gap between college costs and aid already received can leave a Cumberland County family looking for one last source to close the bill. Robert H. Short Scholars is a local, renewable last-dollar scholarship that may provide up to $7,500 per year for as many as four years—a published maximum of $30,000—to eligible students entering a four-year nonprofit college. The final amount depends on need and review; every applicant is not guaranteed a $7,500 payment.
The Class of 2027 must document Cumberland County residency, graduate from a county high school—including early colleges and home schools—and enter a nonprofit college full time within six months of graduation. The Foundation also requires at least a 3.5 weighted GPA and proof of Pell eligibility through the FAFSA Student Aid Index. Review considers financial need, academic achievement, and community service or work history.
The published calendar opens the online application on November 2, 2026 and closes it December 3 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants need FAFSA information, transcripts, references, and a complete file; the official timeline lists award notices in January and acceptance by June 1. Renewal requires full-time enrollment, good academic standing, at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and continued financial need. Ask the Foundation which other awards are counted when it calculates last-dollar support, and keep copies of residency documents.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program fit your situation and that the application window is current. Gather transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and references; keep a copy and submission receipt. Track the application deadline separately from supporting-document dates. After submitting, monitor the portal and email until the file is marked complete. Ask the financial-aid office how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other scholarships, and do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, confirm whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition waiver, or loan: they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Request a written estimate of the balance after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal terms, and do not sign a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Robert H. Short Scholars Program — Cumberland Community Foundation.
How to Apply for Robert H. Short Scholars — Cumberland Community Foundation.
Scholarship Opportunities — Cumberland Community Foundation.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Each program has its own funding, eligibility, and calendar; confirm the current terms before applying. An advertised award does not guarantee selection.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Robert H. Short Scholars Program — Cumberland Community Foundation
The gap between college costs and aid already received can leave a Cumberland County family looking for one last source to close the bill. Robert H. Short Scholars is a local, renewable last-dollar scholarship that may provide up to $7,500 per year for as many as four years—a published maximum of $30,000—to eligible students entering a four-year nonprofit college. The final amount depends on need and review; every applicant is not guaranteed a $7,500 payment.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Cumberland Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Cumberland Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Cumberland Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Cumberland Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Robert H. Short Scholars Program — Cumberland Community Foundation ↗
Primary source
Cumberland Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Robert H. Short Scholars Program — Cumberland Community Foundation ↗
Primary source
Cumberland Community Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.