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.

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.

To compare this benefit with other options, ask financial aid for an estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, and excluded expenses. Confirm whether it can renew, what academic progress it requires, and whom to contact if payment does not appear on the account. Keep award letters and receipts until the school confirms disbursement.

Official program information and application