While this scholarship can help students afford college, it also comes with responsibilities and requirements that merit consideration. Through comprehensive research and clear explanations of technical concepts, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship.
Background on Senator Robert C. Byrd and the Creation of this Program
Senator Robert C. Byrd represented West Virginia in the U.S. Congress for over 51 years between 1959 and his death in 2010. He served as a U.S. Representative from 1953 to 1959 and as a U.S. Senator from 1959 until his death in 2010. Byrd was known as a powerful advocate for education funding and championed numerous bills and initiatives to support students.
In 1988, Senator Byrd spearheaded the creation of a scholarship program now bearing his name – the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. The primary goal was to help attract promising high school students to remain in their home states for college by providing substantial financial assistance. Initially launched only in West Virginia, the program was later expanded to other states due to its success in keeping talented youth from leaving for opportunities elsewhere.
Today, the RCBHS program offers renewable scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors in multiple U.S. states including West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. While eligibility criteria and award amounts vary slightly by state, all programs focus on recognizing academic excellence and supporting higher education access.
Eligibility Requirements for the RCBHS
To qualify for the RCBHS, students must meet strict eligibility criteria set by their individual state program administrators. Here are some of the typical national requirements:
Graduating High School Senior
Applicants must be graduating high school seniors on track to receive a standard high school diploma. Students graduating early are typically not eligible.
Academic Performance
Students must demonstrate high academic achievement in high school, usually maintaining at least a 3.5 cumulative unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale or being in the top 10% of their graduating class.
Citizenship
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Dream Act students may qualify in some states.
State Residency
To receive in-state tuition benefits, students usually need to have been state residents for a minimum period, often 5+ years.
Enrollment in Eligible Postsecondary Program
Recipients must enroll full-time at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college/university in their state no later than the fall semester after high school graduation.
Other Criteria
States may have additional criteria like minimum ACT/SAT scores, required community service hours, or extracurricular involvement. Competitive applicants exceed all thresholds.
Meeting these eligibility standards does not guarantee an award as funds are limited. Strong applicants demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and community commitment in their applications.
Award Amounts and Renewability
While award amounts vary slightly by state program, RCBHS scholarships are significant investments that help cover a large portion of college costs when combined with other aid. Here are some typical award structures:
- Initial Award: $2,500 – $5,000 per semester or academic year for up to 8 total semesters
- Total Maximum Award: $10,000 – $20,000 over four years
- Renewal Criteria: Maintain 2.5-3.0 cumulative GPA and annual FAFSA submission
- Non-Renewal: Funds withdrawn if students fail to meet renewal terms
The scholarship is designed to be renewable for up to 4 years or until a student earns their first bachelor’s degree – whichever comes first. As long as recipients stay enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory grades, they can continue receiving funding through graduation. For many, these awards make college degree completion financially feasible.
Criteria for Continued Eligibility and Payment Disbursement
Like any scholarship, the RCBHS comes with continued responsibilities and criteria students must meet to remain eligible and receive future disbursements. Here are a few key points:
Enrollment and Academic Progress
Students must be enrolled as full-time undergraduates each semester and maintain satisfactory academic progress aligned with their school’s standards.
Annual Renewal Application
Prior to each academic year, students must submit a renewal application verifying continued eligibility. This involves transcripts and possibly a brief essay.
FAFSA Submission
Recipients need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) yearly by state deadlines, often in January or February.
Payment Structure
Scholarship funds are typically paid directly to the school each semester and must first be applied to tuition/fees before any balance can be released to the student.
Community Service
Some states, like West Virginia, require annual community service hours to be completed and reported as a renewal condition.
Careful adherence to these continued responsibilities is essential for scholarship recipients. Strict guidelines aim to promote success while safeguarding public funds supporting education.
Selecting a Degree Program and Major Course of Study
While the RCBHS allows students flexibility in choosing their field of study, some restrictions apply regarding academic programs and majors:
- Degree programs must lead to a bachelor’s or associate’s degree and be offered by an accredited postsecondary school in the student’s state.
- Technical or certificate programs are usually not eligible unless they are part of an approved associate’s degree pathway.
- Majors cannot be in religious studies or other fields of limited economic value as determined by state guidelines.
- Changes in programs or schools after the initial award require state pre-approval due to funding commitments.
RCBHS administrators want recipients to choose majors aligned with high-demand careers. Certain programs in science, technology, healthcare, or skilled trades that support state workforce needs may offer better chances of approval if changed or transferred later on. Early and open communication is advised.
Impact of the RCBHS Program
Since the RCBHS launched over 30 years ago, it has positively impacted thousands of students and, ultimately state economies in multiple ways, including:
- Helping address teacher shortages by supporting education majors through college completion.
- Keeping promising local youth from leaving their home states for opportunities elsewhere.
- Building a skilled local workforce aligned with in-demand industries like engineering, nursing and computer science.
- Boosting higher education attainment rates, which correlate to lower unemployment and increased long-term incomes.
- Promoting academic excellence and leadership development in high school students aspiring for college access.
Studies show that RCBHS recipients have higher graduation rates and are more likely to start careers in their home states than non-recipients. This program helps states retain human capital that can fuel future economic growth and community prosperity for decades.
Common Questions About the RCBHS
Now let’s explore some frequently asked questions students and families have about the RCBHS program:
FAQ 1 – What happens if I don’t use the full award amount in 4 years?
Unfortunately, unused scholarship funds are not transferable to a graduate program or to repay student loans. The award is solely intended to support undergraduate study within the initial 4-year timeframe.
FAQ 2 – Can I attend college part-time or take a semester off?
No, the scholarship requires continuous full-time enrollment each semester (minimum 12 credits) to remain eligible. Approved educational leaves are rare exceptions involving extenuating circumstances.
FAQ 3 – What if I need to change my major or transfer schools?
Any program or school changes require state approval due to funding commitments. Have an advising session to discuss how the new path aligns with RCBHS guidelines before formally transferring or changing majors.
FAQ 4 – Do international study abroad experiences jeopardize my scholarship?
Study abroad can be pre-approved if it fits with degree progress timelines. However, recipients need to keep in mind they cannot temporarily leave their state-funded award to attend school out-of-state for an extended period.
FAQ 5 – If I join the military after high school instead of college, can I still receive the award later?
Unfortunately,, recipients must enroll directly in college no later than the fall semester following high school graduation. Deferring college attendance eliminates scholarship eligibility since these awards are structured to support initial higher education access.