PARKERSBURG — Community foundations in Parkersburg and Marietta are accepting applications for scholarships.

Applications are being accepted through March 18 for more than 60 scholarships through the Marietta Community Foundation where students have an opportunity to receive financial assistance totaling $495,000 this year.

The foundation is poised to support students in Washington and Noble counties in Ohio, Wood County in West Virginia and beyond who are pursuing a two- or four-year college or university education, trade school or military service,

A diversity of scholarships is available. The scholarships are not limited to high school seniors and are available for current college students and nontraditional students.

Recipients will be selected based on criteria such as financial need, academic standing, community service, character and leadership qualities.

To ensure a fair selection process, personal information is redacted before applications are reviewed by selection committees. This approach reflects the foundation’s dedication to transparency and equity in supporting the educational pursuits of local students.

“Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to a brighter future, and Marietta Community Foundation is committed to empowering students in our community to pursue their dreams,” Britani Merritt, Donor and Program Services director, said.

Information on the available scholarships and the application process is online at www.mcfohio.org/scholarships.

The application deadline is March 18.

In Parkersburg, the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates is encouraging high school seniors and college students to apply for scholarships offered through the foundation. Last year, the foundation awarded 300 scholarships totaling $513,769.

The awards were made possible by many donors who’ve established scholarship funds with the foundation to help local students fulfill their educational goals.

With more150 scholarship funds available through a single consolidated application, this is a unique and easy opportunity for high school seniors and current college students to discover their eligibility for multiple scholarships. The application process is simple, convenient, and entirely online at www.pacfwv.com/scholarships/apply. The deadline to apply is March 1.

Most scholarships offered through the Foundation are restricted to residents of the foundation’s service area of Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, and Wood in West Virginia and Washington in Ohio.

Some scholarships are available from the foundation that accept applications from students outside of the 11-county service region. One is the newest scholarship, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs – West Virginia Scholarship Fund, which is offered state-wide.

“Many PACF scholarships require students to demonstrate a financial need. In the past, we have always asked students to supply their Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid,” Jennifer Randolph, Scholarships and Communications officer for the foundation, said. “There is a lot of concern this year about the Department of Education’s new FAFSA process. Students and families have experienced technology issues and significant delays in receiving their FAFSA results.”

To ensure that students are not discouraged from applying for scholarships, the foundation is providing the option to complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator tool at www.studentaid.gov and upload those results in their application.

“We will continue to monitor the FAFSA timeline and communicate any additional actions needed,” Randolph said. We want to assure parents, students, and donors that we are taking proactive steps to be flexible and provide assistance to those who need it. We understand the importance of supporting students and are committed to making the scholarship application process as stress-free as possible.”

For additional information, contact Scholarships Randolph, at 304-428-4438 or jennifer.randolph@pacfwv.com.