(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates is accepting applications for 2026 scholarship awards.

High school seniors and current college students are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to access funding for their education through one streamlined process.

In 2025, the PACF awarded 317 scholarships totaling $667,244, made possible by community members who have established over 150 unique scholarship funds with the foundation. These funds were created to help local students pursue their educational goals in trades, associate degrees, bachelor’s programs or other post-secondary paths.

“With one consolidated application, students can easily discover which scholarships they may be eligible for,” said Jennifer Randolph, PACF scholarships officer. “It’s a simple, online process that opens the door to dozens of opportunities.”

Scholarships are available for a wide range of academic and career pursuits, and nearly 50% of scholarships awarded in 2025 were renewable for two to six years. Awards were granted to 51 different colleges and universities across the country in support of students representing 17 local high schools.

Most scholarships are available to residents of PACF’s 11-county service area, which includes Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood counties in West Virginia, and Washington County, Ohio. A few scholarships are open to students outside this region as well.

Students can learn more and begin the application process at www.pacfwv.com/scholarships/apply. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.

For additional information or questions about the application process, contact Randolph at 304-428-4438 or jennifer.randolph@pacfwv.com.