Scholarship Opportunities

BRTC Awards Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship
Landon Counts of Pocahontas has received the Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship. Counts is a 2020 ...
BRTC Awards SGA Scholarship
Hayden Brandon of Paragould has been awarded the BRTC Student Government Association (SGA) Scholarship. Brandon is a 2024 ...
BRTC Awards ProMed Ambulance, Inc., Scholarship
Kandice Hawkins of Leachville has been awarded the ProMed Ambulance, Inc., Scholarship. Hawkins is a 1997 graduate. She ...
BRTC Awards Marty Powers Memorial Scholarship
Remington Cobble of Minturn has been awarded the Marty Powers Memorial Scholarship. Cobble is a 2023 graduate of ...
BRTC Awards ESNA Scholarship
Larry Burrow of Smithville has been awarded the ESNA Scholarship. Burrow is a 2022 graduate of Hillcrest High ...
BRTC Awards Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship
Annmarie Goff of Manila has received the Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship. Goff is a 2022 ...
BRTC Awards Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship
Brittney Brown of Paragould has received the Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship. Brown is a 2009 ...
BRTC Awards Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship
Shelby Boyd of Rector has received the Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship. Boyd is a 2021 ...
BRTC Awards Carl Lamb Memorial Scholarship
Mallory Story of Pocahontas has been awarded the Carl Lamb Memorial Scholarship made possible by funding from Corteva ...
BRTC Awards Darling Ingredients, Inc., Scholarship
Dillon Johnson of West Memphis has been awarded the Darling Ingredients, Inc., Scholarship. Johnson is a 2013 graduate ...
BRTC Awards the Phillip Collins II & Beth Collins-Bagwell Memorial Scholarship
Derek Edington of Biggers has been awarded the Phillip Collins II & Beth Collins-Bagwell Memorial Scholarship.   Edington ...
BRTC Awards Fidus Global Scholarship
Gracelyn Bruner of Paragould has been awarded the Fidus Global Scholarship. Bruner is a 2022 graduate of Greene ...
BRTC Awards Ken and Jan Ziegler Bridging the Gap Scholarship
Lesli Martinez of Rogers has been awarded the Ken and Jan Ziegler Bridging the Gap Scholarship made possible ...
BRTC Awards First National Bank of Lawrence County Scholarship
Emma Aaron of Walnut Ridge has been awarded the First National Bank of Lawrence County Scholarship. Aaron is ...
Proventus Announces Memorial Scholarship
Proventus announced their 2024 scholarship would be in memory of Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas. Proventus offers ...
BRTC Awards Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship
Addison George of Corning has received the Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation Member Scholarship. George is a 2024 ...
BRTC Awards President’s Scholarship
Timothy Harris of Manila has been awarded the BRTC President's Scholarship. Harris is a 1994 graduate of Manila ...
BRTC Awards President’s Scholarship
Kayleigh Abbott of Searcy has been awarded the BRTC President's Scholarship. Abbott is a 2020 graduate of Riverview ...
BRTC Awards the Dr. Joshua R. Toney, DDS, P.A., Scholarship
Skylar Freeman of Jonesboro has been awarded the Dr. Joshua R. Toney, DDS, P.A., Scholarship made possible by ...
BRTC to Implement Keith Sutton Memorial Scholarship
Black River Technical College (BRTC) will be implementing a new scholarship in the Fall 2024 semester in honor ...
BRTC Awards Proventus Scholarship in Memory of Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas
Travis Standley of Arbyrd, Missouri, has been awarded the Proventus Scholarship in Memory of Chief Petty Officer John ...
BRTC Awards Proventus Scholarship in Memory of Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas
Mary Ewing of Woodland Park, Colorado, has been awarded the Proventus Scholarship in Memory of Chief Petty Officer ...
BRTC Awards President’s Scholarship
Bella Spinks of Jonesboro has been awarded the BRTC President's Scholarship. Spinks is a 2021 graduate of Westside ...
BRTC Awards President’s Scholarship
Sara Roland of Marmaduke has been awarded the BRTC President's Scholarship. Roland is a 2023 graduate of Marmaduke ...
BRTC Awards Ken and Jan Ziegler Bridging the Gap Scholarship
Ktya Wray has been awarded the Ken and Jan Ziegler Bridging the Gap Scholarship, made possible by funding ...
BRTC Awards President’s Scholarship
Kaitlyn Matheney of Paragould has been awarded the BRTC President's Scholarship. Matheney is a 2024 graduate of Green ...
BRTC Awards Cavenaugh Auto Group Scholarship
Clayton Walters of Doniphan has been awarded the Cavenaugh Auto Group Scholarship made possible by funding from Cavenaugh ...
Two BRTC Students Awarded the Leave a Legacy Scholarship
Black River Technical College’s (BRTC) Leave a Legacy Scholarship has been awarded to two practical nursing students. The ...
BRTC Awards Greenbrier Vocational/Technical Scholarship
BRTC student Antonio Garcia (left) and Greenbrier VP of Operations and Manufacturing Tony Warwick Black River Technical College ...
BRTC Library Holds Willy Wonka-Themed Scavenger hunt
“Try Your Luck” golden ticket winner Tisha Huckabee (left) receives her Willy Wonka-themed gift basket from a BRTC ...

Apply for a Scholarship!

BRTC offers scholarships for new and current BRTC students, but some go unfunded because students do not think they are eligible.  Go ahead and apply!  We'll help you as much as we can!

General Information

  • Students must be accepted for admission to BRTC.
  • Students must have submitted a FAFSA application
  • Concurrent hours will be calculated in with cumulative GPA requirements for renewal of scholarships
  • Scholarship guidelines and funding are subject to change

Deadlines

Deadline Type
Priority August 1 February 1
Single Parent August 1 February 1
Regular September 1 March 1

Scholarships for 1st-Time Entering Students

These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit to first-time entering freshmen.  Students must be used within the first 5 years of graduating from an accredited Arkansas High School or be an Arkansas resident.

Award: Full Tuition (up to 16 credit hours)
Length:  Up to 2 years

  • Must be a traditional first-time entering freshmen graduating from an accredited Arkansas high school or Arkansas resident
  • Awarded to students who have an ACT superscore of 24 or higher or Top 10% of the class the student is graduating in
  • Must complete 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA effective Fall 2020

Award: $250/semester
Length:  Up to 2 years

  • Must be a first-time entering freshmen graduating from an accredited Arkansas high school or Arkansas resident
  • Applied toward Tuition or Fees
  • Awarded to students who have an ACT composite score of 19-23
  • Must complete 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA

Award: $250/semester
Length:  Up to 2 years

  • Must be seeking a degree in one of the following technical programs: welding, auto collision, machine tool technology, auto repair, industrial electricity, and industrial maintenance.
  • Must be a first-time entering freshmen
  • Applied toward Tuition or Fees
  • Awarded to students who have at least a 2.5 GPA or have the following Accuplacer scores: 77 on Math, 83 on English, and 78 on Reading; Next Generation scores: 257 on Math; 261 on English, and 253 on Reading.
  • Must complete 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA
  • May not be stacked with the Academic Distinction Scholarship, Presidents Scholarship, or the USA Gold Medal Scholarship

Award: Full Tuition (up to 16 credit hours)
Length:  Up to 2 years

  • Must be a traditional first-time entering freshmen graduating from an accredited Arkansas high school
  • Must have earned a Gold Medal in Skills USA Competition
  • Must complete 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA
  • Please notify financial aid

Scholarships for All Students

All students, even first-time entering students, are eligible for the following scholarships, depending on the scholarship's criteria.  BRTC private scholarships are scholarships offered by private donors for a wide variety of students and disciplines.

Award Amount

  • Full tuition/semester, Non – renewable (up to 16 credit hours)
  • Two semesters (Fall & Spring) provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Requirements

  • Be enrolled fulltime
  • Complete the scholarship application

External Scholarships

BRTC Foundation Private Scholarships

The BRTC Foundation works with donors and special events such as the annual Golf Tournament to set up and continue offering private scholarships.  The following scholarships are only possible through the generosity of individual and corporate donors.

AgHeritage Farm Credit Services proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

American Made General Store proudly supports BRTC students with a $5oo per semester scholarship.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Student must be majoring in technical education for a trade or nursing and allied health
  • Randolph County students given first priority
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters

The Pocahontas High School Class of 1993 created the Amy Prichard Memorial Scholarship in memory of their classmate Amy Prichard.  Amy was the daughter of Bill and Debbie Prichard.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Applicant must be a business student
  • Past recipients may not reapply
  • Fall semester only

Award Amount

  • Varies

Archer Realty proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Private donors support this scholarship.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Must have been enrolled in at least one BRTC online class previously
  • Must be currently enrolled in at least one online class
  • Must have maintained a B average during the most recent semester
  • Cannot be eligible for Federal Pell Grants
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $250 for the fall and spring semesters

This scholarship is funded by private donors.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Must be a GED recipient
  • Recipients may not reapply the following year
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Only open to Clay County Electric Cooperative employees, children or grandchildren of employees, or members
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

The Colby Hostler Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Colby Hostler by his parents, Steve and Rhonda Higginbotham.  Colby would have graduated from Sloan-Hendrix in May 2017.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Must be a Sloan-Hendrix graduate
  • First-time entering student
  • Students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA
  • Scholarship application completed through Sloan-Hendrix

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall semester

Corteva Agriscience is proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship in memory of longtime Reyno, AR, farmer Carl Lamb.  Corteva, Inc. is a major American agricultural chemical and seed company.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

About Carl Lamb

Carl wLamb as a retired farmer and served in the Army National Guard. He was involved in soil conservation, the Running Lake Drainage District, served on the Biggers-Reyno School Board for 20 years, and was a member of Reyno First Baptist Church.

The Curtis Humes Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Curtis Humes by his parents, James and Jennifer. He was a graduate of Sloan Hendrix High School and began attending BRTC in Fall 2016. During his tenure at BRTC, he completed a welding certificate, an Auto CAD Level 1 Certificate, a Microcomputer Repair Technician of Proficiency Certificate, and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology. While enrolled at BRTC, Curtis worked in the computer lab, was a member of the Student Activities Board, and BRTC's Student Government Association. He was the first person to don the Stryker mascot costume. 

Curtis enjoyed spending time with his friends, playing video games, working at NAPA, and hanging out at the Moose Lodge.  Before his death, he was appointed a Moose Lodge trustee.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Be enrolled in a computer class during the fall semester
  • Must not be eligible for a Pell Grant
  • Must have a tuition and/or fee balance at BRTC
  • Full or part-time BRTC student
  • Students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA
  • Award is for tuition, fees, and/or textbooks only

Award Amount

  • $200 for the fall semester

Darling Ingredients, Inc., proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

David James

The David James Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of David James by his friends and family.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • One-time award
  • Must be an agriculture major

Award Amount

  • $3,500 for the fall and spring semesters

About David James

Jon David James, a major part of the Randolph County farming community, was a kind and caring man. He was always wearing a smile and was always willing to help someone in need. He enjoyed spending time with his family and hunting. David was married to Darlene James and they had a daughter, Chloe James, and a son, Jon Cameron James. David also had a step-daughter, Ashley Garrison.

Dons Steakhouse in Pocahontas

Don’s Steakhouse in Pocahontas proudly supports BRTC students with a scholarship in memory of Fredia Finch. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

About Fredia Finch

Fredia Finch was from Walnut Ridge.  She was owner and instructor of Blackwood Beauty School in Pocahontas, Hair Tech Beauty College in Walnut Ridge, and owner of Fredia Hair Design.

Dr. Karla Baltz, DDS, proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

The Eddie Mae Herron Scholarship is sponsored by the Eddie Mae Herron Center in Pocahontas, Arkansas. The Center houses more than two hundred years’ worth of African-American history and was the one-room schoolhouse and church for the African-American community of Pocahontas.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Preference is given to an African-American student
  • Must be pursuing a certificate or associate degree at BRTC
  • Must resubmit application for eligibility
  • Submit 250-word typed essay

Award Amount

  • $250 for the fall and spring semesters

ESNA proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Fidus Global proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

First Horizon Bank proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

First National Bank of Lawrence County proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

The Florence Nightingale Scholarship is provided by the BRTC Nursing Faculty and Staff to one 2nd semester PN student and 2nd semester RN student.

Requirements

  • Complete scholarship information on Moodle 
  • Write 200-300 words on how this scholarship will help you in the program.
  • DEADLINE:  Listed on Moodle
  • A committee composed of nursing faculty will make the selection

Award Amount

  • up to $500 in the second semester

The Foster and Foster Farms Scholarship in Memory of Jack and Amy Foster is offered by Kevin and Donna Foster in memory of Kevin’s parents, Jack and Amy Foster.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Randolph County resident
  • Complete scholarship application

Award Amount

  • $250 for the fall and spring semesters

The Gene Haas Foundation proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Currently enrolled or going to enroll in machine tool
  • Can be used for tuition, books, and small personal tools required by the program
  • CAN'T be used or accreditation fees or any type of Haas tools or machines

Award Amount

  • $500 - $2500

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Full- and part-time students
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Must be an NEA or SEMO resident
  • Must be enrolled in a least one class that improves skillsets related to the manufacturing community such as welding, machine tool technology, industrial electricity/electronics, and/or industrial maintenance. (for those not currently employed or not employed in a manufacturing environment)
  • Greenbrier employees must be enrolled in at least one class that will improve their manufacturing skillsets or allow them to move into a leadership/administrative position.
  • Encourage unrepresented individuals or those with a financial need to apply for the scholarship

Award Amount

  • $1,000

Harps Foods, Inc., proudly supports BRTC students.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Scott and Joniece Trammel offer the Henry Culver Fine Arts Scholarship in memory of Joniece's grandfather, Henry Culver. 

Henry Culver was a pastor from McDougal, Arkansas, who was a music lover. He tuned pianos, taught singing schools in surrounding churches, taught the lost art of shape notes rather than notes centered around lines and spaces, and lead music at singing conventions all around the McDougal area.

Students enrolled in a fine arts class during the fall or spring semester is eligible. Fine arts instructors will select a student near the end of the semester who will be awarded the scholarship for the following semester at BRTC.

Requirements

  • Awarded to an outstanding Fine Arts class student identified by the Fine Arts faculty
  • Awarded at the end of the semester for following semester
  • Awarded each fall and spring semester
  • Non-renewable

Award Amount

  • Tuition and fees for 1-credit hour

Jennifer and Steve Wren

The Jennifer Wren Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Jennifer Wren by her husband Steve and their family.

Requirements

  • Must be a female agriculture major
  • Students who do not receive Pell Grants receive first consideration
  • Randolph County residents receive first consideration
  • May be enrolled full-time or part-time
  • Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA

Award Amount

  • $500 for the fall and spring semesters

About Jennifer Wren

Jennifer was a selfless person with a generous giving spirit. She lived every day to the fullest and made every day count.  Jennifer was married to Steve Wren and they have three daughters Jacqueline, Autumn, and Serena.

Linda Riley, Pat Wilkins and James Whitlow are pleased to memorialize their parents with this scholarship.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Must be a first-time entering student
  • Must have graduated from Hoxie the May prior to the entering fall semester
  • Must be enrolled in a hard tech or allied health program
  • May be reawarded in the spring if the student maintains a 2.5 GPA and remains in the qualifying program

Award Amount

  • $500 for the fall and spring semesters

Linda Riley, Pat Wilkins and James Whitlow are pleased to memorialize their parents with this scholarship.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Must be a first-time entering student
  • Must have graduated from Walnut Ridge the May prior to the entering fall semester
  • Must be enrolled in a hard tech or allied health program

Award Amount

  • $500 for the fall and spring semesters

Owners of United Pawnbrokers Dale and Amy Barber with Andrea Schmidt wife of the late Jonathan Schmidt

The Jonathan Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Jonathan Schmidt by Dale and Amy Barber, owners of United Police Supply.

Schmidt, aged 30, was a Trumann police officer and a 2007-B LETA graduate who was killed in the line of duty. On April 12, 2011, Schmidt shoved his sergeant, Sgt. Corey Overstreet, out of harm\’s way before taking on an armed suspect in a late-night gun battle. He was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries early on April 13. No one else was injured.

Former and current Trumann police officers describe Schmidt as a dedicated father and as a committed officer who was always prepared. Schmidt worked as a night patrolman so he could spend days with his three children, a then 12-year-old daughter and 2 sons aged 10- and 18-months. Not long before the fatal shooting, Schmidt had received a commendation for saving an infant's life by administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Requirements

  • LETA graduates only
  • To be used at the graduate’s place of employment for additional law enforcement professional development
  • Only 1 recipient per class
  • LETA instructional faculty will choose one graduate from each class to award based on attitude, work ethic, and need

Award Amount

  • $500 at the end of LETA-A class
  • $500 at the end of LETA-B class

The Ken and Jan Ziegler Bridging the Gap Scholarship was created to help close the gap for first time entering freshman, when a lack of financial aid assistance leaves students relying on loans or paying out-of-pocket.  This scholarship helps assist these students in completing their desired career certificate or degree.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • High school graduate from Randolph County
  • Complete 15 credit hours
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Student must be ineligible for full Pell grant
  • Maximum of 4 semesters OR completion of the declared major, whichever occurs first

Award Amount

  • $2,000 First semester
  • Full tuition and fees the remaining three semesters

Pocahontas Mayor Keith Sutton

The Keith Sutton Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Keith Sutton by his friends and wife, Stephanie. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

About Keith Sutton

Mayor Keith Sutton, a proud graduate of Pocahontas High School in 1982, set off on a journey of community service and entrepreneurship. After attending Arkansas State University, he went into the body shop business, starting in a family garage and eventually establishing Auto Efx. For three decades, his dedication to auto body repair and community involvement made him a pillar of Pocahontas.

In 2018, Mayor Sutton transitioned from business owner to public servant when he was elected Mayor of Pocahontas. Throughout his mayoral term, which lasted until December 24, 2023, he tirelessly worked to improve the lives of his fellow citizens, particularly the youth. His passion for the community was evident in his efforts to provide opportunities for young people, from establishing a shooting range to coaching youth football teams.

Outside of his professional and political endeavors, Sutton cherished his family. He married his wife, Stephanie, in 1984, and together they raised two sons, Bradley and Parker. Stephanie, a long-time dedicated member of Black River Technical College's Foundation Board, shared Keith's commitment to serving others.

Despite his passing in December 2023, Mayor Keith Sutton's legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched, remembered as a man who loved Pocahontas and its youth. He embodied the spirit of dedication, compassion and community service, leaving a lasting mark on his beloved hometown.

Paula and Keith Ward

The Keith Ward Memorial FFA Scholarship was created in memory of Keith Ward by his wife and daughters.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Must be an agriculture, welding, auto body, or auto service major
  • Must be a Randolph County resident
  • May be enrolled full-time or part-time

Award Amount

  • $500 for the fall and spring semesters

About Keith Ward

Mr. Ward was a 1969 Pocahontas High School graduate and was FFA president when he graduated that year. The Wards were also the 2008 Randolph County Farm Family of the Year. Mr. Ward and his family were longtime farmers. He was also an Oak Ridge Central school board member for ten years and a longtime Oak Ridge Central PTA member and president.

LA Hayes

The L.A. Hayes Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of L.A. Hayes by his wife Brenda and family. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Randolph County student
  • Pursuing a technical degree including a technical business degree such as computer science and I.T.
  • Awarded 

Award Amount

  • $1,875 for 4 semesters as long as student maintains GPA

About L.A. Hayes

L.A. loved life and lived it to the fullest.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  L.A. was married to Brenda Hayes and they had two children, Lance and Leigh Hayes, and a bonus child, Rhonda Hayes.

The Larry Baker family created the Leondus and Gladys Brown Baker Memorial Scholarship in memory of Larry Baker’s parents, Leondus and Gladys Brown Baker. The Baker family members are long-time Dalton-area residents. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • First priority goes to Dalton-area residents, 2nd priority goes to Randolph County residents, final priority goes to other students
  • May be enrolled fulltime or part-time
  • Students must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA

Award Amount

  • $200 for the fall

Merle Young and his children Clint Jody and Darrell

The Merle R. Young Memorial Scholarship celebrates a man who was a great support to not only BRTC but to his community and his family.  He was one of the founding members of the BRTC Foundation, its first chairman, and both his children and grandchildren have been employees of the College.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Must be currently enrolled in BRTC’s RN program.
  • Past recipients may not reapply.
  • 300-word essay on your financial need, submitted to the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health
  • Selection committee will be composed of nursing faculty

Award Amount

  • $300 to an RN student for the summer

Willa and Kenneth Jenkins

The Mrs. Jenkins GED Scholarship was established with the purpose of encouraging GED students to pursue a career and advance in the workforce.  Kenneth, owner of Jenkins Welding, and Willa Jenkins’, a long-time Randolph County educator, children graduated from the BRTC welding and nursing programs. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Must be a graduate of the Pocahontas GED program
  • Preference to welding and nursing students
  • May be enrolled fulltime
  • Fall recipient may receive the spring award if they maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA

Award Amount

  • $200 for each fall and spring semesters

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Full- and part-time students are eligible
  • Recipient must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Must be enrolled in the respiratory care program
  • Must be awarded during the calendar year of 2025

Award Amount

  • $1,000

Overman Buildings, Inc., proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

BRTC Paragould educators, staff, and community members collectively donate to this scholarship to support local students struggling for financial support to help them with their education. This Paragould scholarship is available for all Paragould site credit and workforce students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Academic Student

  • Currently enrolled as a full-time student in at least 1 Paragould traditional site class
  • Must reapply for each semester in which they are eligible
  • Only scholarship applications completed in full will be considered
  • Students receiving other scholarship funds or Federal Pell Grants are eligible for this scholarship
  • Must maintain GPA of 2.0 or higher

Paragould Workforce Student

  • Currently enrolled in at least one Paragould Program comprising of more than 18 hours
  • Student must reapply for each semester in which they are eligible
  • Only scholarship applications completed in full will be considered
  • Students receiving other scholarship funds or Grants are eligible for this scholarship

Submission Requirements

  • Complete application form
  • Submit with 250-word typed essay
  • Academic students must submit an unofficial transcript or degree audit
  • Workforce students must submit a registration form/course application

Award Amount

  • $250

Peco Foods, Inc., proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

The Phillip Collins, II, and Beth Collins-Bagwell Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Phil and Carolyn Collins' children, Beth Collins-Bagwell and Phillip Collins, II. Carolyn was a long-time BRTC employee and served as Business Division Chair, Director of Financial Aid, and interim Vice President of Student Service.  She also served more than 3 terms as a trustee on the BRTC Board of Trustees.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Arkansas resident

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters
  • Non-renewable

Pocahontas Aluminum proudly supports BRTC students by offering the Pocahontas Aluminum Scholarship. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Must be in a technical program

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

ProMed Ambulance, Inc., proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Randolph County residents receive 1st priority, Lawrence County residents receive 2nd priority, other areas receive 3rd priority

Award Amount

  • $500

ProMed Ambulance, Inc., proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Randolph County residents receive 1st priority, Lawrence County residents receive 2nd priority, other areas receive 3rd priority

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Proventus proudly supports BRTC students.  As officers and veterans of the United States Navy Seals, Proventus offers their scholarships memory of a lost U.S. veteran or enlisted member.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

About Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas

According to Veteran Tributes,

John Faas was born on October 31, 1979, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 21, 1998, and went on active duty to begin basic training on September 14, 1999. After completing basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in November 1999, he attended Information Systems Technician School at NTC Great Lakes from November 1999 to March 2000, followed by Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado from April 2000 to January 2001. Petty Officer Faas attended Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in February and March 2001, and then completed SEAL Qualification Training at NAB Coronado in June 2001. His first assignment was with SEAL Team EIGHT at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from July 2001 to April 2005, followed by service with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) at Dam Neck, Virginia, from April 2005 until he was killed in action when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. While serving with SEAL Team EIGHT, Petty Officer Faas deployed to Stuttgart, Germany, with Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO from October 2002 to January 2003, to the Horn of Africa with Naval Special Warfare Unit THREE from April to July 2003, and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during 2004 and 2005. He also later deployed with DEVGRU to Afghanistan and to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom multiple times. He was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

His 3rd (of 4) Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Assault Team Member for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 17 March 2010. On this date, Chief Petty Officer Faas was part of a ground force element that executed a daring nighttime raid against a heavily armed enemy commander. While attempting to engage a barricaded fighter hidden inside the target building, one of Chief Petty Officer Faas' teammates was struck and mortally wounded by enemy fire, causing him to fall directly in front of the barricaded insurgent's position. With complete disregard for his safety, Chief Petty Officer Faas fought his way into the courtyard to a position within feet of the barricaded shooter where he engaged the enemy with grenades and life saving cover fire, enabling his teammates to move the wounded assaulter to safety. Resolved to ensure the enemy fighter was eliminated, Chief Petty Officer Faas remained in the compound as the barricaded enemy continued unleashing volleys of sporadic fire. He bravely held his ground and continued engaging the enemy at point blank range until the decision was made to extract the assault force. His heroic bravery during intense combat operations is an inspiration to all shoe serve with him. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Faas reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Regions Bank proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Rick and Rita Bozwell

The Rick Bozwell Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Rick Bozwell by the Pocahontas Knights of Columbus.  

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • First-time entering freshman
  • Major in agriculture on the Pocahontas campus OR be enrolled in an agriculture class for the semester in which the scholarship is received
  • Full or part-time BRTC student

Award Amount

  • $500 for the fall and spring semesters
  • Students are ineligible after 2 semesters of awards

About Rick Bozwell

He was a graduate of Sloan Hendrix High School.  Rick and Rita were faithful members of St. Paul Catholic Church and big supporters of youth and anything related to agriculture. They were growers of huge gardens and loved to share fresh produce. They also were caretakers of livestock and members of the local antique tractor club. Their love of kids, land, and nature were present in the daily lives of this humble couple.

The Pocahontas Knights of Columbus members “pray and hope this scholarship is helpful in advancing the love and devotion of agriculture in the recipient.”

 

Sandhill Dentistry proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Scotty and LeAnne Burgess

The Scotty Burgess EMT/Paramedic Scholarship was created in Scotty's memory by his family to help support students going into the EMT and paramedic fields.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Randolph County residents or high school graduates receive 1st priority, other students receive 2nd priority

Award Amount

  • $250 for the fall and spring semesters

About Scott Burgess

Scotty Ray Burgess was a longtime Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Randolph and surrounding counties before working in industrial construction as an industrial site safety professional. As an industrial safety professional, Scotty analyzed industrial working environments for potential hazards in order to improve the safety of the facility to workers. He spent 20 years traveling across the United States improving the working environment of industrial employees.

Scotty was married to LeAnne Burgess for 25 years. They lived in Pocahontas with their children Jessica, Savanna, and Tyler. After a 30-year battle with diabetes, 7 of them enduring kidney failure, Scotty received a kidney transplant in 2017. In December 2020, Scotty lost his battle with COVID-19.

BRTC's Student Government Association (SGA) proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

Sylvia Cagle and her son Darrell

The Sylvia Cagle Single Parent Scholarship is provided by Darrell Cagle in honor of his mother, Sylvia, who raised him while being a single mother. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Must be a Randolph County resident
  • Must be a single parent, male or female
  • Past Sylvia Cagle Single Parent Scholarship recipients may apply
  • Must be a non-traditional student
  • The recipient will be chosen by lottery draw

Award Amount

  • $500 for the fall and spring semesters

Marty Powers

The Candy Emporium proudly supports BRTC students with a scholarship in memory of Marty Powers.

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

About Marty Powers

Marty Powers was the son of Jeri Powers and Steve and Kathy Powers.  He is the brother of BRTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Karen Liebhaber.  Marty, who attended Pocahontas High School, was killed in a car accident in March 1993, his senior year.  That fall, Steve created a scholarship through the at Black River Technical College Foundation in his memory. The scholarship lasted for 5 years.

In 2023, Jeri Powers, Marty's mother who owns The Candy Emporium in Nashville, Indiana, resumed the scholarship.  The scholarship is managed by the BRTC Foundation of which Karen, his sister, is the ED.

Marty was very active, loved math, was president of his high school's Physics Club, played trumpet and guitar, and liked to skateboard in his free time.  He was considering going to California in the summer to fight the wildfires that were raging in 1993 then enter college or the Marine Corps.

Tri-State Truck Center proudly supports BRTC students. 

Requirements

  • Acceptance for admissions at BRTC
  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Complete minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fulltime student)
  • Recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Award Amount

  • $1,000 for the fall and spring semesters

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