The Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation (SVHEF) awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships for the Spring 2026 semester. These awards support students enrolled at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC). The SVHEC provides post-secondary educational opportunities for students through workforce training and their community college partners Danville Community College (DCC) and Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC)The SVHEF supported fifty-four (54) students with financial assistance in awards of more than forty-one thousand ($41,000) dollars. This marks the highest total scholarship award amount distributed by the Foundation within a single academic year.
“These scholarships represent more than financial support—they are an investment in our students’ futures and the skilled workforce that will strengthen our region,” said Liza Fulton, SVHEF Scholarships and Outreach Coordinator.
As workforce demands continue to grow, more students are gravitating towards hands-on career pathways such as Information Technology (IT), Industrial Maintenance Electrical and Instrumentation (IMEI), Heating and Air Conditioning Ventilation (HVAC), and Welding. These in-demand programs are offered at SVHEC in South Boston, VA and all students are eligible for scholarships.
“We are proud to support their education and help meet the workforce needs of Southern Virginia,” said SVHEF Executive Director Kristy Johnson.
Here are the recent scholarship recipients and their fields of study.
The Ann Chesley Edmunds Scholarship was awarded to Jordan Allen (Radiology), Dashaun Crutchfield (Cybersecurity), Destiny Gilbert (Nursing), Toni Jones (Nursing), Abigail Thomas (Education), Brandon Day (HVAC), Michael Brizendine (IMEI), Joshua Ferguson (IMEI).
The Foundation (SVHEF) Scholarship was awarded to Ron Becker (Cybersecurity), Ky Carr (IT), Kassiti Jackson (Nursing), Zachary Perkins (Computer Science), Kameron Satterfield (Science), Jameson Sherman (HVAC), Zachary King (Welding), Barron Scott (Welding), Roger Owen III (IMEI), Stacy Powell (IMEI), Micah Williamson (IMEI), Durrell Chandler (IMEI), Quamel Foster (IMEI), Maurice Hankins (IMEI).
The Dr. W. Joseph Ferguson Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Alicia Coachman (Education), Sophiliah Rasheed (Science).
The Dr. Bill Bell Medical Education Scholarship was awarded to Reba Epps (Nursing), Kassiti Jackson (Nursing).
The Thomas C. Leggett Leadership Scholarship was awarded to Isaac Ferguson (Cybersecurity) and Jeremiah Bruch (IMEI).
The Virginia Penick Estate Scholarship was awarded to Ava Franklin (Education).
The Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) Scholarship was awarded to Ava Franklin (Education), Austin Anderson (HVAC), Ty’Quan Graves (HVAC), Malik McCargo (Welding), Naszaire Ross (IMEI).
The Mark T. Trickey Memorial Scholarship by Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic was awarded to Summer Lewis (Nursing), Ada Mabe (IT), Brandon Day (HVAC).
The Hope-Tone Scholarship was awarded to Kendall Long (Nursing).
The Microsoft Scholars Scholarship was awarded to Information Technology students: Terrence Brandon, Cymone Carr, Zachary Carter, Erika Conner, Mitchell Elliott, Craig Ford, Latoshia Henderson, Jillian Howerton, Latoya Jackson, Raymond Kahler, Jessica Kittrell, Patricia Lane, Kimberly Lowery, Alicia Pickett.
The Elliott Electric, Inc. Scholarship was awarded to Brandon Day (HVAC), Andre’ Logan (HVAC), Micah White (HVAC), and Jared Brown (IMEI).
The Old School Car Club Scholarship was awarded to Micah White (HVAC).
The Wilson Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Zachary King (Welding).
The Urban Grid Community Impact Scholarship was awarded to Chase Davis (IMEI), K’veon Oliver (IMEI), and Jacob Watson (IMEI).
Applications for the Summer 2026 semester are due April 1st. The SVHEF Scholarship Application is available online at https://svhef.org/ or students may pick up a paper copy located at the SVHEF office. All applications must include a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation.
The Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping students at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center achieve their educational goals. Through scholarships and outreach programs, SVHEF works to provide educational opportunities and support to individuals seeking to improve their careers and lives. For more information on available scholarships, visit www.svhef.org or contact Liza Fulton, SVHEF Scholarship and Outreach Coordinator at lizafulton@svhef.org or by calling 434-572-5448.