When the $mart$tart program was launched in 2011, one of the goals was to offer a scholarship for high school seniors* going on to college or to a school where they could learn a valuable trade. In 2015, we made that plan a reality by awarding three $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors. We have since increased the number of $mart$tart Community Commitment Scholarships to 10, and we are excited about offering this opportunity to students in our area. It’s one more way that we can give back to the communities we serve!

The purpose of this scholarship opportunity is to recognize a student’s commitment to involvement in his/her school and community and to assist students planning to further their education at their choice of a four-year college/university, certified trade school, or two-year community college as appropriate for their chosen field of study.

This year, the $mart$tart Scholarships will be allocated as follows:

• Five $1,000 scholarships for students planning to attend a community college or certified trade school and
• Five $1,000 scholarships for students planning to begin their four-year college or university education.

The application period for the 2025 scholarships is now closed.

Please stay tuned to find out who the recipients will be this year.

*Applicants must be a resident of or attend high school in one of the areas served by Benchmark’s full-service branches in Virginia (Brunswick, Charlotte, Greensville, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, or Prince Edward Counties or the City of Emporia) or North Carolina (Franklin, Granville, Vance, or Wake Counties) OR have a banking relationship with Benchmark Community Bank AND be a high school senior expecting to graduate and go on to post-secondary school.