Chamber Scholars

Chamber Scholars Class of 2024

The Education Committee of the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce works to enhance the educational experience of local learners by linking academics, businesses, and community groups to promote real world learning, support partnerships, and encourage and celebrate educational excellence.

One of the signature educational programs of the Chamber is Chamber Scholars, an annual scholarship funded entirely through member support that is awarded to stand-out graduating seniors from any high school located in Bolivar County. Requirements for the Chamber Scholars program are outlined below. The Chamber begins taking applications in March, and follows up the awards review process with an honorary reception.. For more information about Chamber Scholars or to donate to the Chamber Scholars fund, contact our offices at 662-843-2712.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 WILL OPEN ON MONDAY, MARCH 31, AND CLOSE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25, AT 5 PM. CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Please have all documents prepared for upload on your computer prior to beginning the application. You will not be able to save your progress and return later. Requested documents must be uploaded in .PDF or image formats.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE POLICY & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  1. Student must be enrolled in one of the following accredited high schools in Bolivar County:

    • Bayou Academy

    • Cleveland Central High School

    • McEvans School

    • Northside High School

    • West Bolivar High School

  2. The child of an employee of the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce is not eligible to apply.

  3. Each student applying must meet all requirements as established by the scholarship committee.

CHAMBER SCHOLARS PROGRAM CRITERIA

The following criteria will be used for the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Award:

  1. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

  2. A minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT OR 860 on the SAT.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Students must upload the following to complete their application:

  1. A copy of their high school transcript.

  2. A copy of their ACT composite score.

  3. Two (2) character reference letters from NON-relatives.

    • One reference must be from a high school teacher.

    • The other must be from someone outside the teaching profession who has known the student for at least two years and can confirm that in their letter.

  4. A copy of their resume, listing involvement in clubs, teams, extracurricular organizations, leadership roles, academic or employment achievements, or other relevant activities.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Bonus points will be awarded to applicants who plan to attend a local community college or Delta State University.

  • A separate scholarship opportunity may be available for the child of a Cleveland Police Department officer or Bolivar County Sheriff's Department deputy.

INTERVIEWS

Finalists will be contacted to schedule an interview, which will take place during the week of April 28, 2025.

Learn more about how your application will be scored HERE.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025

If you have any questions, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 662-843-2712.


Congratulations to our 2024 Chamber Scholars Recipients:

  • Amanda Mahaffey
  • Ashton Harris
  • Ayden Aguzzi
  • Brynli Doty
  • Carrie Maggio
  • Carson Allen
  • Carter Foster
  • Dakota Cain
  • Holt Fortner
  • Jabrabrious Brown
  • John Butler Edwards
  • Josh Lott
  • Mere Kasen Seeley
  • Mia Luciano
  • Patrick Wessel
  • Rianna Scott
  • Riley-Clark Rocconi
  • Taylor McCain
  • Zariah Burl

If you have any questions about the application process call the Chamber of Commerce at 662-843-2712 or email summer@clevelandmschamber.com.