Beckley, W.Va. (WVDN) – Beckley Area Foundation (BAF) is helping West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) students make their educations even more affordable by providing over $100,000 worth of scholarships for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
Melanie Stewart, Scholarship and Grant Coordinator for Beckley Area Foundation, says some of these scholarships given to Tech students are also renewable for all four years.
“The total amount of scholarship money sent to WVU Tech for the 2026-2027 academic year was $101,200.00. This includes 47 scholarships for 45 students, and 17 of those students are on a renewable scholarship,” said Stewart.
She added that BAF has hundreds of available scholarships, and most of those help Raleigh County students.
“The scholarship program at BAF has approximately 220 scholarships, with a majority servicing matriculating seniors of Raleigh County,” she said. “I think many students want to stay close to home and can get an amazing college degree at WVU Tech. We love it when BAF can award scholarship dollars here at our backdoor.”
“WVU Tech is incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the Beckley Area Foundation and its donors. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden placed on students and their families while allowing more students to pursue a high-quality education close to home,” said Malik Wynes, Financial Aid Manager at WVU Tech. “Our relationship with the Beckley Area Foundation reflects a shared commitment to supporting students throughout southern West Virginia and strengthening the communities we serve.”
Stewart says in addition to the $101,200 going to Tech students, BAF will give nearly $1 million in scholarships overall this academic year.
“Our program is currently on track to award close to $900,000.00 for this academic year. None of this would be possible without our amazing donors who want to help with the financial burden of higher education costs for area students, and we appreciate them so much,” said Stewart.
The universal scholarship application through BAF opens on January 5th and closes on March 1st, and that application will filter into whatever scholarships the student is eligible for.
“Eligibility will vary depending on the scholarship but may include financial need, outstanding academics, field of study, and participation in sports, extracurricular activities, and community service, to name just a few. There are selection committees that will review student applications and make recommendations for scholarships,” Stewart said.
Wynes says this aid, which is stacked on top of institutional and other aid students may receive through WVU Tech, helps make their four-year education more affordable.
“This funding complements the many institutional, state, federal, and privately funded scholarships available to WVU Tech students and helps make earning a college degree more attainable. We sincerely appreciate the Foundation, its donors, and everyone who invests in the success of our students,” Wynes said.
For more information on scholarships through the Beckley Area Foundation, visit bafwv.org/scholarships.
To learn about WVU Tech, visit admissions.wvutech.edu.
