Barbara J. Byrd Clarke County Student Success Fund

Thanks to an investment from Mrs. Barbara J. Byrd, which was matched by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, a scholarship has been established to support students from Clarke County. Limited funds are available, and the amount of the scholarship will vary.

A resident of Clarke County since childhood, Mrs. Byrd was a teacher for 9 years and represented the Russell district on the Clarke County Board of Supervisors for 20 years, becoming the first woman elected to the Board. She has seen firsthand the challenges faced by students and residents of Clarke County in pursuing higher education. The goal of this scholarship is to help increase educational attainment levels in Clarke County.

Mrs. Byrd was motivated to establish the fund after seeing the ways her parents sacrificed and borrowed money in order to send her to college. “Going through that experience showed me how difficult it can be to find the money to cover tuition, housing, and other costs,” said Mrs. Byrd. “Whether it is a vocational/technical education, a 2-year college, or a 4-year university, motivated individuals should be given the opportunity to advance their lives in a positive way.”

There are also technology grants and emergency funds available to assist students from Clarke County who demonstrate need. Contact finaid@laurelridge.edu for more information.