Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Ridley Scholarships at UVA

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers a variety of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. Among these, the Ridley Scholarship Program stands out as a beacon of opportunity for Black students. Established in 1987, the Walter N. Ridley Scholarship Program is named for the first Black graduate of the University of Virginia. The program seeks to attract Black students of the highest academic caliber. Ridley offers scholarships for Black students across the course of their UVA career. While most Ridley Scholarships are for incoming first-year students, there are selected awards reserved for upper-class students who distinguish themselves as exceptional at the University. These scholarships, administered by The Black Alumni Association, not only provide financial assistance but also foster a supportive community through mentorship and networking opportunities.

General Requirements and Selection Criteria

Selected Ridley Scholars demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership activities and community service. We review candidates holistically based on the criteria below. To be eligible for a Ridley Scholarship, applicants generally need to demonstrate:

Academic Excellence: A strong academic record is a primary consideration.
Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership qualities through various activities and roles.
Community Service: A commitment to serving and contributing to the community.
Financial Need: While not always a strict requirement, some Ridley Scholarships consider financial need as a factor.

All African American applicants are sent application information between December and March. Applicants must submit their responses by March 30th. A selection committee reviews applicants and makes award notifications in mid-April. Finalists selected from eligible applications will be invited to participate in the Ridley Scholarship Selection Weekend, March 19-21, 2026. The weekend features tours, special programming and in-person interviews with the Ridley Scholarship Committee.

Flagship Scholarships for First-Year Students

Several Ridley Scholarships are specifically designed for incoming first-year students, providing crucial support as they begin their college journey.

Walter N. Ridley Flagship Scholarship

The Ridley Flagship Scholarship is the original scholarship endowed by black alumni of UVA. In the past 30 years, it has grown from a small book scholarship to a full tuition-and-fees award for incoming first-year students.

Read also: Ridley's Impact on the Falcons

Buford Scott Scholarship

The Buford Scott Scholarship is named in honor of business and philanthropic leader S. Buford Scott and Scott & Stringfellow. It is for an incoming student who resides in Virginia and has the same selection criteria as the Walter N. Ridley Scholarship. This scholarship, a renewable four-year merit scholarship, will be awarded to a Black student from Virginia and will cover tuition and fees, room and board, and a robust programmatic academy experience: the Ridley Scholar Experience, which includes unique opportunities for leadership, career training and immersive experiences.

Savage Fields Scholarship

Professor Barbara D. Savage (Col class of ’74) established the Savage Fields Scholarship to honor her parents Mildred Savage Fields and Walter M. Fields, Jr. for sacrifices made to enable her and her brother Glenn Fields and sister Alice Fields to attend college. The Savage Fields scholarship is for an incoming student. It uses the same selection criteria as the Walter N. Ridley Scholarship. Preference will be given to scholars that demonstrate need.

Ridley Reid Scholarship

Dr. Kenneth Reid (UVA Parent) endowed the Ridley Reid Scholarship in 2006. It uses the same selection criteria as the Walter N. Ridley Scholarship.

Scholarships Honoring Legacies

Some Ridley Scholarships serve as memorials, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions or whose lives were tragically cut short.

Meikel Andrade Memorial Fund Scholarship

The Meikel Andrade Memorial Fund Scholarship was established in 1998 to honor the late Meikel Andrade who died in an accident two months before her enrollment at the University of Virginia. For more than a decade, this fund provided a $1500/year scholarship to incoming female students.

Gregory Raven Batipps Memorial Fund

For nearly twenty years, Ridley annually awarded a one-time, $5000 award to a second or third year student in honor of Gregory Raven Batipps, a UVA student who died tragically during his second year.

Glynn D. Key Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Glynn D. Key Memorial Scholarship Fund provides out-of-state students with opportunities to fulfill their dreams of attending the University of Virginia. The Fund is named in honor of Glynn D. Key (Col class of ’86, Law class of ’89), a leader on and beyond Grounds and a staunch supporter of the University of Virginia. Her vision and work led to the creation of the Ridley Scholarship Program in 1987.

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

Certain Ridley Scholarships are tailored to students pursuing specific academic disciplines, providing targeted support for their educational goals.

Michael Russell Scholarship

In 2007, School of Engineering and Applied Science alum Michael Russell of Atlanta, GA established a scholarship fund for Black students pursuing a degree in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at UVA.

Gregory Ledford Endowed Scholarship

In 2007, McIntire School of Commerce graduate Gregory Ledford established the Gregory Ledford Endowed Scholarship to benefit a rising third year Black Commerce School student. This scholarship provides full tuition-and-fees for two years for a Black student who has been admitted to the School of Commerce. Preference is given for students concentrating in Finance.

Dr. Derek E. Brown Award

The Dr. Derek E. Brown Award was created by Dr. Brown’s family to remember his dream of helping qualified Black male students defray the high cost of applying to medical or dental school.

Sophia Paige Scholarship

Former Ridley Board member Sophia Paige established this scholarship, which started issuing grants in 2009. This scholarship is designed to help pre-med students defray the high cost of applying to medical school. The applicant must be a fourth-year Black student at the University of Virginia who has taken all pre-medical requirements and the MCAT. He or she must be planning to enter medical school immediately after graduating.

Scholarships for Upper-Class Students

While many Ridley Scholarships target incoming students, there are opportunities for upper-class students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement during their time at UVA.

Sylvia V. Terry Scholarship

Named for legendary OAAA Dean Sylvia Terry, the Terry Scholarship recognizes the scholastic and community achievements of Black students at UVA. The scholarship provides two years of full tuition-and-fees support for the recipient. Ideal applicants are rising Third Year students with strong grades, leadership activities, and community service. Because of Dean Terry’s pivotal role in creating the Peer Advisor Program, preference is given to academically-strong candidates with significant experience as mentors.

Annetta Thompson Scholarship

Family and friends honored the life of the first full-time administrator for the Walter N. Ridley Scholarship Fund by establishing this fund in 1999. The Annetta Thompson Scholarship is awarded to a deserving 4th-year Ridley scholar who exemplifies Annetta Thompson’s commitment to education. Annetta Thompson received her bachelor’s degree in education from UVA in 1973. She valued the role of education and the importance of creating opportunities for young people pursuing an education.

Other Scholarships and Awards at UVA

Beyond the Ridley Scholarship Program, UVA offers a range of other scholarships and awards to support students from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests.

University Achievement Award

About 50 full tuition scholarships awarded to exceptional students from Virginia who will add to the diversity of the student population.Criteria: Virginia residency, academic merit, leadership, need and citizenship. A student must also satisfy at least two of the following conditions: (1) have a history of overcoming disadvantage; (2) be a first generation college student; (3) be a member of an underrepresented minority or ethnic group; (4) be a member of a low income family; (5) reside in a rural or inner-city location; (6) have been raised in a single parent household.Selection Process: A committee reviews all applicants from Virginia for possible awards. Award notifications are sent in early April.

Faculty/Staff Undergraduate Scholarship

Need-based scholarship for children of full-time faculty or staff. The average award is $3,000. Open to first year and transfer students.Criteria: Parent must be employed by the University full-time for at least one year; student must be in good academic standing.Selection Process: Student must complete all Financial Aid paperwork by March 1st and submit a separate application for the scholarship (link opens a PDF).

The Holland Scholarship

Administered by the Holland Alumni Board and Ron Brown Foundation. Provides a $10,000 (Virginian) or $20,000 (out of state student) scholarship annually to outstanding African American students.Criteria: Demonstrated love of learning, academic achievement, involvement and leadership.Selection Process: All African American applicants are reviewed by a committee. Finalists attend a selection weekend in Charlottesville. Award notifications are sent in late March/early April.

Virginia Engineering Scholarship

Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for outstanding minority applicants to the engineering school. Administered by the Director of Minority Programs* in the School of Engineering and Applied Science.Criteria: Strong performance in the sciences, leadership potential, involvement, and research interests.Selection Process: All minority applicants to the engineering school are reviewed. Award notifications are sent in early May.*This might be from old documentation. SEAS now has a Center for Diversity in Engineering that may oversee this award.

Berkley and Susan Fontaine Minor Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship awarding $4,000 annually to two outstanding students from West Virginia.Criteria: West Virginia residency, superior academic achievement, involvement and leadershipSelection Process: All applicants from West Virginia are reviewed by the Office of Admission for possible award. Finalists are recommended to the Minor Foundation. The Foundation notifies award winners in April.

H. Kruger Kaprielian Scholarship

Need-based scholarship awarded to a student of Armenian descent.Criteria: US citizen or permanent resident with Armenian ancestry.Selection Process: Candidates must submit a letter to the Office of Financial Services to be considered.

Charles F. Wonson Scholarship

A need-based award given to a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, VA.Criteria: Attendance at Robert E. Lee High School, good academic standing.Selection Process: Admitted applicants from Robert E. Lee High School are automatically awarded this scholarship in their financial aid packages.

Glover Scholarship

Award given every four years to one student, worth approximately $6660. Next award year: 2007.Criteria: Attendance at Lynchburg, VA area high schools, good academic standing.Selection Process: A local alumni committee oversees selection process. Area high schools are sent application information.

V. Thomas Foreland, Jr. Scholarship

A merit and/or need based scholarship of approximately $3,000 awarded to two students from Chesapeake, VA who attended Oscar F. Smith High School, Norfolk Academy, or Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.Criteria: Attendance at one of the above schools, good academic standing.Selection Process: Office of Financial Aid reviews all applicants from the geographic area for possible award. Notification sent in April.

George E. Hamovit Memorial Scholarship

Need based award of $1,500 to $3,000, renewable each year, given to a student from Petersburg, VA who attended Petersburg High School.Criteria: Petersburg, VA residency, strong academic standing, demonstrated need.Selection Process: Office of Financial Aid reviews all applicants from Petersburg for possible award.

Zirkle Scholarship

A $2,000 award for students of Rockingham County/Harrisburg/Staunton, VA, renewable each year. Three students are typically selected for the award.Criteria: Residency in areas listed above, good academic standing, financial need.Selection Process: Office of Financial Aid and the Alumni Association consider all applicants from eligible area. Top candidates given to the local alumni chapter for review.

Mississippi Scholarship

A need-based award of approximately $7,500 given to an African American student from Mississippi. Next award will be made in 2009.Criteria: Mississippi residency, good academic standingSelection Process: All African American applicants from Mississippi are considered. Award notifications made in early April.

Mellon Scholarship

A one-time $2,000 award given to a non-traditional student attempting to complete a degree. Often given to transfer students.Criteria: Non-traditional student in good academic standingSelection Process: All non-traditional students are automatically reviewed by the transfer admission dean. Nominations sent to the Alumni Association and notification is made in May.

Bailey Tiffany Scholarship

A grant for residents of Accomack or Northampton County, VA. Award typically covers tuition and fees.Criteria: Residency in Accomack or Northampton County, VA.Selection Process: Automatically awarded as part of the Financial Aid package.

Margaret E. Phillips Scholarship

Awarded to students striving to become Ministers in the Protestant Episcopal Church in America. Amount varies.Criteria: Interest in religious studies with intention to become and Episcopal minister.Selection Process: Candidates must submit a letter to the Office of Financial Services to be considered.Special Note: Rarely applied for.

Warwick High School Class of 1952 Scholarship

A $100 award to students from Warwick High School (VA).Criteria: Attendance at Warwick High School, good academic standingSelection Process: All students offered admission from Warwick High School are invited to apply.

The Ridley Scholar Experience

Ridley offers more than just scholarship money to its students. Students meet with board members regularly, and receive academic and internship support. The Buford Scott Ridley Scholarship, a renewable four-year merit scholarship, will be awarded to a Black student from Virginia and will cover tuition and fees, room and board, and a robust programmatic academy experience: the Ridley Scholar Experience, which includes unique opportunities for leadership, career training and immersive experiences.

Supporting the Ridley Scholarship Program

The Walter N. Ridley Scholarship Program and the University of Virginia Alumni Association announced that Truist Wealth has made a $1 million gift in honor of business and philanthropic leader S. Buford Scott and Scott & Stringfellow.

UVA's Commitment to Acknowledging History

UVA has not one, but two scholarship funds that pre-date the formation of the PCSU. They were put in place to promote diversity and encourage African Americans to attend UVA. The Hoel-Perkins Scholarship (need-first criteria, but for students with a lineage that includes American slaves). This multi-million dollar fund provides significant scholarships for African American students from in and out of state.

Keller Study Abroad Scholarship

The Keller Study Abroad Scholarship supports the global learning and exchange of ideas that lead to a more engaging and meaningful education for Black students at UVA. Named after Ravenell “Ricky” Keller III (Col class of ’85), the scholarship provides talented Black students up to $5,000 in financial support for study aboard experiences, and is open to all Black UVA students who qualify. This scholarship is now administered by the Alumni Association’s Scholarship Program.

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