Crosby FAQs
Crosby Scholars is a free college and career access program that helps public school students in grades 6–12 prepare for life after high school, whether that means attending a four-year university, community college, trade school, joining the military, or entering the workforce.
Through workshops, community service, mentoring, and personalized guidance, Crosby Scholars equips students with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in whatever path they choose after graduation.
Any 6th through 11th grade student enrolled in a public school in Rowan County who submits an online application by the deadline can join the Crosby Scholars Program.
Middle School Program (Grades 6–8)
Students may apply in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.
High School Program (Grades 9–11)
Students may apply in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
Senior Program (12th Grade)
Students who successfully complete the program through 11th grade will attend one Rising Senior Orientation, participate in a college fair or visit four college campuses, and meet with their Senior Advisor regularly to be eligible to apply for Crosby Scholars’ Last Dollar Grant and other scholarships.
It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3!
- Attend one Crosby Academy each school year.
- Complete and submit two hours of community service each school year.
- Maintain good citizenship and stay in good academic standing at your school.
By meeting these three requirements each year, students remain active in the program and continue building valuable skills for life after high school.
Crosby Scholars is completely free for all students!
There are no fees to join, participate, or attend events.
The program is funded through community partnerships, grants, and generous donors who believe every student deserves the opportunity to prepare for college, career, and life after high school at no cost to families.
If you’re ready to join Crosby Scholars and you’re a 6th–11th grade student who is committed to attending one Crosby Academy each year and completing two hours of community service, we’d love to have you! You can join by clicking the links below.
Joining Crosby Scholars in middle school gives students a head start on planning for their future.
Middle school Scholars build important skills like goal setting, time management, and decision-making — all while learning about high school, college, and career options in a fun and supportive environment.
Starting early also helps students stay on track for success in high school and ensures they’re fully prepared to take advantage of all the opportunities Crosby Scholars offers later, including scholarship applications and college planning support.
Community service is any unpaid activity that helps others or improves your school or community.
Examples include:
- Volunteering at a food bank or animal shelter
- Helping at your church, library, or community event
- Tutoring younger students or helping a teacher
- Participating in a clean-up day at school or in your neighborhood
Click here to view community service opportunities.
Click here to submit your hours once they are completed.
Crosby Scholar Academies are fun and interactive workshops designed to help students build important life, leadership, and academic skills. Topics include goal setting, study habits, time management, career exploration, and college planning.
Academies are typically held on select Saturdays at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC), North Campus
Students are expected to attend one Academy each school year as part of their program requirements.
For the 2025–2026 school year, Academy dates are: (Link)
October 18, November 8, and December 6
Check-in: 9:30 AM | Sessions: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Students only need to attend one date per year.
- Middle School Crosby Academy Sign Up
- High School Crosby Academy Sign Up
Crosby Scholars offers a variety of exclusive scholarships and the Last Dollar Grant (LDG) to help program graduates pay for college.
Scholarships:
Crosby Scholars seniors can apply for multiple local scholarships through Submittable, our online application platform. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, essay prompts, and deadlines.
No scholarship is guaranteed. Students must apply for each scholarship and meet the requirements listed in order to be considered.
Last Dollar Grants (LDG):
The Last Dollar Grant helps fill the gap between the cost of attendance and a student’s financial aid package. It is available to Crosby Scholars graduates for up to four years after high school graduation while they remain enrolled in college.
To be eligible, seniors must:
- Successfully complete the Crosby Scholars Senior Program
- Complete the FAFSA and submit their college financial aid award letters
- Enroll in a two- or four-year college in the fall following graduation
Click here to view and apply for Crosby Scholars Scholarships on Submittable.
Click here to apply for the Last Dollar Grant.
If you are not receiving emails or text messages from Crosby Scholars, please contact us at info@crosbyscholarsrowan.org. Or call us at (704) 762-3512.
Make sure to notify us anytime your email address or phone number changes so we can keep your contact information up to date.
We also have Spanish-speaking services available in our office to assist families as needed.
No, once you have joined the Crosby Scholars Program, you do not need to reapply each year.
You just need to meet the yearly requirements — attend one Academy, complete and submit two hours of community service, and maintain good citizenship and academic standing — to stay active in the program.
As long as you meet these requirements, you’ll automatically move up to the next grade level in Crosby Scholars each year.