The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Scholarship was established in 1986 by the MLK Association of Asheville & Buncombe County. Inspired by the belief that love and peaceful protest can eliminate social, political and economic injustice, King became the nation’s most heralded civil rights leader. He aroused blacks and whites alike to protest racial discrimination, war and poverty. A champion of nonviolent resistance to oppression, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King’s life ended at the age of 39 on April 4, 1968 when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. However short his life, he greatly advanced the cause of civil rights in this nation. His life serves as encouragement to each of us to do all that we can to end injustice. The MLK Association Scholarships will be awarded each year to area high school seniors who actively embrace King’s dream of improving racial harmony and social justice. We are pleased to announce that as many as 12 scholarships may be awarded, to support students in their pursuit of higher education. The non-renewable scholarship award(s) will be presented at a Scholarship awards program to be held in May or June. For more information, please contact MLK Association President Dr. Oralene Simmons at 828-281-1624

Applicants must be BUNCOMBE COUNTY RESIDENTS ENROLLED IN A HIGH SCHOOL IN THEIR SENIOR YEAR. Criteria for selection include character, community involvement, and scholastic achievement. Individuals meeting these qualifications may access the application form one of two ways:

• Visit www.mlkasheville.org and go to the Youth Awards & Scholarships section of the web siteschool counselor's office
• From a high school counselor’s office

1. The applicant must send a completed application package that consists of
   • A completed application form
   • Resume’ of accomplishments, extra-curricular activities, scholarships, affiliations, organizations
   • A one-to-two page essay that represents how “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. espoused and encouraged justice, equality and unity for all in a peaceful way. How have your actions emulated the work of Dr. King by Keeping Hope in Challenging Times?”
   • An official transcript must be stamped, signed, and sealed with a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 2.5
   • Two letters of recommendation: a sealed envelope)
     • one (1) letter must be from applicant’s school personnel (recommendation must be on school letterhead)
     • one (1) letter must be from someone in the applicant’s community
       
       
2. Deadline for all required materials must be postmarked or emailed no later than April 24. The applicant is responsible for supplying all materials required for consideration for the scholarship as one complete package. You can submit the completed application packet in one of three ways:
   • Scanning and emailing it (no later than April 24) to mlkavlscholarships@gmail.com
   • Submitting it electronically at mlkasheville.org (no later than April 24). The links are in the Youth Awards & Scholarships section of the web site.
   • Snail-mailing it (no later postmarked than April 24) to
     Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
     P.O. Box 328 
     Asheville, NC 28802-0328
     
     
3. A screening committee will review the application and select winners. The recipients will be notified in April or early May and later recognized at the annual MLK Scholarship program.
   
   
4. The awarded scholarship is for the upcoming academic year, and it must be used that year. The MLK Association cannot honor a “Gap Year” due to annual budgeting requirements. 
   
   
5. The scholarship money will only be distributed during the fall and spring semesters of the freshman year. The scholarship recipient must notify The MLK Association of Asheville & Buncombe County by emailing an official proof of enrollment at the college/university of his/her choice to mlkavlscholarships@gmail.com (such as an official letter and/or class schedule). This proof of enrollment must include:
   • The student’s identification number as well as provide the college/university’s mailing address in order to receive the scholarship money.
   • MLK Association will forward the scholarship money directly to the college/university.
   • The applicant must notify The MLK Association of enrollment in a college of choice by October 31 of the fall semester and January 31 of the spring semester. The scholarship becomes void if deadlines are not met.

Nominees must:

1. Exhibit constructive concern for disadvantaged and oppressed people
2. Participate in community, civic or school affairs
3. Promote community human betterment
4. Speak out on issues affecting the lives of others
5. Demonstrate academic success as evidenced through high school coursework
6. Submit and one-to-two page essay

Important: The awarded scholarship is for the upcoming academic year, and it must be used that year. The MLK Association cannot honor a "Gap Year" due to annual budgeting requirements. Awardees must provide a high­resolution headshot for award announcement purposes.

Submissions: Must be submitted by April 24

Or

Two letters of recommendation are required for your application to be considered. These letters should not be submitted by family members, but individuals who are significantly aware of the student's accomplishments, such as a coach, counselor, teacher or other instructor, employer, or administrator at your school. Email or download a recommendation form.