The 7x24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter provides an educational forum bringing together Information Services / Technology and Facilities / Engineering / Real Estate / Construction organizations to promote better understanding of the design, implementation and management issues involved in achieving high levels of uninterrupted infrastructure support. We Design / Build / Support data center facilities that run the world – AI, Cloud, the Edge, etc. Our goal is to provide the public as well as students the path of knowledge regarding the Critical Facilities Industry in addition to a Job Ladder for a path for future employment in this vastly unknown yet essential industry.  

In that spirit, the 7x24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter will be awarding several scholarships in memory of Robert (Bob) Cashner.  These scholarships will be provided to several students currently enrolled in an accredited Engineering / Construction Degree Program.

Bob was a Senior Vice President with Wells Fargo's Corporate Properties team. With over 40 years of experience. Bob and his team supported the Technology and Operations Group for Wachovia and Wells Fargo until his passing in 2012.  Bob loved the data center industry and was always one you could speak with about data center resiliency, cost effective and sustainable solutions, uptime requirements, and new technologies in the mission critical field.

Bob was a long-time member of 7x24 Exchange International. The Carolinas Chapter is honored to provide these scholarships in memory of Bob Cashner!

The 7x24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for students who are pursuing an education in a field that supports the data center industry.  

How to Apply 

The following is the process for collecting all scholarship materials: 

• All requested documents must be submitted with this application. 
• You will be automatically disqualified if all of the application components are not included.
• The application must be submitted no later than Friday, April 24, 2026.

Contact for Questions

If you have a question, please send an e-mail to scholarship@7x24carolinas.org no later than Friday, April, 24, 2026.

All questions should include your full name, email address and phone number. Please allow a 72-hour turnaround time for responses. 

Requirements for Submission

Applicants MUST use this application platform to ensure that you are fulfilling the mandatory requirements needed to maximize the potential of becoming a 7x24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter Award recipient.

PLEASE NOTE:  All communications between 7x24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter and the applicant will be directly with the candidate only.

Please provide:

• Information requested on the form below.
• Please provide a copy of your UNOFFICIAL transcript and FINAL report card (OFFICIAL transcript will be required after award).
• Acceptance Letter from your University (necessary for high school awards or transfer students seeking scholarships).
• Resume (work experience, leadership, activities, etc.)
• One essay - Topics provided below

Student must meet the above requirements to be eligible.

Value of Each Award:  Up to $10,000 per awardee. A total of approximately $50,000 will be distributed among the multiple awardees from the 2026 Scholarship programs. (Quality of application drives the amount awarded)

Use of Award:  The scholarship may be used only for school-related tuition, room and board expenses for the academic year of 2026-2027.  Funds will only be distributed to the institution the award recipient is attending.

• Institution Bill from the Financial Aid/Cashier’s Office at the institution (should break down expenses to attend) (Award Winners only – this will be required prior to disbursements of funds)

Eligibility Criteria

• Any Spring 2026 graduating high school senior through graduate school student.
• Students must be enrolled in a 4 or 5 year accredited college or university or related community college program and interested in a career in the data center industry. (Such as but not limited to; Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Civil Land Development, Computer Science Programs, Cyber security, Construction Management or related field.)
• Student must be registered as a full-time student in the Fall of 2026 to apply for this scholarship.

NOTE:  The 7x24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter reserves the right to disqualify any application at its sole discretion.  All decisions by the Scholarship Committee and/or the Board of Directors regarding the award of scholarships are final.

What to expect: 

• Applications are due no later than April 24, 2026.
• The scholarship selection committee will review all applications and select finalist for interviews by May 8, 2026.
• Application finalists may be invited to participate in virtual interviews with the scholarship committee. Interviews will be conducted on or around the week of May 11, 2026
• The selection committee will make the final award selections by May 18, 2026. An announcement will be made via a press release and to all 7x24 Carolina Chapter Members.
• Scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in a 7x24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter event on July 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Eligibility Criteria Questions

Q:     If I do not have any job experience do I have to submit a resume?

A:      Yes, there are other forms of resumes that can be completed for students that will highlight other areas outside of your work experience.

Q:     Where can I get assistance with completing my application?

A:      After you go through the FAQs and the information on this form, please email specific questions to scholarship@7x24carolina.org. All questions should include full name, phone number, service attended, and the scholarship you are applying for. There is a 72-hour turnaround time.

Q:     How important is the essay?

A:      The essay is an important component of your completed application, as is every section.

Q:     Is there a minimum GPA for being eligible to receive a scholarship?

A:      The minimum requirement is a 3.0 GPA

Q:     Should I still apply even if I don’t meet all the requirements?

A:      No, you must meet all the requirements for the specific scholarship of choice before being considered.

 

Submitting Questions

Q:     What is the deadline for submitting questions?

A:      All questions should be emailed no later than April 24, 2026.  Please allow a 72-hour turnaround time for responses. 

Q:     Is there a contact e-mail or number if I have additional questions?

A:      Yes, please forward all additional questions and concerns to scholarship@7x24carolina.org. If sending a question, all questions should include full name and phone number. There is a 72-hour turnaround time.

Q:     What do I do if I am transferring to/ from another school and I do not have all of the requested documents?

A:      We will handle this issue on an individual basis. Please send an e-mail explaining the circumstance and a scholarship representative will contact you.

Q:     Will I receive confirmation that my application was received?

A:      Yes, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application.

Q:     When will I be notified that I have been awarded a scholarship?

A:      Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to public announcements of award winners.

 

Grade/Transcript Questions

Q:     What can I do if my transcripts aren't prepared by the deadline date?

A:      Please send an e-mail to scholarship@7x24carolina.org to fully explain the circumstance. Although there may be an explanation, this does not guarantee the applicant can apply without the required documentation.

Q:     Can I apply for the 7x24 scholarship if I live out-of-state but attend a school in the Carolina’s?

A:      Yes.

Q:     Can I apply for the 7x24 scholarship if I live in the Carolina’s but go to school out-of-state?

A:      Yes.

I agree that all information completed on this application and documents submitted are true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that application and submissions will be used for purposes of determination of the Bob Cashner Memorial Scholarship Fund.   I also understand that completion of application does not guarantee being awarded the scholarship.