Deniyah Hightower of Martinsville and Emily Stiltner of Patrick County were named Last Dollar Scholarship recipients, and Na’Dasia Cobbs of Martinsville received a Community College Scholarship in a recent round of awards distributed by GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.).
The nonprofit, college and career access organization—headquartered in Richmond—recently awarded 137 Last Dollar Scholarships totaling $154,500 and 83 Community College Scholarships totaling $83,000 to Virginia high school seniors graduating in 2025.
GRASP’s mission is to ensure that every student has equal access to continuing education after high school, regardless of financial or social circumstances. During the 2024–2025 academic year, GRASP provided free, confidential, one-on-one counseling in 113 Virginia high schools through a network of trained advisors.
More than 8,500 students were advised this year through in-person and virtual meetings, phone calls, emails, and texts. Advisors helped students and families navigate the financial aid process, including the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the VASA (Virginia Alternative State Aid) application.
GRASP now serves schools across Virginia—from Lee County in the southwest to Isle of Wight County in the east, and from Northumberland in the north to Patrick and Greensville counties in the south. Advisors are skilled in navigating the complexities of financial aid and share a strong commitment to expanding students’ access to postsecondary education.
The organization’s scholarship and advising programs are made possible through continued support from donors and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Last Dollar Scholarships are awarded to at least one student at each GRASP-participating high school. Community College Scholarships are given to students planning to attend community college to earn a career certificate or transfer to a four-year college.
GRASP applauds the achievements of its 2025 scholarship recipients. Many are the first in their families to pursue postsecondary education. All were recognized for their commitment to continuing their education as a step toward future success.
This year, GRASP will host seven regional scholarship luncheons in Warsaw, South Hill, Cedar Bluff, Staunton, Richmond, Hopewell, and Williamsburg. These events will honor scholarship recipients and students participating in the SOAR Virginia® program—a Virginia529℠ initiative that supports students in achieving their postsecondary education goals.
Local legislators, school superintendents, and high school staff are also invited to attend the luncheons. For information on which officials will be attending each event, contact pbuckley@grasp4va.org.
Founded in 1983 by Senator Walter Stosch and Dr. Ray Gargiulo, GRASP continues to work one day per week in each participating school. Free appointments can be made through the schools’ counseling offices. For more information, visit www.grasp4va.org.
