In 2011, the Shoals community, headed by the Florence and Greater Shoals Rotary Clubs, decided that education was the most important gift we could give our children. Because education is the underpinning for success in every endeavor, the Shoals community banded together to give every student from the 17 local high schools in Colbert and Lauderdale Counties the opportunity to continue their education after graduation. The rules are simple. If you are a student who has maintained a C average in high school, has a good attendance record, has no behavioral incidents, and is a U.S. citizen, you will have earned a two year scholarship to Northwest Shoals Community College. To make this possible, the community is raising $400,000 annually to fully fund the community scholarship fund. It is a challenge to the community and a challenge to the student, but it’s a challenge that has great rewards. Whether you are a student, a parent, or simply a member of the Shoals community, participation in this program will provide a lifetime of rewards.
Visit the Official Shoals Scholar Dollars Website
How does Shoals Scholar Dollars work?
The Shoals Scholar Dollars scholarship is considered the “scholarship of last resort.” All federal Pell grant money along with institutional and other scholarships are applied to the student’s account before the Shoals Scholar Dollars scholarship is enacted. This scholarship fulfills the difference of the Pell Grant and other scholarships up to the cost of 30 credit hours of tuition per academic year. If the student’s Pell grant and scholarships exceed the allotted amount, Shoals Scholar Dollars scholarship cannot be used.
What does Shoals Scholar Dollars cover at NWSCC?
The Shoals Scholar Dollars scholarship allows up to 30 credit hours of tuition only per academic year. Students are responsible for all fees, additional credit hours, and books. Costs of books vary by course. Please visit the NWSCC Bookstore to determine prices.
Who can apply for Shoals Scholar Dollars?
Initial High School Eligibility Requirements (verified by high school counselor)
- High school senior from one of the 17 high schools in Colbert and Lauderdale counties
- 2.5 GPA or higher
- 98% high school attendance
- No major disciplinary issues
- U.S. Citizen
- Successfully pass the mandatory drug screening
- Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Demonstrate financial need determined by FAFSA
Deadlines
Application Deadlines
The apply for the Shoals Scholar Dollar, students must complete the NWSCC Institutional Scholarship application and submit the FAFSA for the appropriate academic year. Please note that the application for the 2026-2027 academic year closed on February 15, 2026.
Contact Information:
Dr. Cierra Smith, Executive Director of Student Financial Services
cierra.smith@nwscc.edu
256-331-5291
Baylee Rayburn, Student Success Advisor
baylee.thompson@nwscc.edu
256-331-8189
Burt Helton, Executive Director of Shoals Scholar Dollars
director@shoalsscholardollars.com
256-766-4661