Deborah, Leslie, and Christopher Bright Achievement Fund
Estimated Scholarship Amount: up to $3,000
Estimated Number of Scholarships: 2
The Bright Achievement Fund was established by Dr. Harold J. Bright and Janice W. Bright of Largent to honor the gifts and dedication of schoolteachers everywhere, but especially those of their three children Deborah Bright, Leslie Bright and Christopher Bright. The general purpose of the Bright Scholarships is to afford high school students (grades 9-12) in Morgan and Hampshire Counties hands-on experience in STEAM-based subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
Criteria – You must be a resident of Morgan or Hampshire counties in West Virginia, currently in high school (public or homeschool) grades 9-12, and must exhibit recognized talent, motivation and achievement, as well as outstanding grades and/or recommendations, in STEAM-based subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math; arts may include literature, performing arts, media arts or visual arts). For example, we will consider scientific research projects and/or training under a research director at a laboratory in a college or university, private company, or federal or state agency. Perhaps you have long wanted to perform an experiment to test an idea you have developed. Now might be the time to try it! As a musician, dancer or artist you may wish to propose to study with an outstanding teacher to develop your brush or pas de deux techniques, or expand your concerto repertoire, or perhaps be trained in the use of new digital video technology. The costs associated with a summer camp or workshop could also be considered. We urge you to try to be creative and original. This scholarship is not intended for post-secondary education.
Previous recipients have used a Bright Scholarship to attend the Astronomy Camp at Alfred University, the At First Sight music camp in Collegedale, TN, the Fallingwater Architecture Camp in Mill Run, PA, a summer intensive at the HARID Conservatory in Boca Raton, FL, and Neuroscience in Health and Disease pre-college courses at Brown University.
Applying – To apply for a Bright Scholarship, complete the application below and upload the following items as prompted no later than 4/30/26:
- A statement detailing the project or opportunity for which you would use a Bright Scholarship should be at least one page, double-spaced, and should include an overview of the program, dates and associated costs, and how you expect the project or opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills.A Bright Scholarship may be used for costs associated with participating in your proposed activity and may include a stipend*, dependent on substantiated need.
- A copy of your high school/homeschool transcript
- Two letters of reference, at least one from someone who can attest to your interest in/aptitude for the proposed project/opportunity
- A letter of acceptance/enrollment from the individual or institution providing the opportunity.
You will be interviewed by a selection committee. If your proposal involves the performing, media or visual arts, we shall ask to hear or see your work.
Reporting – A report detailing your experience will be required at the completion of the Scholarship activity. The report shall be no less than one page and should include an overview of the concepts you learned and how you have applied or might apply what you learned.
Payment – Payment is typically made directly to the institution or individual providing your Scholarship supervision. If you request a stipend as part of your award, payment will be made directly to you upon receipt of an acceptable final report. *A stipend may be requested when participation in proposed activity will result in lost wages and assistance is needed to cover living expenses in order to participate. The request must be accompanied by evidence of financial need (copy of parent’s most recent tax return) and verification of employment (pay stub, letter from employer, or name/phone number of supervisor).
For additional information about the scholarship or to discuss a potential project/opportunity, please contact Amy Pancake at 304-822-7200 or [email protected].