2023 ROPE Scholars

A graduate of Rutherford County Schools, Robert McNair and his wife Janice established the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation to increase the number of students in Rutherford County who attend college after high school. As part of this effort, the Foundation provides all students the opportunity to earn the ROPE* Award, which recognizes students who strive to reach excellence in school and in the community.

ROPE* recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria to include taking challenging academic classes, setting and reaching goals, demonstrating good citizenship in the school and in the community, and demonstrating the ability to overcome obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from reaching their goals. ROPE Award recipients will receive $2,000 per year for up to 4 years and a total of $8,000. A recipient must be enrolled full time and for consecutive years to receive the funds. If a recipient graduates in less than four years or withdraws in year 1, 2, or 3, he or she will forfeit the remainder of the award.

Eligibility Criteria for the ROPE Award are:

• Meet UNC System admission requirements
• Have a weighted 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Score at least 920 on SAT Reading/Math, score at least 17 on the ACT, or take a combination of the tests 3 times.
• Complete a minimum of 100 service learning hours while in high school
• Maintain good character in school and the community

Students applying for the ROPE Award must:

• Have applied to at least one college by time of application
• Complete the ROPE application
• Ask 3 high school teachers to complete recommendations
• Complete the FAFSA with the McNair Financial Aid Specialist