Jim Barker Scholarship Fund
Investing in Brighter Futures
Helping alumni of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia turn their dreams into reality through education, training, and pathways to family-sustaining careers.
The Fund at a Glance
Opening Doors After High School
Our Legacy & Mission
Proof That Dreams Are Possible
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia has served youth in the Roanoke region since 1997. Today, we meet the after-school and summer program needs of more than 1,000 children and teens each year.
Thanks to the generosity of fund founders Mike and Danielle Wise, the Jim Barker Educational Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 to help Club members continue their education after high school. The fund is held and operated by The Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia.
The fund is named for Jim Barker, a first-generation college graduate who grew up as a “Club kid” in Bristol, Virginia. Today he is Chief Financial Officer at Delta Dental of Virginia and serves on our Board of Trustees.
In His Words
The Boys & Girls Club protected my mother’s investment in me after school while she worked to provide for our family.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to Club members heading to college, career, technical, or trade school.
- Graduating high school senior in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia service area (Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Franklin County, or Montgomery County)
- Club member for at least two years
- Planning to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or a career, technical, or trade school
- If no qualified senior applies in a given year, current and former Club members already in a post-high school program may be considered
Key Dates
Application Timeline
- Applications Open
- Each fall
- Application Deadline
- Contact us for this year’s deadline
- Award
- $1,000+ (one-time)
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Make sure you meet the requirements above.
Find the Listing
Search for the Jim Barker Scholarship Fund on the Community Foundation’s scholarship portal.
Apply Online
Complete the application through the Community Foundation before the deadline.
Award
Recipients are selected and the award goes toward their education.
Scholarship Impact
Celebrating Our Club Alumni
More than $50,000 has been awarded to date. Here are our recent recipients and the schools they attend.
2025
- Kamille G.Hampton University
2024
- Kamille G.Hampton University
- Ashton L.Virginia Tech
2023
- Tyler T.Virginia Commonwealth University
- Lawrence M.James Madison University
- Hunter M.Savannah College of Art & Design
2022
- Lawrence M.James Madison University
- Hunter M.Savannah College of Art & Design
2021
- Jack G.The College of William & Mary
Support the Fund
Invest in a Club Kid’s Future
You are invited to make an investment today to ensure our Club kids have the opportunity for brighter futures. Every gift to the Jim Barker Scholarship Fund goes directly to student awards.
To direct your gift to the fund, note “Jim Barker Scholarship” with your online gift or in your check memo, or contact Christina Ballard.
of your support goes to student awards
Fundraising Committee
Leaders Behind the Fund
Leaders dedicated to supporting and sustaining opportunities that help our Club youth turn their dreams into lasting success.
Questions?
Contact Us
For questions about the scholarship, applying, or giving to the fund, reach out to our Chief Development Officer.
Brighter Futures
Help a Club Kid Take the Next Step
Whether you’re a Club member ready to apply or a supporter ready to give, the Jim Barker Scholarship Fund turns potential into opportunity.