Tougher Than Nails  Scholarship Application

The Tougher than Nails scholarship was created in 2022 in remembrance of Clate Edsel, the grandfather to our Founding Executive Director. Clate was a Wilkes County native where he learned the importance of hard work, family, and community. After the death of his father, Clate dropped out of school in 8th grade to help provide for his family. Even though he never received a high school or college diploma he was able to begin working in the trades where he ultimately became a truck driver working for Sealtest, Holly Farms, and retiring from Tyson Foods. Clate was very involved in his community, church, and family. Clate was an advocate for the youth around him, whether it was helping with his church’s nursery or teaching life skills by being an avid mentor he did whatever he could to help better the next generation. This scholarship is to help youth who are entering the workforce rather than attending a university. Whether it is needing help to purchase equipment or paying for certification, we hope these funds will help you get a jump start in life and ultimately help to make you Tougher than Nails and ready for all life’s challenges.

AWARD AMOUNT: $250

DUE DATE: March 29th, 2024

Recipients will be announced on April 5th, 2024

Students applying for this scholarship must meet the following requirements:
1. Successfully graduate in 2024
2. Entering the workforce after graduation
3. Will not be a degree seeking college student post-graduation