The Cruising the Ozarks (CTO) Show-Drive-Give Scholarship supports students pursuing careers through vocational, technical, or trade programs. Our goal is to invest in individuals who demonstrate dedication, character, and a desire to build a better future through skilled trades.

 

Applicants apply at: https://www.cruisingozarks.com/scholarship

 

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet the following:

1. Must be a high school senior and/or a high school graduate.

• There are no age restrictions on applicants.

 

2. Must be accepted into and enrolled in a vocational, technical, or trade program at an accredited institution.

• Applicants who have been accepted into a program but fail to enroll and attend will be ineligible for scholarship award.

 

3. Must reside within Northwest Arkansas or surrounding areas where Cruising the Ozarks is active.

 

4. Applicants with a direct relationship with an actively serving CTO Board Member (spouse, partner, child, grandchild) are not eligible.

• This does not apply to Extended Board members.

 

5. No minimum GPA is required.

 

6. Reapplying: Prior applicants and past recipients may reapply, though prior awards do not guarantee future selection.

 

7. The committee will review all applications for second review. Selected applicants after initial review must complete an interview with the CTO Scholarship Committee (in person, phone, or video/Zoom).

• There shall be a two-week period in which interviews will be conducted. The CTO Scholarship Committee will work with applicants to schedule and complete interviews within the allocated time.

• Failure to complete interview results in an incomplete application that will not be considered.

 

8. The Scholarship Committee reserves the right to discard any application deemed necessary.

 

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following by the deadline:

• Completed Application Form (all sections filled).

• Proof of Enrollment in a vocational program (acceptance letter or official documentation).

• Verification of enrollment will be conducted by the Scholarship Committee

• Personal Essay (500–750 words covering goals, career path, and how the scholarship will help).

• Letter of Recommendation (from teacher or employer) o Applicants in high school must have a letter of recommendation from a teacher o Applicants who already have their high school diploma must include a letter of recommendation from employer.

• Resume or Activity List (extracurriculars, community service, volunteer work, employment).

• Optional Supporting Materials (certificates, awards, recognitions).

 

Application Process & Timeline

1. Applications Open: January 1.

2. Application Deadline: July 15th (late or incomplete applications will not be considered). Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the following year.

3. Review Period: July 16-August 31st.

4. Interviews: September 1st -September 15th

5. Notifications: All applicants will be informed of decisions by October 1st.

6. Award Presentation:

1. Recipients will be recognized and check presented at the institution the student is enrolled in if possible.

2. Recipients will be recognized at a CTO community event and on CTO Social Media. 10/03/2025: Scholarship Application Guidelines drafted

10/03/2025 by Richie Lovan, Vice President & member of the Scholarship Committee. Sent to Scholarship Chair, Dawn Maxwell, for review.

10/07/2025: Scholarship Application Guidelines updated on

10/07/2025 by Richie Lovan, Vice President & member of the Scholarship Committee. Sent to Scholarship Chair, Dawn Maxwell, for review. 10/09/2025: Scholarship Application Guidelines reviewed and approved by Dawn Maxwell, Scholarship Director & Scholarship Committee Chair.

​

​