RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) announced a major expansion of the Coach Bob Pittard Scholarship, transforming the award from a one-year scholarship into a guaranteed, auto-renewing four-year scholarship valued at $12,500 per academic year for eligible student-athletes from Apex High School and Green Hope High School.
Since its inception in 2018, the Pittard Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $1.3 million in college scholarships to 89 students, honoring the legacy of Coach Bob Pittard and his commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and character.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, WakeEd will transition the Pittard Scholarship from a one-year award to an auto-renewing four-year scholarship, providing greater stability and clarity for recipients as they pursue a bachelor’s degree. To remain eligible for renewal, scholars must be enrolled full-time at a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution and remain in good academic standing. Previously, Pittard Scholars were required to reapply annually, and in some years well-qualified renewal applicants were unable to receive continued funding due to scholarship availability.
Current Pittard Scholars who are already enrolled in college will be incorporated into the new four-year structure beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
“These students exemplify excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in their communities,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “For the first time, Pittard Scholars will have the confidence of knowing their scholarship is there for them year after year. This four-year commitment removes uncertainty, strengthens Coach Pittard’s legacy, and allows students to focus on learning, competing, and thriving in college.”
WakeEd will continue to award at least four new Pittard Scholarships annually, with two new recipients each year from Apex High School and Green Hope High School, ensuring that new classes of students continue to benefit from the program each year.
The Coach Bob Pittard Scholarship Fund was established following a $2.7 million bequest from the late Robert Ray Pittard, a beloved teacher and coach at Apex High School. His vision was to create a lasting impact by supporting student-athletes from Apex and Green Hope high schools as they pursue higher education.
`About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.
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