Chris Clark Memorial Scholarship Helping Students Achieve Their Career Dreams

Jan. 29, 2026 - In late 2016, the Clark family established the Chris Clark Memorial Scholarship at Richmond Community College. In memory of Chris, a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services technician with Hamlet Fire and Rescue, the scholarship has benefited students enrolled in the Allied Health, Nursing, and Pre-Nursing or Medical Assisting curriculum for almost 10 years.

This scholarship uniquely requires that applicants must also be enrolled in developmental courses, so graduates will have a deeper understanding of the challenges of learning disabilities.

“For those of you who did not know, Chris was dyslexic, which impaired his ability to read; so, he had much more to overcome than most of us,” said Scott Clark, Chris’ brother, at the announcement celebration. If it had not been for his teacher, Charles Cowan, in high school, we doubt very much Chris would have graduated. So we are very thankful that Charlotte Cowan, Charles’ wife, continued to support Chris’ efforts after Charles passed away. The Cowans were like a second family to Chris.”

This scholarship also prioritizes applicants who are currently employed by, or have immediate family members employed by the Richmond County first response agencies. Recipients must also maintain a 2.5 grade-point average.

“The thought of establishing a scholarship seemed to be a perfect fit,” Scott said. “Seeing someone in this community — a community that Chris so cherished — benefit as they continue to pursue their dreams would be a perfect legacy. It is our hope that each semester, each year, a deserving student who may be challenged in some way will truly benefit from the generosity of this gift and use it to pursue their dreams, and hopefully, help others along the way.”

Community members interested in contributing to the Chris Clark Memorial Scholarship may do so by contacting Dr. Wendy Jordan with the RichmondCC Foundation at (910) 410-1807 or wkjordan@richmondcc.edu.