Mary Baldwin University has announced that they will offer a new scholarship in the fall for students from three nearby counties. The program will make in-demand programs and areas of study more affordable to local learners.

The Shen-Rock Regional Scholarship was named after Shenandoah and Rockfish valleys in Virginia. It will be available to new students living in the counties of Augusta, Rockingham and Nelson who are entering MBU\s new coed University College and the Mary Baldwin College for Women starting in the fall.

The qualifying new students from the three counties will each receive a $1,500 scholarship. It is eligible for renewal for up to four years with minimum GPA requirements. Men, women, commuting students and residential students may qualify to receive the scholarship.

The Daily Progress reported that Mary Baldwin University President Pamela Fox said that local students for sure will show interest in new programs offered in health care and business and entrepreneurship. She said the university has always been committed to the community and they have been looking to expand the opportunity for the students.

The Shen-Rock Regional Scholarship is one of four new scholarship programs that MBU will offer in 2017. The scholarship program will make tuition at the school competitive with Virginia's public universities and at the same time maintain the advantage of a small, personalized university education, Augusta Free Press reported.

Other scholarships that the university offers include a special rate for teachers pursuing master's degree in MBU's College of Education. They will also offer a scholarship to benefit students from Appalachia and give a one-time award for students who have been recommended by an MBU alumna or alumnus.

Interested applicants for the Shen-Rock Regional Scholarship can get more information online.

Mary Baldwin University was founded in 1842 as a small, coeducational university offering a range of degree programs from bachelors to doctoral. Main campus is in Staunton, Virginia, Augusta County, and throughout Virginia. All programs are coeducational except the Mary Baldwin College for Women.