Chris Oakley
Memorial Scholarship Application
The purpose of the Community on Demand Chris Oakley Memorial Scholarship Program is to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduating seniors, and other scholars intending to pursue a course of study at either a trade school, two-year or four-year educational institution.
At Community on Demand, we believe small business owners grow best in community—through shared rhythms of content, coaching, and connection. We create space for leaders to gain clarity, walk in accountability, and celebrate progress together. Our aim is simple: do less, better—and do more of what matters.
In memory of our founder and friend, the Chris Oakley Memorial Scholarship Fund continues his legacy of equipping and encouraging others. In 2025, the fund awarded four one-time scholarships, each valued at $2,500, with a total award ceiling of $10,000.
This fund exists to uplift those pursuing growth as Kingdom-minded leaders—investing in the people behind the business and the purpose behind the work.
NOTE: Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence of registration in an accredited higher educational institution.
Criteria and eligibility for the COD Chris Oakley Memorial Scholarship Program
- Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award.
- Applicant must have at least a 3.0 grade point average
- Applicant must demonstrate community involvement, dedication in academics, and desires to attend college or trade school.
- All applicants must have 30 hours of community service.
- Applicants must be willing to attend a scholarship interview with the Giving Committee of Community On Demand.
General Instructions
- Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in 2026.
- Refer to the application process below for a list of the supporting documents needed (i.e., reference forms, evidence of GPA, etc.) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- If any question does not apply to you in this application, please put N/A in the space, do not leave blank spaces.
- You will be notified by email in June regarding the status of your application.
- If you have any questions about the application, please email the COD Giving Committee at giving@communityondemand.com.
Application Process: Applicant must submit the following items:
- Completed application form (if handwritten, please print legibly)
- Letter of application addressed to the COD Giving Committee. The letter should contain a brief explanation about yourself and your college or career plans (college/university or trade school, intended major or trade, and anticipated start date). Letter should not exceed one (1) page.
- Two (2) letters of recommendations from choice of high school teachers, administrators, counselors, employers, or individuals with significant knowledge of applicant’s experience and involvement.
- An official and recent high school transcript with cumulative grade point average and a class standing/rank.
- Personal Essay. Essay must be at least 1-2 typed pages, double-spaced. Essay shall contain no grammatical errors. This essay should include applicants personal career goals, as well as personal ambitions towards serving their community holistically.
- In addition to the above items, applicants must also complete at least 30 hours of community service. Community service hours must be documented and signed by the officiant overseeing said service.
Deadline for the application is May 15, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
In memory of our founder and friend, the Chris Oakley Memorial Scholarship Fund continues his legacy of equipping and encouraging others. For 2025, the fund awarded approximately four one-time scholarships, each valued at $2,500, with a total award ceiling of $10,000. Congratulations to you all!
Alex Campbell
Starting the University of South Florida in the Fall
Awarded amount: $2,500
“My name is Alex Campbell, I was born and raised in Florida, and I am excited to begin attending the University of South Florida in the fall. The most important things in life to me are my faith, my family, and my friends. Some things I enjoy doing are going to church, playing or watching hockey, and volunteering in the community. I plan on pursuing a higher education while also giving back to my community through volunteering and coaching youth hockey. This scholarship not only supports me in my educational journey, but it also permits me to be able to do so with less financial stress, allowing me to do these activities.”
Elise Larson
Clover Park Technical College Graduate
Awarded amount: $2,500
Elise Larson is a proud graduate of Clover Park Technical College, where she earned both her high school diploma and an associate degree in interior design. She’s currently continuing her education through specialized interior design certifications at Clover Park, eager to keep learning and growing in the field she loves. This scholarship allows her to enjoy furthering her education experiences, stress-free! Outside of school, Elise has a deep passion for ballet and has been dancing for over 14 years. She finds joy in sharing that passion by volunteering as a teaching assistant at her local ballet studio. Elise also enjoys working with young children and volunteers regularly in her church’s preschool classroom.
Kitima Fischer
Starting Lipscomb University in the Fall
Awarded amount: $2,500
“My name is Kitima Fischer and I am from New Castle, Indiana. I will be attending Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN this fall. I will be majoring in Fashion and Interior Merchandising, as well as minoring in Business. My goal is to become a fashion buyer and entrepreneur! I think it would be very cool to work for a luxury fashion brand or even
start my own business in fashion. This scholarship means a lot to me because it is helping me to achieve my dreams and pursue what I love. I hope to honor Chris Oakley throughout this next stage in my life, and follow his example of leadership and integrity.”
Wes Forehand
Starting Piedmont Virginia Community College
Awarded amount: $2,500
Wes is endlessly curious, always seeking to understand how things work. As a dedicated member of the Technology Student Association, he has already spent several years engineering the future. His passion for learning extends beyond STEM—he’s also part of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Wes will begin his journey at Piedmont Virginia Community College, with plans to transfer to the University of Virginia to pursue mechanical and robotic engineering and computer programming. He aspires to develop technologies that empower individuals with paralyzing injuries or disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Charles R.
Effingham High School Graduate
Awarded amount: $2,500
Charlie is a graduate of Effingham High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. Not only was his educational career a success, but he also started an actual business that was and is extremely successful-at a very young age! He plans to attend Lake Land College and embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that our organization thrives from. His accomplishments far exceed his age, and we know this young man will make great impacts, both kingdom and earthly, throughout his life.
River S.
Rock Bridge High School Graduate
Awarded amount: $2,500
River is a graduate of Rock Bridge High School, where they achieved A-honor roll status all eight semesters! River plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in Psychological Sciences. River’s excitement to begin their college career is evident in their letter to the COD Giving Committee. They are eager to grow academically and begin a journey towards a future that ignites their passion. We are thrilled to be a part of River’s college endeavors.
Jacob F.
Spruce Creek High School Graduate
Awarded amount: $2,500
Jacob is a remarkable young man that has used an eagerness to make a difference, to fuel his motivation and achieve some outstanding goals. He is a graduate of Spruce Creek High School where he was enrolled in the IB Program and will be attending Harvard in the Fall where he plans to study both Molecular & Cellular Biology and Environmental Science & Public Policy. This young man is headed towards an incredible future!
2023 Scholarship Recipients
Kaiden G.
Apalachee High School Graduate
Awarded amount: $1,500
Mr. Kaden G. is a graduate of Apalachee High School located in Georgia. Kaden finished his high school career with a 3.71GPA. He plans to attend Reinhardt University where he will major in business management. Kaden was an active member of FCA and a big part of his high school baseball program. We wish you all the best, Kaden.
Savannah H.
Burlington High School Graduate
Awarded amount: $1,500
Ms. Savannah H. is a graduate of Burlington High School in New Jersey. She graduated with a 3.59 GPA. Savannah’s application was one of the most enjoyable ones to read. She is a bright creative young lady who loves theater, music, and is very strong in her faith. Savannah will be attending Rowan University, where she plans to major in Advertising.
Emma L.
Strawberry Crest High School Graduate
Awarded amount: $2,500
Ms. Emma L. graduated from Strawberry Crest High School located in Florida. She finished with an impressive GPA of 3.98! Emma was on honor roll all four years of high school while simultaneously being enrolled at her local community college. Not only is Emma extremely bright, but she is also a giver (much like her parents). Emma’s community service log had over 150 hours listed! Emma is attending the Culinary Institute of America in New York. What an honor to have the opportunity to support such a lovely young lady!
2022 Scholarship Recipients
Dylan Y.
Outdoorsman who enjoys the mountains
Awarded amount: $1,000
Dylan is an outdoorsman who enjoys the mountains here in WNC. Dylan made a wonderful impression via his application and the thing that stuck out to me the most were his favorite books. 1. The Bible 2. Make Your Bed 3. UnPHILtered – very different choices than the rest of his peers as they were all non-fiction. Dylan plans to pursue an education as a Wildlife Officer at Western Carolina University.
Amanda M.
A passion to pursue a career in nursing
Awarded amount: $1,000
Amanda is known as a bright, cheerful young lady- her application made an impression on me because of her passion to pursue a career in Nursing, yet her practical path and plan to accomplish this goal. Amanda will be attending Haywood Community College to obtain a two-year nursing degree before advancing on to a four-year college for her bachelor’s degree. This was the same path I chose, and it is not only a smart choice fiscally, but it also allows greater focus on management skills during the last two years because you are already licensed to practice.
Madison S.
Outstanding student through entire educational career
Awarded amount: $1,000
Madison has been an outstanding student through her entire educational career. Her family is locally known to be extremely hard workers, and she already has a sister in college working on a doctorate in Pharmacology. Madison’s recommendation letters all alluded to her work ethic, and kind heart. She exudes the personality traits we often see in successful business owners. Madison will attend East Tennessee State University in the nursing program.
Jacob S.
An interest in medicine from an early age
Awarded amount: $1,000
Wow, this kid has goals. He plans on attending Wofford College and majoring in pre-med. He had an interest in medicine from an early age because he has a sibling with many health complications that require a lot of help from the whole family. Instead of allowing this life altering experience to deter him from a life in healthcare he has a God given passion for it. How awesome is it that he ran towards medicine and not away from it? Also- to further prove his giving heart Jacob’s community service record was a MILE long. It really is an honor to be a part of this young man’s journey.