Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship

Marcus Viles was a beacon of hope and inspiration. The son of a rocket scientist, Marcus possessed a brilliant mind and a remarkably generous heart. He believed in treating everyone with kindness and generosity, embodying the philosophy that “you get more with honey than with vinegar.” Marcus’s warmth and inviting nature shone through even in challenging times.
Marcus had a profound passion for reading and learning. Establishing a scholarship program was one of his dreams. To honor his legacy, the Viles & Beckman Foundation awarded the inaugural Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship in 2023, shortly after his passing. This scholarship is dedicated to ensuring that our schools and local communities remain strong and supportive environments that uplift and sustain their citizens.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Attend or be accepted to attend an accredited college, university, or graduate school in the United States
Have a GPA of at least 3.0
Have legal residency or citizenship in the U.S.
Adhere to all the terms and conditions of this scholarship
Submit proof of enrollment, personal identification, and additional required documents via the form on this page
Author an original 1,000-word essay on the topic provided below
The following people are ineligible to apply for this scholarship.

Employees of Viles & Beckman, LLC and/or Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc.
Children of Viles & Beckman, LLC and/or Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. employees
Applicants unwilling to be interviewed by representatives of Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. upon winning the award
Applicants who have submitted the same essay or for multiple years in a row or for multiple scholarships
Previous winners of the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship
Scholarship Essay Topic
Please write an original, 1,000-word essay on the following topic.

What does your community mean to you? Discuss your commitment to both your school and the larger community. Provide examples of ways that you have benefited from and helped enrich the communities in which you are involved. This can include helping those who are injured or in need of assistance, volunteer work, tutoring, etc.

Scholarship Deadline- June 15, 2025.