DOBSON — The Shelton Foundation scholarship application process is now open for interested students. Applications will be accepted until March 29 through area high school guidance offices.

According to foundation spokesperson Melissa White, the Ed and Charlie Shelton families of Shelton Vineyards converted The Shelton Foundation, Inc.’s grants to a character scholarship program in 2007 to serve as a catalyst for educational opportunity.

She said the scholarship program was established to enable graduates in Surry and Stokes counties an opportunity to attend Surry Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College, and subsequently a public or private North Carolina four-year college or university.

“The generosity of the Shelton family is unprecedented,” said Dr. Travis L. Reeves, superintendent of the Surry County School System. “To offer students hope of a college education is a gracious act of the Shelton family. Their emphasis on the importance of education will certainly enhance the quality of life of local students and their families for years to come.” About 134 students have benefited from the scholarship since 2008.

White explained the goal of the Shelton Family Character Scholarship Program is to encourage students with financial need to reach their full potential by applying and conducting themselves responsibly during their high school career and continuing their education beyond high school while preparing for a world of work. The scholarship program will also enable graduates of Forsyth Technical Community College and Surry Community College who graduated from a secondary school in either Stokes or Surry counties to attend a public or private North Carolina four-year or private college or university.

“A quality education for students in Stokes and Surry Counties is extremely important to the Shelton family,” said Charles Shelton, co-owner of Shelton Vineyards. “We want to help make dreams a reality by offering the opportunity for students to continue their education after high school.” Monies in 2013 will include scholarships for returning, eligible students from the classes of 2010, 2011, 2012, and for newly selected students in the class of 2013.

“Ensuring more opportunities for education guarantees an improved quality of life for the future of Surry and Stokes Counties,” said Dr. David Shockley, president of Surry Community College. “The Shelton Family’s focus on character, work ethic, and education is certainly a guide for success. They possess a deep commitment to helping provide a quality future for families today and for generation to come in Surry and Stokes counties.”