Scholarships

 

SEPTEMBER

Coolidge Scholarship – for high school juniors – is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that can be used at any accredited college or university in the US. A complete description of the scholarship’s criteria, along with the online application and much more information is available at coolidgescholars.org. Submission deadline: Tuesday, December 15, 2027.

The Gates Scholarship - this scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential. See attached for eligibility requirements, etc. 

VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship – Since 1047 the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program.  Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives.  Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme.  This year’s theme is, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”  Deadline: October 31, 2027.

Elks National Foundation Scholarship Programs - The 2027 application opened on August 1, 2026. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

Eligibility:

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.

• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.

• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.

• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

Deadline: November 13, 2027

 

OCTOBER

The Hagen Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. The attached brochure more fully explains eligibility, responsibilities, and benefits. 

 

NOVEMBER

2026 NYCUA Scholarship Program - GPO Federal Credit Union is proud to collaborate with the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) in its statewide college scholarship program for the upcoming academic year. Last year 50 deserving students across New York were awarded a total of $32,250. The program is designed to provide funds that would be used toward tuition, room and board, books, and school supplies. The scholarship applications are evaluated based on their academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, and the quality of their written essays. Eligibility info. and application steps are attached. Deadline: January 9, 2027.

Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship Programs. See attached filer for details. 

DECEMBER

Clark Foundation Scholarship – Any Mount Markham senior can apply for this scholarship. Selection is made solely by the Clark Foundation Scholarship Office Staff, and it typically based on students’ high school grade point average. All completed courses by the first semester of the senior year are counted into the Clark Average.

 

JANUARY

The CNY Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA) is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships up to $1,500 for high school seniors in the Central New York region. Applicants must be enrolled in an environmentally related degree program. For further details and application, see attached packet. Application deadline: March 6, 2027.

Horatio Alger Scholarship – criteria: high school junior, demonstrated critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income) and US Citizen. The scholarships are given to deserving students each year and range in award value from $10,000 - $25,000 with more than 600 scholarships available. Apply online at horatioalger.org/scholarships by March 1st. 

The Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties offers several scholarship awards available to local students in Herkimer and Oneida counties each year.  Applications are currently being accepted through Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Interested students can review eligibility and apply online by visiting: 

The Otsego County Federation of Sportsmen is pleased to announce the 26th annual Jon Karker Scholarship in the amount of $350 to be awarded to an Otsego County High School Senior pursuing a career in Criminal Justice, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Fisheries or Wildlife. Applicants should write an essay of approx. 300 words identifying 3 local environmental issues likely to affect New York State residents in the next 5 years and provide a detailed solution to one of these problems. The following items should be included: High School Transcript, A list of your extracurricular activities, Name of college you will be attending, Field of study, and name, address & phone number of three references (not family). Applications should be submitted to: Patrick McBrearty, 126 Smith Road, Milford, NY 13807. Entries must include your name, address and phone number. They should be typed and postmarked by no later than May 8, 2027. The winner will be publicly notified by June 30, 2027.

The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) is offering a scholarship opportunity to students who will be studying agriculture in the Fall of 2026. They are offering up to $2,000 that be utilized to offset costs of the students choice (books, tuition, lab fees, etc.) All details including eligibility requirements and timeline can be found on the NYAAC website. Direct link to the application found here: 

 O'Connor Engineering Scholarship 2027 - this year's scholarship application requires you to answer two questions and requires you to submit your answers in separate video recordings. Deadline: April 15, 2027. See complete details: 

The American Society of Military Comptrollers, CNY Leatherstocking Chapter, is sponsoring a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors who demonstrate exemplary leadership abilities, an interest in the financial management career field, and academic promise. The ASMC Scholarships are for students entering the fields of Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or Economics. Application deadline: February 29, 2027.

 

FEBRUARY

UTICA DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS - seeks funding for higher education scholarships and encourage eligible local high school seniors to apply for awards through their single, online application and selection process. They identify and support students who demonstrate excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to future success.

2027 NYFB Agricultural Youth Scholarship Application

This scholarship is open to all graduating high school seniors that are planning to pursue a career related to agriculture.
New York high school seniors who are graduating and interested in pursuing a career related to agriculture can apply for New York Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Youth Scholarship. Eligible students can use the financial award for college or advanced training in the skilled trades by applying on their website. 

Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2027.

 Eligibility requirements:

• 2027 graduating high school seniors who will continue their education to prepare for a career connected to the agricultural industry. This includes advancing their education through college or pursuing advanced training in the skilled trades.

• Must live or work on a farm or be involved with agriculture via any avenue

• Family Farm Bureau membership or Student Farm Bureau membership is required. Students can join for free as student members on their website.   . 

• Applicants under the age of 18 must also include the signature of a parent or legal guardian.

 Process and Procedure:

• Students are required to complete an application, which is on the Reviewr online platform.

• After creating an account in Reviewr, the student will log in and begin the application. The student can stop, restart, and edit their application any time before the submission is due by logging into their Reviewr account.

• The responses to the questions and essay sections have character count limits.  Before applying, a summary page will be shown. This page can be printed to review the application answers.

• Applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 pm on April 1, 2027.

• A district-level competition will be held. If applications do not meet the criteria to be a district winner, no district award will be given. Each district winner will receive $250 plus a memento of their selection.

• State winner selection will be made from district winners, based solely on the submitted applications. District winners and two state winners will be announced by the end of May. The first-place state winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship and the second-place state winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

For more information, email proed@nyfb.org

NYS Farm Bureau Scholarship. This scholarship is for New York high school seniors who are graduating and interested in pursuing a career related to agriculture. Eligible students can use the financial award for college or advanced training in the skilled trades. The deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2027. The 2027 NYFB Agricultural Youth Scholarship Application. A requirement for the application process is to be a NYS Farm Bureau member. Students may be under the Family Farm Bureau membership or Student Farm Bureau membership. Students can join for free as student members by visiting the NYFB website.

Herkimer County Fair Association is offering a scholarship to any High School Senior that has exhibited or participated in any department at the Herkimer County Fair. The list of departments is easy to access at herkimercountyfair.org website. Click on the Departments tab to view all. There will be four $250 and two $500 scholarships awarded. Application deadline: May 1st, 2027 

SAANYS Retiree Student Scholarship - open to any NY public high school senior. Applicants must be sponsored by a current SAANYS Active Retiree, Affiliate Retiree, or Associate Retiree member in good standing. Application deadline: April 19, 2027 See attached for complete details: 

The New York Water Environment Association is a non-profit education organization of water professionals promoting sustainable water quality management through science, education and training. They offer over $50,000 in scholarships annually for students pursuing environmental degrees.

 

MARCH

2027 New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators Academic and Athletic Scholarships.  Scholarships are available to residents of New York who are current college students or high school seniors entering college. They also must reside in the district of a conference member. Sen. Griffo’s district includes all of Oneida and Madison counties and parts of Herkimer and Chenango counties.  Area students can apply for the scholarship by visiting the Conference’s website website here. Applicants should have a grade point average of 85 or higher; be active in community service and extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need. In addition to these qualifications, students applying for an athletic scholarship must also be involved in an organized sport(s). Applicants need not be of Italian American heritage to apply.  Applications will be accepted until March 30. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April and the winners will be honored at a ceremony in Albany on Monday, May 18.

Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Award AND Richard D'Alessandro Family Scholarship Award. Two (2) Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame Awards in the amount of $500 each and one (1) scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is granted by the Richard D'Alessandro family. See attached application with eligibility and criteria. Deadline: May 4, 2027.

The Laura Bradley Female Athlete Scholarship. $400 will be granted. See attached application with criteria. Application deadline: May 4, 2027 

Utica Blue Sox Scholarship - $500 will be granted. See attached application with criteria. Application deadline: May 4, 2027 

The Gregory J. Wilsey Scholarship for 2027 is open to high school students majoring in a trade, fire, EMS, engineering, nursing or education. They will be awarding up to four $500 scholarships. Special consideration will be given to students who are volunteer firefighters. Applicants must reside in Oneida or Herkimer County. Deadline: April 15, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. 

The Epilepsy Foundation is offering 3 college scholarships to high school seniors or students who will be enrolled at any post high school institution of higher learning. The 3 scholarships are $1,000 each: The Nick Birchak Strength of Character College Scholarship, Barbara Quackenbush College Scholarship and The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York Scholarship. The Stephen Piorkowski Scholarship is also available for $500. Scholarships will be awarded to students who are currently being treated for epilepsy and have plans to further education. Deadline: Friday, May 5, 2027. Students only need to submit one application to be considered for all 4 awards. 

American Society of Civil Engineers Mohawk-Hudson Section is a scholarship opportunity for prospective Civil Engineering Majors. Applications with essay and transcript must be emailed by Thursday, April 8, 2027 to: matthew.makuch@kci.com 

4PetSake Scholarship Award - $500. This scholarship award is for applicants who plan to attend college or any other vocational institution in which they may attain a high education in a profession or trade in animal welfare. Deadline: May 1, 2027:

The Cooperstown Art Association Art Scholarship opportunity! Accepting applications for their $1,400 Art Scholarship, open to local graduating high school seniors. Submit your application online today! Deadline: Friday, June 7th ... see attached details:

Mount Markham Central School District Foundation Arts In Education Scholarship. Due March 30th to the HS Guidance Office. 

M.O.M.M.S. Scholarship - essay deadline: March 30th to the HS Guidance Office - description attached: 

MMTA Education Scholarship for seniors entering the field of teaching - deadline: March 30th to the HS Guidance Office. Application attached:

Coach Charles Engle Scholarship - essay deadline March 30th to the HS Guidance Office - description attached: 

Herkimer County Counselors' Association Scholarship 2026 - student eligibility requirements: Must be planning to pursue a career in counseling or human services (psychology, social work, etc.); Furthering formal education in pursuit of the career mentioned above; and Exhibits good citizenship in school and the community. *This award is not based on financial need. Apply online at: Due: Friday, April 17th

OTSEGO 2000 - $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior who will be pursuing a major or post-high school training in one of the following: Agricultural Sciences, Architecture, Documentary Film Studies, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Historic Preservation, Nutrition/Consumer Sciences, Outdoor Recreation/Education, Planning, Public Health, Sustainability or Traditional Building Trades. Applications are due by May 1, 2027.

 

APRIL

To all graduating seniors, if you are planning on furthering your education in Environmental Sciences, Botany, Conservation, Forestry or any field involved in growing trees, plants, flowers, etc. apply for the Lake and Valley Garden Club Scholarship for $1,000! Application deadline: May 15th. 

The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) has a scholarship opportunity available for your students. We will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships that meet the following criteria:

•  Open to New York residents enrolled in college in Fall 2026 OR non-NY residents attending a New York State university as a full-time student.

• Majors include a range of disciplines, such as Livestock Management, Dairy Science, Agricultural Education, Agriculture Communications, Agricultural Business, or Animal Science. 

Information and full application can be found here: Due date is April 30th.

Herkimer County Counselors' Association Scholarship 2027. In Loving Memory of Jessica Cooper. For students planning to pursue a career in counseling or human services (psychology, social work, etc.). Apply online: Due Monday, April 29th by midnight.

The Mohawk-Hudson Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is offering scholarship opportunity to qualifying graduating seniors seeking to continue their education with a goal of becoming a practicing civil engineer. They are offering two 4-year, $1,000 per year scholarships. Application deadline: Friday, April 9, 2027. See attached letter with application: 

Herkimer County Counselors' Association Scholarship - for seniors planning to pursue a career in counseling or human services (psychology, social work, etc.) Deadline to apply April 28. 

Leatherstocking Region Federal Credit Union (LSRFCU) has a scholarship program for all graduating seniors that will be attending college or trade school in the Fall of 2023, as long as you are a LSRFCU member. For those that are members, go on to their website and follow the instructions on the form: lsrfcu.org/scholarship-program. The form takes about 30 minutes to complete and includes a short essay. Or, there is a paper copy in the guidance office. For those that would like to join (cost is $1 plus $5 deposit into the account) call Matt Marrotta at 607-547-5700 ext. 114 and he will explain how you can join.