Apply for Scholarships
The Community Foundation utilizes a "universal application," allowing students to complete one application to qualify for more than 30 scholarships.
We also encourage people to sign up for our e-mail list and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates.
Click here for written and video tutorials on setting up your account and completing the "universal application." DO NOT USE a high school email address to set up your account. Should your application be approved for a scholarship, contact will be primarily through email and you will need access to an email account after graduation. Use a personal email address.
Scholarship winners will be notified at their high school awards ceremony OR notified by email on or before June 30, 2025.
Deadline to apply is March 16 at midnight unless otherwise noted in the listing!
Scholarships for High School and College Students
Please Note:
Each scholarship has its’ own set of eligibility criteria (such as school you are currently attending, course of study you intend to pursue, etc.). The application will ask a series of questions to determine your qualification for each scholarship.
IMPORTANT: If the system does not match you with any scholarship opportunities and you believe this is an error, please email scholarships@cfgcr.org. You should continue with your application and submit a transcript and recommendation letter (if applicable). Community Foundation staff will review all applications and reach out if there are new opportunities that arise mid-year.
Applications cannot be submitted without all the required information and attachments.
If you are using a Mac, please do not upload documents using the .pages file extension.
This scholarship is for a current or former client of the US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany, currently residing in the Greater Capital Region, to pursue a 2- or 4-year college or university or technical/trade school professional certificate program.
Recognizes a high school senior from the Greater Capital Region or a current college student at a Greater Capital Region college/university currently pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in marketing, communications, or a marketing-related curriculum.
Applicants must be a child/dependent of an AngioDynamics Inc. Employee and plan to attend a college/university or trade/professional certificate program in the Fall.
The Austin & Co., Inc. Scholarship Fund was established to recognize outstanding service and achievement by Austin & Co., Inc. employees and their families. One award will be given for expenses related to education or educational enrichment activities (examples: educational summer camps, certification program, travel, or similar educational experiences).
Established to provide scholarships for underrepresented or economically disadvantaged students planning to attend SUNY Adirondack. The student must be academically high-achieving and be able to prove financial need.
For Capital Region (Albany County, Rensselaer County, Schenectady County, Saratoga County) high school seniors planning to attend a 4-year college or university. Applicants must be of exemplary character, demonstrated outstanding achievement, and be of African American or African descent. Previous Beta Psi Scholarship recipients may also reapply for a renewal scholarship.
For high school seniors or full-time college students from the Greater Capital Region or current college students enrolled at a Capital Region college or university, who are majoring in public communications, marketing, graphic arts, public relations, or any other communications-related curriculum.
- Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship – For a high school senior in the following counties: Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga or Schenectady, that demonstrates diverse interests and local community service. There are no academic requirements for this award.
- Capital Region Chamber Unified Military Affairs Council Scholarship: For students whose parent(s) serve at one of the following military installations: Stratton Air National Guard Base; Navy Operational Support Center Glenville; Naval Support Activity Saratoga; Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa; Watervliet Arsenal; or Joint Force
- Headquarters Latham. Applicants must be entering a technical/trade school or a two- or four-year college or university in the Fall semester.
- Schenectady Chamber Scholarship – One award given to a graduating senior of a Schenectady County High School with a GPA between 80%-89%. Please note: if your GPA exceeds 89%, your application will not be considered for this award.
Established to honor the legacy of Coach Baker, the scholarship is open to seniors of Hoosick Falls and Cambridge High Schools.
This scholarship, established in memory of long-time educator at Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School Daniel Doyle, will be awarded to a graduating senior of RCS who is planning to study history, music or education at a 2- or 4-year college or university. The student must plan to study history, music, or education.
Established to provide recognition and financial assistance to individual members of Circle K clubs in New York State who have demonstrated exceptional community service.
To benefit students who will assist those with Down Syndrome by pursuing education and a career in the field of special education or speech, physical, or occupational therapy.
This scholarship was established in memory of Frank Johnson, who donated real estate to the Dunham Hollow West Stephentown community. This award will enable a student from Averill Park High School to attend and complete a vocational or trade program.
For students enrolled as third- or fourth-year undergraduate students or current graduate students committed to a major in any of the plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture. The applicant must demonstrate financial need and reside in one of the following counties: Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Greene, Columbia, or Schoharie.
Established to recognize the many significant contributions that Gene Robb, former publisher of the Times Union, made to the field of journalism. The student must have a clearly demonstrated interest in journalism and provide samples of journalistic work.
Established to honor the founders of Albany Frosted Foods, one of the original companies to form Sysco Corporation, by awarding a scholarship each year to the children of employees or retirees of Sysco Foods of New York, Inc. Scholarships are awarded each year to one senior planning to attend a four-year college or university and to two seniors planning to attend a two-year college.
For a graduating high school senior planning to attend a four-year college to pursue a heath care or nursing degree from one of the following high schools: Troy High Schools, Schalmont High School, Schenectady High School, or Albany High School, with demonstrated scholastic ability and the ability to demonstrate financial need.
Established by the Sons of the American Legion Post 1040 and the Elsmere Fire Company in memory of Kevin M. Shea. This scholarship is intended for a senior at Bethlehem Central High School who has participated in student athletics and is actively involved in community service.
Established to the child or grandchild of a current, active member if IBEW Local 236 or the child or grandchild of the management or staff of a signatory contractor to IBEW Local 236. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior and must have been accepted at or plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college or university or be a current college student or a union member that would like to continue his/her education.
Established in 2015 to honor the memory and musical legacy of Marian Settle, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and educator. Applicants must be graduating seniors of a high school in Fulton, Montgomery or Schoharie counties who are planning to study music or music education or current college students from Fulton, Montgomery or Schoharie counties. Applicants must demonstrate participation in music-related activities in their community and/or school.
For a Greater Capital Region high school senior with a demonstrated interest in journalism. The student must demonstrate financial need.
For high school seniors from Troy-area high schools planning to attend a 2- or- 4-year college or university or technical/trade/certificate program. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to service through their church and/or school community and be of African American or African descent.
This award is intended for a graduating senior enrolled in a High School Vocational Education Program in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie Warren and Washington County of New York State OR a freshman currently enrolled in a college or university in pursuit of an Associate’s Degree in Construction Technology, Building Construction/Building Trades, Carpentry AAS or AOS, Construction Technology (with carpentry minor), or Construction Technology/Building Construction.
For a graduating senior from Troy High School who has demonstrated academic achievement, leadership skills, and evidence of financial need. The recipient must have clear career goals and must be accepted to either a two- or four-year college or university.
This scholarship will be awarded to a Greater Capital Region high school senior who participated in the high school varsity-level football program. The student must plan to attend an accredited trade school, college or university (located in the United States) in pursuit of a degree or vocational certification.
Established to honor the memory of beloved coach and teacher Ron Jones. This is not an athletic award, rather, it was established to recognize students who have demonstrated a devotion to the community of Hoosick Falls through compassion, action, respect and excellence.
For a graduating senior from a Capital Region high school who will continue on to study music education or music performance. Special consideration will be given to students whose major instrument is of the woodwind family, piano students who accompany others, or students who demonstrate financial need.
This scholarship honors the life of Tina A. Dailey. It is awarded annually to a senior at Shenendehowa High School who intends to pursue an education and career in elementary education. Applicant must have a minimum of an 80 average and plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university in the fall.
Scholarships for Non-Traditional Age Students
The following scholarships are not available on the Universal Application. When the application period opens, the link will be available. If prompted, you may need an access code to continue your application. Access codes are listed next to the link. When you click the link you will see the spot to enter the access code at the top of the page.
One award for a non-traditional age (older than 25) student beginning or returning to college or pursuing a trade certification. Applicant must be a resident of one of the following counties: Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady and must demonstrate financial need. If prompted, use the access code: nontrad.
Established in memory of Edna A. Lauterbach, RN, former president of Competent Care, Inc. and American Care, Inc., this scholarship is open to nurses in New York State who are seeking to enhance their skills through business-related education. Scholarships are awarded to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses residing in New York State. If prompted, use the access code: edna.
This scholarship is open to New York State employees. Applicants must be members of Public Employees Federation (PEF) Region 8; Grade 18 or less. If prompted, use the access code: darcy.
Scholarships available for children/dependents of Stewart’s Shops employees. Please visit https://www.stewartsshops.com/scholarship/scholarships-overview/ for applications and more information.
For students who have been accepted into ninth grade at one of the following Capital Region private high schools: Albany Academy, Albany Academy for Girls, Academy of Holy Names, Christian Brothers Academy, Darrow School, Doane Stuart School, Emma Willard School, Hoosac School, LaSalle Institute, Loudonville Christian School, Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. Student must demonstrate that they would be unable to attend without financial assistance. If prompted, use the access code: heart.
Other Resources
Planning for college.
Information on financial aid options, preparing and paying for college, scholarship search engines, links for financial aid calculators, and more.
Information about planning for college, picking the right school for you, filling out an application, paying for college, and SATs.
Scholarship search and online applications.
Assistance for federal and private student loan borrowers across New York State in managing education debt and improving their financial health through free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling.
Comparison of student loans and offers financial aid information.
Detailed information about FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), including how to fill it out and file online.
The Education Care Package scholarship program provides graduating high school seniors transitioning to college, trade/vocational school, a gap year program, or an entrepreneurial journey with a FREE care package and career education course. Applicants can receive over $150 in school supplies, equipment, and personal care items.
Parental Support for College Students – Helpful resources including Choosing a College, a guide to federal loans, and how parents can provide emotional support for their children while they are attending college.
College and Career Readiness support for families, schools, Organizations and Community Partners.
Financial aid primer from U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Student Financial Assistance Programs; includes information about Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans, Federal Work Study, etc.
Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
The tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, personal and miscellaneous expenses incurred by the average family in an academic year. The COA varies with each college or university.
The amount that has been calculated as the family portion to contribute based on the family and the students’ income and assets. The EFC is the same, regardless of the college or university the student attends.
The amount that will typically contain a mixture of grants or scholarships, called gift aid, and loans and student employment, called self-help aid, and must either be repaid or earned.
Campus-based employment that is allocated on student needs and availability of funds. Students work 12 to 20 hours per week, are paid at least minimum wage and receive a check at least once a month. The money is used to pay incidental expenses.
The form necessary to apply for federal and state grants, loans and student employment programs. A FAFSA is filed each year that a student wants to apply for aid. It is never necessary to pay for this to be submitted.
Awards that are specific to each institution and based on criteria determined by that institution. A list of those available is usually in the catalog or at the Web site and can range from $100 up to the cost of tuition.
Students applying for financial aid may qualify as independent students if they meet one of the following criteria: they are married, they have dependents, they are working towards a master’s or doctorate program during the year, they are a veteran or active duty member of the US Armed Forces, their parents are deceased, they are in foster care or were a ward of the court, they have been emancipated or someone other than a parent or step parent is their legal guardian, they are determined to be an unaccompanied youth or someone who is at risk of becoming homeless. Learn more.
Is calculated by subtracting the EFC from the COA. This is the ceiling of all grants, loans and/or student employment funds you can receive. Because the COA can vary, so, too, can the financial aid you are awarded from school to school.