The 2024 Community Foundation Scholarships application is now open and will close at midnight on March 15, 2024.
Notifications will be made at the recipient’s high school awards ceremony OR sent by email on June 30, 2024.
NEW for 2024 – The Community Foundation will utilize 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.
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 of 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.
Greater Capital Region Competitive Scholarships – Universal Application
Amalia Scholarship Fund for Higher Education: 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.
American Marketing Association NY Capital Region Chapter Scholarship: 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.
AngioDynamics, Inc: 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.
Austin & Co. Inc. Scholarship: 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).
Bebu Scholarship: 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.
Beta Psi Scholarship: 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.
Capital Region Advertising Federation (CRAF) 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 Scholarships
- 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.
Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarships: Established to honor the legacy of Coach Baker, the scholarship is open to seniors of Hoosick Falls and Cambridge High Schools.
Daniel Sullivan Doyle Memorial Scholarship: 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.
Don Forsyth “Circle K” Scholarship: Established to provide recognition and financial assistance to individual members of Circle K clubs in New York State who have demonstrated exceptional community service.
Down Syndrome – Aim High Scholarship: 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.
Dunham Hollow-West Stephentown Scholarship – 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.
Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship: 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.
Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship: 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.
Herbert K. and Isabel C. Liebich Scholarships: 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.
Joette P. Delia Curiano Scholarship: 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.
Kevin M. Shea Memorial Scholarship: 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.
Lawrence Spraragen Memorial Scholarship: 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.
Marian Settle Memorial Music Scholarship: 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.
Michael Hurewitz Scholarship – For a Greater Capital Region high school senior with a demonstrated interest in journalism. The student must demonstrate financial need.
Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship: 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.
Michael J. Campbell Memorial Scholarship: 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.
Michele Brunette Scholarship: 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.
Peter Gerkman Jr. Memorial Scholarship: 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.
Ron Jones Memorial Scholarship – 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.
Ruth Goldstein Memorial Music Scholarship: 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.
Tina A. Dailey Memorial Scholarship: 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 Aged 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.
Capital Region Chamber Continuing Education Scholarship – 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. Click here to apply.
C. Michael Darcy Scholarship: 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. Click here to apply.
Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship: 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. Click here to apply.
William Randolph Hearst Scholarship: 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: hearst. Click here to apply.
Scholarships with Separate Application Process
Phyllis E. Dake “Make Your Own” Scholarship – Scholarships available for children/dependents of Stewart’s Shops employees. Please visit https://www.stewartsshops.com/scholarship/scholarships-overview/ for applications and more information.