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2025-2026 Scholarship Bulletin
Seniors,
Welcome to your senior year! This bulletin contains information that will assist you with various scholarship opportunities. The scholarships posted will be from various places such as community groups, websites, and other organizations. Please share this bulletin with your parent or guardian. Scholarships are organized by the month in which they are due.
Please observe all deadlines since most organizations, colleges and universities offering scholarships or awards will NOT accept late applications. Be sure you are aware if transcripts or letters of recommendation are needed with each application. Remember, you must give the Guidance Department one week to process a transcript request. The scholarship market is very competitive: do not disqualify yourself by missing a deadline. It is your responsibility to submit all required materials when submitting an application either to the committee or Mrs. Staffen.
The college/university is a primary source of scholarships and each college has its own financial aid program. Please remember to check college websites for available scholarships.
Lastly, good luck as you begin the college and scholarship application process. It takes time, hard work, and patience, but your future self will thank you!
-Mrs. Staffen
FREE INTERNET SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES
Pittsburgh Foundation: http://pittsburghfoundation.org/scholarship_search
http://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com
http://www.legion.org/scholarships
http://www.scholarshipguidance.com
https://www.imagine-america.org/high-school-scholarships-trade-schools-pennsylvania
Useful Post -Secondary Planning Websites
http://www.campustours.com/ (Includes video tours and interactive campus maps)
http://www.collegeclicktv.com/ (Browse hundreds of college and university videos, compare colleges, hear student reviews, etc.)
http://www.collegemajors101.com/
http://www.collegegrazing.com/(Comprehensive website that includes a survey to determine if you are ready for college, self-assessment surveys, etc.)
http://www.collegesolved.com/ (College selection process made easier and more personal through a host of interactive features)
http://www.collegebasics.com/ Provides many articles to help with college admissions)
http://www.armedforcescareers.com/ (Military Careers)
Job Corps
Job Corps is a FREE government training program that pays for your tuition, books, supplies, gas card/bus pass and clothing allowance at CCAC. It also pays a monthly stipend to attend classes. * You must be eligible for the Pell Grant for this opportunity. Eligibility is determined through applying for your FAFSA.
Contact: http://pittsburgh.jobcorps.gov
Pittsburgh Technical College
Offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for accepted students
https://www.ptcollege.edu/admissions-financial-aid/financial-aid/grants-and-scholarships
The College Board
Offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for completed steps in the college application process
https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/?SFMC_cid=EM110805-&rid=47596321
William and Debrah Pettigrew Scholarship Due: Febuary 1, 2026
Bill Pettigrew will provide a donation of $10,000 to be utilized for an annual $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school student who wishes to attend college to become a teacher. Both Bill and his late wife Debrah, worked over 50 years in public education. Debrah was a speech and language instructor, and Bill was a long-time superintendent of schools and an original, and founding father member of the PARSS board
The criteria for submissions are as follows:
Student must have a cumulative high school 2.5 GPA or better
Submission of a merit essay describing academic and professional goals including why those goals were chosen and what has been done thus far to prepare for postsecondary education (300-900 words; 2-4 pages)
Express a clear intent to pursue a career in teaching
Student must be accepted for enrollment to a four-year institution for teacher preparation
See/email Mrs. Staffen for an application .
National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Deadline: Febuary 20, 2026
National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame awards scholarships of $4,000 each to four deserving student athletes. The criteria for selection are as follows:
High academic achievement
Financial need
Athletic ability at the varsity level
Anticipated June 2026 graduation
Pennsylvania State Society DAR Scholarships Postmarked by Feb. 28, 2026
Pennsylvania State Society DAR Scholarships Postmarked by Feb. 28, 2026
Listed below are the scholarships awarded by the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR). No affiliation with the Pennsylvania State or National Society DAR is necessary to qualify for these scholarships. DAR members' children are also eligible to apply. Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed to the local chapter by February 28, 2026. Evaluation of all applicants will be made by the State Scholarship Committee who will then notify only the recipients by May 15, 2026. Applications will not be returned. Payment of these scholarships will be placed on deposit with the college or university prior to the fall term.
Listed below are the scholarships awarded by the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR). No affiliation with the Pennsylvania State or National Society DAR is necessary to qualify for these scholarships. DAR members' children are also eligible to apply. Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed to the local chapter by February 28, 2026. Evaluation of all applicants will be made by the State Scholarship Committee who will then notify only the recipients by May 15, 2026. Applications will not be returned. Payment of these scholarships will be placed on deposit with the college or university prior to the fall term.
Pennsylvania State Society DAR Student Scholarship
Pennsylvania State Society DAR Student Scholarship
Originally established in 1935, as a revolving fund with donations from Pennsylvania members and chapters, loans were made to students in accredited colleges and nursing schools. Prior to 1990, the fund was changed to the Pennsylvania State Society DAR Student Scholarship. This scholarship is available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into an accredited program at a college/university. Eligibility for this scholarship is not limited to a specific field or area of study.
Originally established in 1935, as a revolving fund with donations from Pennsylvania members and chapters, loans were made to students in accredited colleges and nursing schools. Prior to 1990, the fund was changed to the Pennsylvania State Society DAR Student Scholarship. This scholarship is available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into an accredited program at a college/university. Eligibility for this scholarship is not limited to a specific field or area of study.
Louise V. Nelson Nursing Scholarship
Louise V. Nelson Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1962 as a bequest from the estate of Louise Nelson, regent of the Fort Hand Chapter NSDAR. This scholarship is available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into an accredited nursing program at a hospital or college/university.
Mary Reider American History Scholarship
The listed scholarship was established in 1996 by Lorraine K. Prutzman, Pennsylvania State DAR Scholarship Chair. It is available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into a course of study in American history at an accredited college/university.
Elizabeth W. Watkins STEM Scholarship
This scholarship ($1,000) was established in 2022, by Elizabeth A. Watkins, Pennsylvania State Regent. Annually, a STEM scholarship will be available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into a course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at an accredited college/university.
Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2026
2025 - 2026 Academic Year
Five (5) scholarships are being offered to high school graduating seniors, residing within the boundaries of Lions District 14-M, which is comprised of Fayette, Greene, Somerset, and Washington Counties Pennsylvania. One scholarship from each county will be awarded. In addition, an additional scholarship will be awarded to one graduating senior at large from any of the four counties. The five (5) $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded to seniors that exemplify characteristics espoused by Lions Clubs International:
• Creates and fosters a spirit of understanding among peoples of the world
• Promotes the principles of good government and good citizenship
• Takes an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and/or moral welfare of the school and community
• Serves the school or community without personal financial reward
Preference will be given to applicants who are members in good standing of a Leo Club. The scholarship is intended to assist with tuition, housing, or books. The scholarship is not necessarily intended for the top academic student. Lionism occurs at all levels of the GPA spectrum. Only members of the Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship Committee will view the applications. All personal information will be held in confidentiality. The Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship Committee will inform the recipients of the scholarships. Presentation of the checks, in the amount of $1,000.00, made payable to the student will be made at the District14-M Youth Awards on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Trailside Landing Event Center, 235 N. First St , Connellsville, PA 15425.
Information:
• A copy (UNOFFICIAL COPIES ACCEPTED) of your High School Transcript must accompany this application.
• Proof of acceptance in an accredited school of higher education must accompany this application.
• Failure to comply with requirements/falsification of information will result in the application being disqualified!
• This application form is the only form that will be accepted by the DiMarco Scholarship Committee. The application must be received BY MAIL or EMAIL (You may attach or scan) no later than 12:00 PM March 1, 2026. Mail to PDG Robert E. Rafail, 149 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401 or Email to lionrobertrafail@yahoo.com If you have questions, you may call 724-366-3732.
YOU MAY ALSO FIND COPIES OF THIS APPLICATION
Facebook: @District14-MLions, at our website district14mlions.com
The Italian-American Cultural & Heritage Society of Washington County______________________________________________Due: March 1, 2026
The Italian-American Cultural & Heritage Society of Washington County will once again award $3,000 individual scholarships to multiple deserving high school seniors. As you may know, the Society started awarding scholarships in 1992 to graduating Washington County (PA) residents of Italian descent. Since its inception, the Society has granted over 280 scholarships approaching a total of $800,000 which were made possible by the generosity of our members and benefactors.
The Italian-American Cultural & Heritage Society of Washington County has established this annual scholarship program as continued proof of the commitment made by this Society to the education of Washington County young adults.
Scholarship Program Criteria and Guidelines
· High school seniors of Italian descent who reside in Washington County, PA.
· High academic achievement - grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4-point scale.
· Challenging curriculum - strong evidence through completion of rigorous courses.
· Leadership in co-curricular activities – involved in social organizations, community, sports, etc.
· Recommendation - strong recommendation by a school staff member or official.
The selection of the awardees will be made by members of the Scholarship Committee. Awardees will be presented with the Scholarship Commitment letter at the Annual Achievements & Awards Dinner on 21 MAY 2026. To receive the $3,000 check, the student must provide this organization with a copy of the letter from the educational institution of their choice indicating that they are registered as a student in the Fall school term. The Society also requests that the student sends a follow-up letter after their first semester of attendance as a courtesy and a way of keeping us informed of their progress.
Submission deadline March 01, 2026
Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA) Due: March 1, 2026
Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA) offers scholarship opportunities for students who reside in subsidized housing or whose households receive Section 8 rental assistance. Please see Mrs. Staffen for more information.
Berkshire Hathaway DREAM...INNOVATE...GROW Scholarship Due: March 2, 2026
To be eligible for consideration, the nominee shall have:
• Permanent resident status in Western Pennsylvania, in the counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Washington, Westmoreland); and in Eastern Ohio, in the counties (Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Holmes, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Wayne) where Sponsor (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty (PA) & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Stouffer Realty (OH)) has a sales office or the counties contiguous thereto.
• Excelled academically with an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (based on a maximum of 4.0) or its equivalent. The nominee shall be evaluated upon all academic work completed through the first semester of their senior year in high school.
• Performed with distinction in terms of leadership, volunteerism, character, and positive attitude serving as an example to fellow students as a participant in community, charity and school related activities. The amount of participation shall be weighted equally with the degree of academic performance
• Signified the intention to continue academic work beyond the high school level.
• Been accepted as a full-time student at a college, university, or trade school for the upcoming fall semester. For the purpose of this scholarship, “full-time student” shall be defined as a student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, or the equivalent, in a school term.
www.thepreferredrealty.com/scholarship
Washington County Chapter Of School Retirees Scholarship March 9, 2026
The Washington County Chapter is offering one scholarship in the amount of $1200 each to a senior graduating from a Washington County school district and majoring in education. Please see Mrs. Staffen for an application.
Pennsylvania Elks State Association Career and Technical Education Scholarship March 31, 2026
The Pennsylvania Elks Career and Technical Education Scholarships are available to Pennsylvania residents who are planning to pursue vocational/technical training in an accredited post-secondary school.
Who may apply:
Citizens of the United States residing in Pennsylvania
High School Students who will graduate in 2026.
The program being pursued must be one that will culminate in a certificate, diploma, or associates degree.
The Scholarships:
The application must be complete, including guidance counselor form and transcript.
The Scholarship winners ten (10) males and ten (10) females will receive a one time $1500 Scholarship.
The monies will be sent directly to the school of enrollment and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and supplies, as well as room and board if the student is living in on-campus housing. The award can only be used toward the expenses of the academic year for which it was intended and not for prior student debts.
* Applications must be submitted by: Midnight March 31, 2026.
Application Can Be Found At:
https://www.paelks.org/cte-application
Ringgold Education Association Future Teacher Award 2025-2026 Scholarship Due: April 17, 2026
Scholarship for a member of the Class of 2026 planning on becoming a teacher.
Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union Scholarship Due: April 17, 2026
2026 High School Graduate Scholarship Application
Three Awards: $2,000 each *
To qualify the applicant must be graduating this year from an area high school. The applicant or a direct relative (mother, father, brother, sister, stepparent, grandparent) must be a member of Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union. **
Applicants are asked to send 1) a copy of their high school transcript, 2) an acceptance letter from the post-secondary school they will be attending this year 3) a letter of reference from a teacher and 4) a 250+ word essay on a topic chosen from list on next page.
Please send all materials to Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union (Monessen office) c/o Lauren by the April 17TH, 2026 deadline.
Matthew Smelser Memorial Foundation EMS Schorship May 4, 2025 Scholarship for a graduating senior planning a career in EMS field. Please see Mrs. Staffen for an application.
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