Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is generally available after October 1st for the Class of 2027. It's available now for recent graduates who plan to attend college in the fall or spring. Any student, regardless of family income, who wants to be considered for federal, NYS, and school financial aid (colleges applied to) grants, work-study, scholarships and loans, should complete the application.
CVCS Community Sponsored Scholarships
We have a number of scholarships that are sponsored by the Cassadaga Valley and surrounding communities. Please note scholarships are listed alphabetically and deadlines are approximate as they may change from year to year. Notices of these scholarships will be distributed to students as they become available by the high school counselor. Scholarships listed below are generally awarded at Class Night in June.
Students are encouraged to begin the scholarship process early. Many applications require transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and other supporting materials. Please allow at least one week before each deadline to gather all required documents and complete your application.
Bearach Wilcox Conservation Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Pursuing a career in environmental conservation, wildlife management or related field given preference; copy of NYS hunting license; GPA 2.8
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Scholarship - Deadline May 1
High school transcript, letter of recommendation from school or community leader, essay
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Cassadaga Valley Middle/High School PTO Scholarship - Deadline May 8
A high school senior maintaining a 2.5 GPA or greater, who plans to attend ongoing education either through trade, apprenticeship, or college/university following graduation in any career field. Application, essay, recommendation, & transcript.
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Cassadaga Valley Midget Football League (CVMFL) Scholarship - Deadline May 8
A high school senior with a GPA of 2.5 or greater, who plans to attend post-high school education through trade, apprenticeship or 2-4 year college/university. Application, essay, recommendation, & transcript.
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Music Boosters' Scholarship - Deadline May 3
Senior participated in any CVCS music function including chorus, band, Valley Minstrels, musical, Jazz Ensemble, etc.; essay; (2) $500 scholarships available
Details emailed to students
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Rose Privateer Scholarship - Deadline April 30
Female continuing her education; Application, essay; $2,000 award
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Local Regional Scholarships
Alice Reding Connell Nursing Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Senior pursing nursing degree; Minimum GPA 2.5 or higher (73-79%); Financial need; Essay (500 words or less)
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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American Legion Scholarship Trust - Deadline April 23
Intended to assist NYS Veterans, their families, and patriotic students. Application, essay (500 words or less), two letters of recommendations
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown Scholarships - Deadline May 4
Previous/current member of the Boys & Girls Club
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Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Scholarship - Deadline May 15
Students in grade 12, who are attending public or private schools in Western New York (Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus or Allegany counties), and who are studying music, business of music, music therapy or any technical, audio or production aspect of music are eligible.
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Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation - Deadline March 11
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Chautauqua County Joint Veteran's Council Scholarship - Deadline May 1
Applicant must be or have a relative who is a paid member of an organization of the Chautauqua County Joint Veteran's Council. Ex. American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, Auxiliary or Son's Organization. Graduating senior enrolled in or in the process of enrolling in an accredited institution.
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Chautauqua County Municipal Clerk's Association - Deadline May 22
Resident of CHQ. co. enrolling in a higher education program located within NYS, involved in community service, courses of study gov't/civics, political science, education, healthcare or another community/public service-related field, GPA of 3.0 or greater. Application, high school transcript, & short answer about why you feel you should receive the scholarship.
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Chautauqua Fallen Heroes - Deadline April 1
Senior pursuing law enforcement, firefighter, emergency medical services; academics; volunteerism; financial need; essay
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association - Deadline April 22
Senior studying conservation or the environment
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Chautauqua Region Community Foundation - Available April 15-July 15, 2026
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Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo - Deadline May 1
Attending college full-time at accredited non-profit college, community service, financial need
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Dunkirk Area Labor Council - Deadline April 1
Senior pursuing an education in trades or manufacturing technology
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Eighth District Federated Garden Clubs - Deadline March 31
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Family Health Medical Services Health Sciences Award - Due May 8
Graduating High School Seniors in Chautauqua County.
Applicants must be enrolled full-time to an accredited college to receive a degree in public health, health science, nursing, or another health-related field. Additional information & application
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union - Due January 9
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a member of a participating New York credit union.
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Jim & Delores Selan Memorial Scholarship - Due April 1
Studying forestry, ornithology and/or environmentally related majors; must be accepted to Syracuse University or Cornell University; demonstrates a positive attitude; top 1/3 of the graduating class
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Josiah Reagan Cox Memorial Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Graduating senior with strong, intrinsic motivation, driven to pursue goals, committed to making meaningful impact through effort and attitude.
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Matthew Hazelton for Law Enforcement Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Students in northern Chautauqua who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement or criminal justice
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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NYS School Facilities Association - Chautauqua Chapter - Deadline May 8
High school senior, preference given to students enrolling in or related to building management, repair, maintenance, design, or operations. Application, two letters of recommendation. Mail to Mr. Dean McKnight, Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES, 1825 Windfall Rd., Olean, NY 14760.
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Rev. Cliver & Cliver Sumsky - Deadline April 1
Student must have been in foster care at some time during his / her life; Student must be 17 years of age or older; Continuing his / her education
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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St. Joseph School for Exceptional Children Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Scottish Rite Scholarship Application (Freemasons of Jamestown) - Deadline April 1
Graduating senior attending trade, 2-year or 4-year degree program including but not limited to nursing school and police academy. Application, career plans, & essay (200-400 words)
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Soldier's Friend Fenton History Center Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Plan to serve our country as military, ROTC, or supportive civilian capacity. Application, essay - "Why service to our country is important to you", GPA, Community Service or Work History. Submit application to Fenton History Center, 67 Washington St. Jamestown NY 14701 Attn: Vets Finding Vets Program
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Southern Tier Legal Secretaries: Margaret Brodine Scholarship - Deadline April 30
Senior with emphasis on legal and/or business fields, application, essay: Why you would like to be considered for the scholarship?
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen - Deadline April 15
SWAVF junior member, or related to a Fireman; application, two letters of reference, college acceptance letter, and 300-500 word essay describing community volunteer activities. Additional information: www.swavf.com/scholarship.html
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Thomas L. Barresi Memorial Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Senior pursuing a degree in Elementary Education or Business; Accepted at a College/ University within Chautauqua County; Leadership qualities
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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Timothy Ryan Memorial Scholarship - Deadline April 1
Graduating senior, attending trade or vocational school, career in the trades, and demonstrates 12 points of Boys Scouts of America.
Counseling Office or shared Google folder for application
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NYS Scholarships
NY Conference of Italian-American Legislators Inc. - March 16
Academics, Involvement, Financial Need, and reside within a Senate and/or Assembly district of an active NY Italian-American Conference member
NYS Excelsior Scholarship - Opens May-Closes August 31, 2026
Students from families earning $125,000 or less can attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free
NYS Enhanced Tuition Award Scholarship - Opens May-Closes August 31, 2026
Provides up to $6,000 in financial aid to eligible students attending participating private colleges in New York State
NYS STEM Incentive Scholarship
Scholarship for full-time undergraduate or graduate students in approved programs at SUNY, CUNY or private colleges pursuing careers as math and science teachers in secondary education (grades 7-12)
WNY Area Scholarships - Varied Due Dates
Collection of Western New York scholarship opportunities to help students find and apply for scholarships to support their college and career goals
WNY Rural Area Health Education Center - March 23
Offers several student loan repayment and scholarship options for healthcare providers
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National Scholarships
American Association of State Troopers - Deadline July 31
Elks National Foundation, Inc. - Legacy Award - Deadline February 2
Future Farmers of America (FFA) - Deadline January 15
QuestBridge Full Tuition Scholarship - Deadline October 1
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Online Scholarship Resources
The following are links to websites with helpful information to assist students with their scholarship searches. Please be cautious when giving personal information over the internet.