scholarships

MikeRoweWorks Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship Program

At mikeroweWORKS, we know the real world doesn’t run on a once-a-year deadline. Training programs start and bills show up year-round. As a result, we've decided to expand our application window and give more hardworking men and women the chance to apply when they’re ready and when funding matters most. This year, applicants can apply for a scholarship any time between February 23, 2026 until October 31, 2026.

It’s a small change that we hope will make a big difference.

To apply for a scholarship, YOU’LL HAVE TO:

• Enroll in an approved program

• Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge

• Answer 4 questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge

• Make a video

• Have 2 solid references from a teacher or boss

• Verify your school costs

• Provide high school or college transcript

For more information, a list of approved programs and to apply, please visit their website. 

DEADLINE: October 31, 2026

Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the addition of the 2026 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has provided more than 7,200 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $90 million in scholarships as it celebrates 40 years of impact since its founding in 1986. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. 

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a current high school student who will graduate during the 2026-2027 academic school year

• Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees - based on the guidelines utilized by the U.S. Department of Education for Federal Aid eligibility

• Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution

• Able to verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework

For more information, please visit their website.

You can find their application here.

DEADLINE: September 30, 2026, 5 P.M. EST

Voice of Democracy Scholarship

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, more than 28,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range up to $21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. 

Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2026-2027 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. 

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Currently in high school between the grades 9-12

• Be enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States

Applications and more information can be found here.

DEADLINE: October 31, 2026

Stony Brook's Simons STEM Scholars Program

Beyond just financial support, the Simons STEM Scholars Program aims to be a one stop shop for students to find assistance and advocacy for any challenge they may face in their educational pursuits. Our goal for our scholars is to ensure their only task is to excel academically and pursue the science that fuels their passion.

Eligibility Criteria:

• High school senior or academically equivalent and entering your freshman year of college on the traditional timeline (ie; not transferring from Stony Brook or another institution into the program)

• Have at least a 3.0 or an 87 on a 100 Point scale

• Have a personal commitment to letting their STEM knowledge serve their community

• Have a strong interest in research and a research based career

• Have documented leadership and community service experiences

For more information on the program, how to apply and for the application, please visit their website.

DEADLINE: November 1, 2026

The Hagan Scholarship

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship.  The scholarship provides recipients “regardless of nationality” with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free.  The scholarship provides $1,000 to purchase essential items for college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to eight consecutive semesters.

Eligible students must:

• Attend a high school located in the US

• Eligible students can apply regardless of nationality or citizenship

• Achieved an unweighted 3.5 GPA

• Must enroll in a four-year College or University the first fall semester following high school graduation

• Must maintain a four year or less graduation schedule

• Work 240 hours from 1/1/27 through 9/1/27 - work can be either full-time or part-time, but must be regularly scheduled hours

• Award recipients will receive $1,000 to purchase essential items for college

• Award recipients will be eligible to receive up to $7,500 each semester

• After graduation from college, recipients can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship

• Applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2025 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $125,000. “Household Income” is defined as the total income received by all adult members of a household living under the same roof

• Applicants are not required to provide FAFSA information. Finalists must provide the FAFSA information

For more information and application, please visit their website.

DEADLINE: December 1, 2026

Ron Brown Scholar Program

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, more than 683 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship MUST be Black/African American, US citizens or permanent residents, and a current high school senior at the time of their application. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

DEADLINE: December 1, 2026

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program

Abbott & Fenner are committed to continuing our efforts at helping those who have the desire and ambition to succeed.

The winner(s) of this annual scholarship will receive their award within 2 weeks of the listed deadline. All applicants should include their full name and mailing address with their submissions as well as the school they are currently attending.

The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post secondary institution.

Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of their website.

Full details are available on their site.

DEADLINE: June 10, 2027

Wittenberg University - Rochester Area Scholarship

Established in 1983, the scholarship was initially funded by a grant from the Davenport-Hatch Foundation of Rochester, NY, to enable Rochester area students with strong academic credentials to attend Wittenberg University. Recipients are selected by a cooperative effort with the Rochester Alumni Scholarship Committee and Wittenberg’s Office of Admission. Awarded to incoming freshmen, the scholarship is for $14,000, or $3,500 per year for 4 years.

Students will be automatically considered for this award if they meet the following criteria:

• Reside in Rochester, NY (specifically, zip codes beginning with 144-, 145- and 146-).

• Apply to Wittenberg by February 23

The selection committee will give preference to students who rank in the top 15% of their graduating class, but will consider all applications and will review transcripts, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities and leadership experiences.

Visit their website here.

DEADLINE: February 23, 2027

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial Scholarship

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial offers college scholarships of up to $6,000 per academic year ($3,000 per semester) to the children of workers who were permanently disabled or killed on the job and are receiving New York State workers’ compensation benefits. This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors whose opportunity to attend the college of their choice – or to attend college at all – may depend on this type of scholarship assistance. 

To be eligible for the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial Scholarship you must meet all of the conditions and requirements listed below:

• Is a resident of New York State enrolled in an accredited program in higher education at a public or private institution;

• Is in good academic standing;

• Demonstrates financial need; and

• Is a child/dependent of a parent or guardian who presently receives disability benefit payments pursuant to the New York State Workers' Compensation Law for Permanent Total Disability, Permanent Partial Disability, or Death of a Spouse

(The only acceptable proof for this requirement is an official Decision of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board).

A flyer with more information about the TSFFM and a copy of the application can be found by clicking here or you can go to the website by clicking here.

If you qualify for this scholarship, please see your Guidance Counselor for a nomination.  You must have a nomination to apply.

George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to all students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in that same grade range.

To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.

The contest is conducted in three phases: the local chapter, state-level society, and national phases. The contest must be entered through an SAR chapter near the student’s residence.  A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found on their website. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR member listed below for further details. Deadline and contact information is listed under “Knight Essay State Contest Contacts” tab.

DEADLINE: December 31, 2026

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) perpetuates the memory of Jackie Robinson by providing generous four-year scholarships and comprehensive support services to highly motivated college students with financial needs to ensure their success and further develop their leadership potential.

Eligibility:

• Be a graduating high school senior

• Be a United States citizen

• Present evidence of financial need

• Demonstrate a record of academic excellence

• Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service

• Plan to attend an accredited and JRF approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a United States based college or university

• Have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college

If you are interested, please see their 2026-2027 application flyer or visit their website to apply or get more information.

DEADLINE: January 14, 2027 @ 5pm EST

The 2025-2026 application period has closed.

The 2025-2026 application period has closed.

FEA Scholarship winners from 2026

Erin Allison, Autumn Fitch, Catherine Foster, Andrew Kohl and Abigail Teasdale

The 2025-2026 application period has closed.

FREA Scholarship winners from 2026

Imani Christensen and Adam Pomeroy

The 2026 Dollars for Scholars application period has closed.

Dollars for Scholars

We help our community's students succeed through scholarships

Fairport-Perinton Dollars for Scholars, a local chapter of Scholarship America, was established in 1989 by a group of volunteers interested in providing financial support to community young people pursuing higher education. The program is not-for-profit, tax-exempt, and publicly supported.

Fairport-Perinton Dollars for Scholars is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of community leaders, school personnel, parents, and students. All monies raised by the local chapter are awarded to deserving students who reside within the Fairport Central School District regardless of which school they attend. A scholarship committee selects the recipients each year based on an application process which is not need-based.

The chapter awards its own scholarships using monies raised through direct donations from sponsors and local fundraising projects. In addition to awarding its chapter scholarships, Dollars for Scholars administers scholarship funds for other local groups and organizations. If you are interested in establishing a community scholarship from your family, business or a memorial to honor a loved one, please contact Pat Kristy.

If you would like to support Fairport-Perinton Dollars for Scholars by volunteering your time as a board member or as a volunteer for one of the fundraising events, or if you would like more information, please contact Angie Kettell.

Fairport-Perinton Dollars for Scholars, Suite 198, 144 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport, NY 14450.

The 2025-2026 application period has closed.

In 1985, the Urban-Suburban Program commemorated its 20th anniversary by establishing a scholarship award to honor the achievements demonstrated by hundreds of former and future graduates. The Reidman Corporation of Rochester, Monroe County, through the auspices of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, donated $3,000.00 to cover two award years.

At the end of the two-year period, Urban-Suburban parents urged that scholarship awards be continued. Subsequently, scholarships are awarded yearly, and monies are provided through fundraisers organized and carried out by dedicated parents and program staff. Over 500 graduating students have received Urban-Suburban scholarships and have used these monies to start successful college careers.

In the spirit of the program’s annual goals, the Urban-Suburban Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to graduating Urban-Suburban students for their achievements.

You can find the Urban-Suburban Scholarship Application here.

The link to the Urban-Suburban Scholarship page can be found here.

DEADLINE: April 9, 2026 12PM EST (12 Noon)

Urban League Black Scholars Scholarships

https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/scholarships 

The deadline varies for each scholarship.  Please make sure you are mindful of each scholarship's deadline.  If you need assistance completing the scholarships, please contact Natasha Felton (nfelton@ulr.org).

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Rochester College Access Network's College Help Desk Link  

RCAN College Help Desk

Have a specific question about college? Don't know where to start? Need help with your FAFSA? We're here for you! Our College Help Desk team is prepped and on hand to tackle your college questions, no matter how big or small.  I attached RCAN's College Help Desk Flyer to this email for your review.

What can the College Help Desk help you with?

College essays

Searching for scholarships

Financial aid forms (FAFSA and TAP)

Completing college applications and the common app

Exploring colleges and majors

Understanding college costs

Decoding your financial aid offer letter

Families will need to create an account on the ConexED platform to schedule an appointment. It is a straightforward process that entails entering a personal email address and creating a password.

rochestercan.org

College Preparation Videos:

The Black Scholars MCC Financial and Scholarship Overview Presentation:

https://www.facebook.com/ulrochester/videos/735203934062831/?t=0

New York State – offers a variety of grants and scholarships for residents who plan to attend in-state colleges.

Cirkledin - an award-winning, all-in-one College & Career Readiness hub built for how Gen Z thinks and learns, helping educators and schools 

www.careersandcolleges.com – free scholarship and student loan search 

www.collegeboard.org – everything you need to apply for and pay for college

www.collegesavings.org – detailed information about 529 college savings plans, compare plans around the country

www.college-scholarships.com – search engine for scholarships and aid

www.educationplanner.org – website for thinking about, planning for and paying for college

www.embark.com – college planner website: research, apply, and finance your education

www.fastweb.com – free scholarship search

www.meritaid.com – directory of merit scholarships and academic scholarships listed by colleges

www.nycolleges.org – New York State’s Private Universities and Colleges admissions and financial aid

www.racf.org – The Community Foundation administers scholarship funds in the Greater Rochester Area.

www.scholarshipamerica.org – The nation’s largest administrator of scholarship, tuition assistance and loan programs

www.matchcollege.com – Search through our site to find the school that is right for you. We have over 6,000 colleges and universities listed

www.nextstudent.com – scholarship search engine

www.supercollege.com – free database of scholarships, grants and contests

www.scholarships.com - A national college program database & search engine. 

www.unigo.com - A national college program database & search engine. 

www.questbridge.org  – QuestBridge is a powerful platform that connects the nation’s brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities.

https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/scholarships - Urban League Black Scholars Scholarships

StudentScholarships.org - StudentScholarships.org has been providing scholarship information to students and scholarship management services to companies since 2003. 

https://www.edumed.org/financial-aid/african-american-student-scholarships-resources/ - Links to 20 scholarships and other valuable resources helping students achieve rewarding college educations and successful careers.  

https://uncf.org/ - UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization.

https://www.collegescholarships.org/financial-aid/ - A national website helping students pay for college since 1999.

https://www.collegescholarships.org/disabilities.htm - A national website with links to scholarship opportunities for disabled students. 

https://scholarshipguidance.com/ - A national scholarship database & search engine.