Please see Guidance if you have any questions about scholarships.
SUNY College Scholarships
Description: SUNY is committed to recognizing and rewarding student excellence, which is why we offer a variety of scholarships across our 64 campuses. Some of these awards are for academic excellence, while others recognize extraordinary artistic or athletic talent. And, others take into account special talents, leadership, community service, specific majors, and financial need. Explore scholarship opportunities listed below at each SUNY campus.
www.suny.edu/smarttrack/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/
Greater Utica Sports Hall Of Fame- Scholarship
Due: May 4, 2026
Amount: 1 $1,000 Scholarship, 2 $500 Scholarships
Description: The Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship is presented to a high school athlete who has played one or more varsity sports, exhibits strong leadership, honesty and integrity, good character and has participated in both student activities community service through volunteerism.
Criteria: Be a high school senior athlete in good standing, must be enrolling in an accredited College or Trade School.
The Laura Bradley Memorial Female Athlete Award
Due: May 4, 2026
Amount: $400
Description: Named in memory of Laura A. Bradley, a math teacher at Proctor and a member of the Class of 1997. The Laura A. Bradley Memorial Female Athlete Award is presented to a high school female athlete pursuing a career in Mathematics or has been strong in Mathematics courses, is a positive role model among her peers, exhibits strong leadership, is fun-loving, presents a genuine concern for others, has good sportsmanship skills as well as being a dedicated to her team and teammates, and has participated in community service through volunteerism.
Criteria: Female athlete with at least 1 season as varsity, Positive role model, Strong leader, Fun-loving, Concern for others, Sportsmanship, Dedicated, Hard worker, Community service/volunteer, Financial hardship strongly considered, Strong in math and/or pursuing a career in math, 80% average, minimum.
1983 Utica Blue Sox NY Penn League Champions
Due: May 4, 2026
Amount: $500
Criteria: Be a math athlete and must have completed at least 1 season as a varsity athlete in baseball and/or participate in legion baseball, are planning on continuing to participate in baseball in college/university, is a positive role model, strong leader, concerned for others, sportsmanship, is dedicated, a hard worker, is loyal to the school and community, financial hardship is strongly considered, have an 80 average minimum.
New York State School Facilities Association (SFA) Central New York Chapter
Due: April 17, 2026
Amount: $500 - $750
Description: It is the intent of the Central New York Chapter of the New York State School Facilities Association (SFA) to provide a scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in the fields of Facility Management, Civil/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, Architecture, Energy Studies, Construction Management, or related fields of study.
Criteria: Pursuing a degree in the fields of Facility Management, Civil/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, Architecture, Energy Studies, Construction Management, or related fields of study.
Requirements: Completed application, letter of recommendation, transcript and test scores.
New York State School Facilities Association (SFA) Central New York Chapter- Building Trade School Scholarship
Due: April 17, 2026
Amount: $500 - $750
Description: It is the intent of the Central New York Chapter of the New York State School Facilities Association (SFA) to provide a scholarship to a student pursuing a trade in the fields of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC or related fields.
Criteria: Pursuing a trade in the fields of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC or related fields.
Requirements: Completed application, letter of recommendation, transcript and test scores.
Kanata Garden Club Scholarship Award
Due: April 24, 2026
Amount: $500
Description: The Kanata Garden Club is offering a scholastic award of $500 to a graduating senior of Holland Patent, Poland, Remsen, or West Canada Valley Central Schools who intends to major in horticulture, landscape gardening, forestry, land management, environmental conservation, environmental science, or a related field.
Criteria: Student who intends to major in horticulture, landscape gardening, forestry, land management, environmental conservation, environmental science, or a related field.
Requirements: Complete the application, send a letter of reference, and a copy of your transcript.
MVCA Counselors Association
Due: May 1, 2026
Description: The Mohawk Valley Counseling Association is a professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. MVCA exclusively represents the School and Admissions Counselors of the Mohawk Valley Region who are dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing post-secondary education.
Criteria: To be considered for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria: Be a current high school senior. Plan to attend college in the future. Maintain an unweighted grade point average of 85 or higher. Each school will have one applicant selected to receive a scholarship.
https://www.mvcounselingassociation.org/mvca-scholarship-application/
Empire State Potato Growers Inc.
Due: May 1, 2026
Description: The Empire State Potato Growers Inc. annually awards a scholarship to undergraduate students who reside or study in New York State and are pursuing college studies that support the state's potato industry.
Criteria: Awarded based on the applicants area of study, academic achievement, and leadership abilities, with preference given to those whose application demonstrates the greatest relevance to advancing the potato industry and agriculture in New York State. Applicant must be a resident of New York State and be enrolled in an undergraduate program in an agriculture related field of study.
Requirements: Application, cover letter, transcript, two letters of recommendation.
Adirondack Foothills Rotary Scholarships
Due: May 1, 2026
Description: The individuals who have made this scholarship possible carefully designed the scholarship program to promote the values of Rotary International and the Adirondack Foothills Club. The Giff Miller, Patricia Gauthier and Richard Webster Abbott Jr. Awards go to the senior who exemplifies the qualities of good citizenship within the school and/or community, shows ambition and capacity for hard work, and has a high interest in music, athletics or the trades. The Adirondack Foothills Rotary Citizenship Award is granted to the senior who leads their life inside and out of school by the Rotary Motto, "Service Above Self". Rotary international sees a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. This recipient is a leader that demonstrates the aptitude and desire to take action and create positive change.
Criteria: Candidates for a scholarships are selected on the basis of: Scholastic Achievement, Citizenship/leadership ability, Breadth and depth of community service.
Requirements: Complete the application (the PDF file is fillable), complete the essay, submit the application to jhazard89@gmail.com
NYS Deputies Association- Deputy Kurt Wyman Memorial Scholarship
Due: May 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Description: Established in memory of Oneida County Deputy Kurt Wyman, who was killed in the line of duty.
Criteria: Applicant must be a resident of Oneida County. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who will be attending an accredited college or university in the fall. Applicant must be pursuing a career in a criminal justice field.
Requirements: Complete the application, include a copy of your most current transcript. Email to thomasross61@outlook.com.
NYS Deputies Association- Thomas J. Krajci Memorial Scholarship
Due: May 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Description: Established in memory of Tom Krajci, NYSDA's first Executive Director, who passed away unexpectedly in 2008.
Criteria: Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who will be attending an accredited college or university in the fall. Applicant must be pursuing a career in a labor relations or criminal justice field.
Requirements: Complete the application, include a copy of your most current transcript. Email to thomasross61@outlook.com.
Due Date Has Passed
New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: Each district winner will receive $250 plus a memento of their selection. District winners and two state winners will be announced by the end of May. The first-place state winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship and the second-place state winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Description: The NYFB Agricultural Youth Scholarship is for 2026 graduating high school seniors who will continue their education to prepare for a career connected to the agricultural industry. This includes advancing their education through college or pursuing advanced training in the skilled trades.
Criteria: Be a 2026 graduating high school senior who will continue your education to prepare for a career connected to the agricultural industry, this includes advancing your education through college or pursuing advanced training in the skilled trades. Live or work on a farm or be involved with agriculture via any avenue. Have a family Farm Bureau membership or Student Farm Bureau membership (required). Students can join for free as student members here: https://www.nyfb.org/membership. An applicant must have a NYFB membership in order for their application to be considered.
Mitchell R. Williams Family Scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: $500 for tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses
Description: This scholarship was created to support and empower Remsen High School and Adirondack Central School graduates in the pursuit of their educational goals at MVCC.
Criteria: Must be a graduate of Remsen High School in Remsen, N.Y., or Adirondack Central School in Boonville, N.Y. (preference given to graduates of Remsen High School), must demonstrate financial need, must be full-time or part-time student, must be a resident of Oneida or Herkimer counties
The Zonta Club of Utica
Due: April 1, 2026
Amount: $1,500
Description: The Promise Award is our Club’s unique opportunity for a young woman who may otherwise go unrecognized. The Zonta Club of Utica Promise Award is for a high school senior who resides in the Greater Utica area.
Criteria: Must have applied to a two or four-year college, university, or technical school. High school GPA must be within the range of 2.5 to 3.5 (75 to 88 percentile). Please note that if the GPA is above 88% (or under 75%) the applicant will NOT be considered.
This young woman should be an individual whom the high school principal or his/her designee feels shows promise, potential, and ambition.
Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award
Due: March 31, 2026
Amount: TBA
Description: A scholarship fund established in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey, a special young man who was active in his community, excelled academically, was sports-minded and had an extraordinary way about himself. Connor was a graduate of Holland Patent Central School District in 2017. He aspired to be a physician and was attending premedical school when a drunk driver took his life on August 11, 2018.
Criteria: Be continuing your education at an accredited institution of higher education, have an average of 85 or above, be pursuing a career in the medical field (preferred). Special consideration will be given to candidates that demonstrate qualities that Connor exemplified, including leadership qualities.
Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial- Joey R. Ventura Tradesman Award
Due: March 31, 2026
Amount: TBA
Description: Established in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey, a special young man who was active in his community, excelled academically, was sports-minded and had an extraordinary way about himself. Connor was a graduate of Holland Patent Central School District in 2017. He aspired to be a physician and was attending premedical school when a drunk driver took his life on August 11, 2018. This award is also given in loving memory of Joey R. Ventura (1992-2021), an accomplished welder and welding instructor who unexpectedly passed in July of 2021 at the age of 28 years old.
Criteria: Be a graduating senior residing in or attending high school in Oneida or Herkimer counties, be continuing your education at an accredited institution of higher education, be pursuing a degree or certificate in welding, the trades or related fields, have an average of 75 or above. Special consideration will be given to candidates that demonstrate qualities that Connor exemplified, such as love of sports, being a “team player,” inclusiveness, helping others discover their own strengths, giving 100% in every endeavor, leading by example, being kind, being a leader on and off the field/court, and treating everyone with respect (preferred).
Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award
Due: March 31, 2026
Amount: TBA
Description: A scholarship fund established in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey, a special young man who was active in his community, excelled academically, was sports-minded and had an extraordinary way about himself. Connor was a graduate of Holland Patent Central School District in 2017. He aspired to be a physician and was attending premedical school when a drunk driver took his life on August 11, 2018.
Criteria: Be a graduating senior residing in or attending high school in Oneida or Herkimer counties, be continuing your education at an accredited institution of higher education, have an average of 75 or above. Special consideration will be given to candidates that demonstrate qualities that Connor exemplified, such as love of sports, being a “team player,” inclusiveness, helping others discover their own strengths, giving 100% in every endeavor, leading by example, being kind, being a leader on and off the field/court, and treating everyone with respect (preferred).
Society of Defense Financial Managers- CNY Leatherstocking Chapter
Due: March 20, 2026
Amount: award one $700 scholarship, two $500 scholarships and two $150 scholarships, and National ASMC will award 11 scholarships. 2 Winners at the local level will automatically be considered at the National level. The National ASMC scholarships will be: One $3,000 scholarship, five $2,000 scholarships, and five $1,000 scholarships. Winners at the $3,000 and $2,000 levels may reapply each year to receive $1,500 and $1,000 respectively for the following three academic years.
Criteria: The SDFM Scholarships are for students entering the fields of Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Operations Research (relating to Financial Management), and/or Computer Science.
Utica Dollars for Scholars- Mele Family Fund
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: Up to $12,000 over a 4 year period
Description: The Mele Family Fund Award goes to a graduating senior at selected Oneida and Herkimer County high schools who will matriculate in a four-year college or university this year. It is considered for renewal for up to three additional years.
Criteria: The student must maintain a minimum academic average of 'B' or '3.0' on a 4.0 scale. The eligible recipient is initially selected based on excellence in Math, Science, or Humanities. The student must have specific academic intent and qualifiations, and who will be attending a 4 year college or university.
Requirements: Students complete the online application on the Utica Dollars for Scholars website. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section, goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation.
https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org
Utica Dollars for Scholars- The Wurz Family Scholarship
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $5,000
Description: The Wurz Family Scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a balanced approach to life and education, possess a positive outlook on their future, understand the importance of maintaining a good academic record, and value personal fulfillment.
Criteria: Eligible applicants are generally graduating high school seniors; however, delayed enrollment, post-high school, and non-traditional students who have earned a GED and are enrolling in higher education are also eligible to apply. The minimum academic average required for eligibility is a 2.5 GPA for both initial awards and renewals.
Requirements: Current year graduating high school senior, in a school geographically located in Oneida County. Recipients attend an accredited academic college or vocational/trade school program. Exhibits evidence of financial need to accomplish post-secondary higher education goals. The minimum academic average required for eligibility is a 2.5 GPA for both initial awards and renewals. Recipients will also be considered based on their unmet financial needs as they pursue higher education goals.
https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org
Utica Dollars for Scholars- SFC Eric Nichols
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Description: Designated for a student attending Remsen High School. The preferred recipient should be from a military family. SFC Nichols was a Medical Platoon Sergeant during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. He was a Registered Nurse at a local hospital who was pursuing a master’s degree and had planned to become a commissioned officer before he died in 2007. This special award is in his memory.
Criteria: The preferred recipient should be from a military family.
Requirements: Complete the online application.
Utica Dollars for Scholars- Credit Bureau of Utica Award
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Description: For a graduating senior from any Oneida or Herkimer County High School who will be attending a local higher education, pursuing Business or Health Care as a first career choice.
Criteria: The minimum qualifications are a student pursuing Business or Health Care as a first career choice. Minimum grade point average of B (3.0 GPA) or better. A student with employment, volunteer, or community service in their major field of interest is preferred.
Requirements: Complete the online application.
Firefighters Association of the State of NY- Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Memorial Scholarship Program
Due: March 15, 2026
Amount: $1,500
Description: The Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Memorial FASNY Volunteer Scholarship program is made possible each June through the generous donations of individuals, fire departments and auxiliaries. The awards recognize exemplary members of the youth fire service who also contribute to their communities.
Criteria: Be a member in good standing with FASNY or have a parent/legal guardian who is a member. Attend high school as a senior who is enrolled in the fall 2026 school year at an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher learning or an accredited technical post-secondary school. Serve as a current Junior firefighter, Explorer Scout or RAM in a group affiliated with a volunteer department; or a volunteer EMS unit. Children of FASNY Members who do not meet the above criteria are also eligible but must provide a letter from the Chief of the Department describing how they have been involved within the department. Demonstrate a commitment to both volunteer emergency service and the community.
Requirements: A résumé. Two letters of recommendation: one (1) from a community leader and one (1) from a high school official (e.g. administrator, guidance counselor, athletic director). A certification of acceptance from the institution of higher learning. A one-page essay written on the subject “What has my Involvement in the Fire Service taught me?” (This should be 1.5 spaced, AI-generated essays will not be accepted).
Charles J. Love American Legion Auxiliary Unit 406
Due: March 1, 2026
Amount: $500
Description: This scholarship will be offered to a deserving graduating high school senior who exemplifies good citizenship.
Criteria: The applicant must be a son, daughter, granddaughter or grandson of a member in good standing of the Charles J. Love Post 406 Legion, Auxiliary or SAL. The student must plan to pursue a degree above the high school level by attending a 2 or 4 year college.
Requirements: Applicants must have their guidance office submit an official high school transcript to the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Committee. Applicant shall prepare a 200 word or less statement summarizing his/her vocational or professional goals. A current dated and signed one page letter of recommendation from a person in authority a teacher from the high school attended by the applicant, covering the applicants ability, work ethic, leadership, personality, integrity, and citizenship must accompany the application. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Clarkson University Scholarships
Due: February 1-15, 2026
www.clarkson.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate/tuition-costs/scholarships-grants-loans
Excelsior Scholarship Program
Due: February 3, 2026
Description: If you’re starting college in spring 2026, or missed the fall Excelsior application, you may qualify for free tuition at state-operated SUNY or CUNY colleges through the Excelsior Scholarship. Use the link below.
hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/excelsior-scholarship-program
Elks National Foundation- Legacy Award
Due: February 2, 2026
Amount: $4,000
Description: Legacy Awards are scholarships available to children and grandchildren of Elks members.
Criteria: For the 2026 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the Order on or before April 1, 2023, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2023, is eligible to apply. The Elk must have paid Lodge dues for the last two contiguous years through March 31, 2026. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.
Requirements: Complete the online application.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Due: January 22, 2026
Amount: Up to $40,000
Description: The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship provides high school seniors with opportunities to launch their careers in computer science. Turn your passion for tech into your future.
Criteria: The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship awards up to a $40,000 to those pursuing higher education in computer science, or other computer science related field of study along with internship opportunities at Amazon. Are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other computer science related field of study and are planning to attend an accredited 4-year college or university in the United States (or an accredited 2-year college, with the intent to transfer to a 4-year institution). Need to have taken computer science classes in high school or at a college dual program, or currently be enrolled in one. You’ve got a financial gap to fill. You’re a high school senior with a 2.3 cumulative GPA
Requirements: Complete the online application, letter of recommendation (preferably from your science teacher), transcript of grades, include a copy of the first 2 pages of your households most recently filed 1040 form.
Daughters of the American Revolution- Helen and Arnold Barben Scholarship
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: $2,000 ($500 each year for four years)
Description: The object of the Helen and Arnold Barben Scholarship is to financially assist deserving young women in acquiring a higher education with a view to becoming better prepared for life and citizenship.
Criteria: Women who are completing their high school studies, must be a resident of the US and have been born in the US, must be attending a 4 year college or university
Requirements: Complete application form, provide a copy of high school transcript, letter of recommendation from Principal, Guidance Counselor, or Academic Department Head, a goal statement from the applicant including educational plans and career objectives, copy of applicants birth certificate
Daughters of the American Revolution- Peggy Jo Power Gifford Scholarship
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: $500
Description: The objective of the Peggy Jo Power Gifford Scholarship is to financially assist deserving young people in acquiring a higher education in United States History or Philanthropy, with a view to becoming better prepared for life and citizenship.
Criteria: Any individual interested in majoring the US History, Philanthropic Studies, or Non-Profit Management is eligible, an application should be submitted to the scholarship chairman, applicant must be attending or applying to attend an accredited two or four year college or university in the US.
Requirements: Complete the application form, provide a copy of your high school transcript, send in a letter of recommendation from the Principal, Guidance Counselor, teacher, or community member including a description of the applicants character, general ability, leadership and interests, include a goal statement stating educational plans and career objectives
Daughters of the American Revolution- Damaris Smith Desimone Scholarship
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: $1,000
Description: The object of the Damaris Smith DeSimone Scholarship is to financially assist deserving young people in acquiring a higher education in United States History with a view to become better prepared for life and citizenship.
Criteria: High school senior planning on majoring in United States History are eligible. Applicant must be a resident of NY state. The applicant must attend an accredited four year college or university in the United States.
Requirements: Complete the application form, provide a copy of your high school transcript, send in a letter of recommendation from the Principal, Guidance Counselor, teacher. Include a goal statement with the application with your educational plans and ultimate career objectives.
FFA Scholarship
Due: January 15, 2026
Amount: TBA
Description: Whether you are pursuing a trade school, vocational certificate or a two-year or four-year degree, don’t miss your chance to apply for a National FFA Scholarship to help with your next steps in education. If you are a senior FFA member in high school or FFA Alumni in college, just one application is required for multiple scholarship opportunities totaling nearly $2.5 million.
Criteria: Must be a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, be less than 23 years of age at the time of submitting the application, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, plan to attend post-secondary school in the U.S, be a full-time student who is actively attending classes, must be a FFA Member.
www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/
NYCUA GPO Federal Credit Union Scholarship
Due: January 9, 2026
Amount: $500- $1,500
Description: The New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) is partnering with credit unions to offer their college-bound members a scholarship opportunity. The program is designed to provide funds that would be used toward tuition, room and board, books, and school supplies. NYCUA awards scholarships to be paid jointly to the student and educational institution.
Criteria: The applicant must be a member in good standing of a participating New York credit union who meets all of the following criteria: Is a college-bound high school senior at the time of submitting the application, is attending college for the first time in the fall of 2026, will be enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited educational institution or trade school
Requirements: Complete the application form, obtain a credit union verification code from their credit union in order to verify eligibility, submit a high school transcript, submit an essay response.
nycua.org/uniting/scholarship-program/college-scholarship-program-applicants
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Due: November 12, 2025
Amount: Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year
Description: Since 1931, the Elks National Foundation has helped students recognize their academic dreams. Each year, we award more than $3 million in college scholarships to at least 850 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors.
Criteria: Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply, applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks, Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify, scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.
https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm
Daughters of the American Revolution -Good Citizens Scholarship
Due: November 1, 2025
Description: The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest are intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior students.
Requirements: Resume, two letters of recommendation, written essay (topic will be announced at the time of writing)
(Please let the guidance office know by 10/27 if you are interested in completing the essay contest)