2023-2024 Scholarship Information


Local Scholarships

Berlin Central School Alumni Association 2024 Scholarship Application

Each year the Berlin Central Alumni Association selects two seniors to receive the Alumni Scholarship. Seniors complete an application which includes a short essay about their future plans.

 

MARGARET J. KINN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be given to a deserving Berlin High School graduate pursuing a business, finance, or accounting degree program.
The student must be enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college
The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and will receive $1000 for each year completed for the length of the program.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student to whom it will make a difference to, not based on their highest GPA, but who will benefit the most.

 

CLASS OF 2024 – LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Following is a list of scholarships that will be awarded on June 12, 2024 at Awards Night. Applications are available in the Guidance Office and should be returned to Rachel Harrison, Guidance Counselor, NO LATER THAN Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Application

RUTH B. CANFIELD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 1,000
Awarded to that member of the graduating class with the highest grade point average who is continuing his/her education.

NORMA LEWIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 1,000
Awarded to a Berlin High School graduate(s) enrolled in an accredited college program. May be divided and shared by a maximum of two graduates. Non-renewable. Selection based on financial need.

KJELSEN TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP – $ 500
Awarded to a Berlin High School graduate entering any university within New York State. May NOT be divided. May be renewed by applying. Selection based on financial need.

TAYLOR TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP – $ 400
Awarded to a Berlin High School graduate, entering any university within New York State. May NOT be divided. May be renewed by applying. Selection based on financial need.

LESTER T. RUSSELL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 450
Awarded to a graduating senior living in the Berlin Central School District and enrolled in a two or
four-year accredited college in the field of engineering and/business. May be divided. Non-renewable. Financial need is NOT a condition that must be met.

WILLIAM J. KINN SCHOLARSHIP – $ 100
Awarded to the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the graduating class as follows: 2/3 of amount to Valedictorian ($66.68) and 1/3 to Salutatorian ($33.32), provided both seek to further their education by attending an accredited college of higher learning.

BARBARA HORTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 100
Awarded to a current or former graduate of Berlin High School and/or member of the Berlin Central School faculty or staff, pursuing a career in the education field. May NOT be divided. Non-renewable. Selection based on citizenship and financial need of applicants who do not have access to funds available to high academic achievers.

BERLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL STAFF/STUDENT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 500
(In memory of Paul Maxson, Gladys Carr, Lewis Wager, Jessie/Percy Griffiths, Louise and Nina Frey and Mel Dapson)
Awarded to a Berlin High School graduate who has worked to the best of his/her ability and does not necessarily place at the top of the graduation class; to a graduate who desires to further his/her education either academically or technically; and to a graduate who has been courteous and considerate of others. May NOT be divided and is non-renewable.

FRANCES PALMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 100
Awarded to a Berlin High School graduate enrolled in a two or four-year accredited college or university. All students with a “C” or higher average with a good attendance record will be considered equally eligible. Preference will be given to a student entering the education field, especially teaching. The student will have participated, at least one semester in at least one activity to include: chorus, band, sports, student government, club or other extra curricular activity.

EDWARD AND CAROLINE PELZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 2,000
Awarded to two graduating seniors as follows: $1000 to a female student and $1000 to a male student seeking a post-secondary education at a technical or vocational program. Example: would be plumber, electrician, home health aide, cosmetologist, etc.

RODNEY AND IMOGENE MAXON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 5,000
Awarded to a Berlin High School graduate, who does not necessarily place at the top of their class, has worked hard and desires to further his/her post-secondary education, enrolled in a trade school or accredited college. Selection based on citizenship and financial need of applicants.

HARRIET GORTON MCCUMBER HANNON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $ 200
This scholarship is to be given to a graduating senior with special needs who is continuing their education either at a trade school, two year college or four year academic institution. Required: the student applying for the scholarship should submit an essay on the topic of why education is of value to them and a Special Education Teacher recommends the student for the scholarship based on the essay and knowledge of the student.

 

 

Berlin PTO Scholarship Application

Student must be a graduating senior who has attended the Berlin Middle High School for at least two years and participated in one of the following during those two years:

  • Music Program: (Band, Music, Drama Club)
  • Community Service: (Volunteer work within or outside of the school)
  • Interscholastic Sports Program: (Any sport)

You may apply to any one of or all three scholarship areas. There will be one scholarship awarded in each category.

  • Application
  • Due Date: Please return to the Counseling Office by Friday, June 7, 2024
  • Award: (3) $200

2024 BERLIN-NEW LEBANON ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

The Berlin-New Lebanon Athletics Booster Club, Inc. will award up to two scholarships to graduating senior(s) (two from Berlin and two from New Lebanon) with plans to attend a public/private college or vocational school.

    • Must have participated in two or more sports over two or more school years.
    •  Must have attended Berlin or New Lebanon High School for a minimum of two years.
    •  Must have a minimum cumulative average of 80% or greater.
    •  Must have applied to attend a public/private college or vocational school by Fall 2023.
    • Must thoroughly and honestly complete the application process.
    •  Must show good character & citizenship in BNL athletics and in the community.
    • Blind Applications will be reviewed by a committee & recipients will be announced in June.
    • Awards will be dispersed to the student for Fall 2024 semester expenses.
  • Application
  • Due Date: Friday, May 3, 2024 by 3pm
  • Award:  up to $250 per recipient

 

Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Sponsored Scholarships 

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Wilma M. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

In recognition of the unselfish dedication of Mrs. Wilma Anderson, a 34-year member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. Rescue Squad, it is with great honor that the Berlin Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. offers a scholarship award to a Town of Berlin resident and Graduating Senior of the Class of 2024. 

We will be supporting the selected recipient for four years. 

AWARD AMOUNT – $750 EACH YEAR FOR UP TO FOUR YEARS – MAXIMUM AWARD OF $3,000.

The award is structured to pay four disbursements directly to an institute of higher education. Should the recipient choose to take a one-year leave of absence from their studies, this award will remain earmarked for the student in the scholarship fund for an additional year. After five years, the award will become void and any remaining amount returned to the scholarship fund. 

 

 

 

Frank Jones Memorial Scholarship

In recognition of the unselfish dedication of Mr. Frank Jones, a past member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company, Inc, it is with great honor that the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department offers a scholarship award to a Town of Berlin/Cherry Plain resident and Graduating Senior of the Class of 2024.

We will be supporting the selected recipient for four years.

AWARD AMOUNT – $750 EACH YEAR FOR UP TO FOUR YEARS – MAXIMUM AWARD OF $3,000.

The award is structured to pay four disbursements directly to an institute of higher education. Should the recipient choose to take a one-year leave of absence from their studies, this award will remain earmarked for the student in the scholarship fund for an additional year. After five years, the award will become void and any remaining amount returned to the scholarship fund.

 

 

 

Berlin Teachers’ Association

Each year, the Berlin Teachers’ Association awards a scholarship in the amount of five hundred dollars to a Berlin senior who is interested in pursuing a career in the field of education, health and/or human services. The money is intended to help the student with college expenses. Students seeking this grant should fill out this form, attach their essay, and submit it to the counseling office. Essays will be reviewed by a committee of at least three to five teachers.
Students must submit this application, including the essay, by Friday, May 17 to the counseling office.

 

Berlin SMITH Scholarship 

The SMITH Scholarship will be awarded to two graduating Berlin students who demonstrate the following qualities: Service-Merit-Integrity-Truth-Honor in honor of Bob Smith, a Berlin Graduate.

The award will be in the amount of $1,000 to two graduating seniors that have attended Berlin High School for a minimum of two years and are planning to attend college or vocational training.

You will need to write a 500 word essay that explains how you demonstrate the SMITH qualities stated above and submit at least one letter of recommendation from a non-relative.
Students must submit this application with the essay and letter by May 31, 2024 by sharing a Google Document with Ariel Gilbert and/or attaching the essay and letter to agilbert@berlincentral.org
Applications and essays will be reviewed by the Counseling Office and the MS Student Council Advisor.

 

 

The Bold Foundation Scholarships 

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Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Any high school student or undergraduate student at a four-year college who has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household may apply for this scholarship.
  • Amount: $3,000
  • Winners: 2 winners, $1,500 each
  • Application Deadline: May 16, 2024
  • Scholarship link: https://bold.org/scholarships/curtis-holloway-memorial-scholarship/

Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

  • Eligibility: Any first generation BIPOC women who are high school seniors or undergraduates with at least a 2.0 GPA may apply to this scholarship
  • Amount: $2,300
  • Winners: 2 winners, $1,150 each
  • Application Deadline: May 24, 2024
  • Scholarship link: https://bold.org/scholarships/concrete-rose-scholarship-award/

Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship

Rebecca Hunter Memorial Scholarship

 

 

Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship

Maureen C. Pace Memorial Nursing Scholarship

 

 

Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

  • Amount: $10,000
  • Application deadline: Jul 20, 2024
  • Eligibility: Any student who is fighting through their own loss of a close family member, legal guardian or loved one, and is in need of financial support for their education may apply to this scholarship.
  • Link to apply: https://bold.org/scholarships/cat-zingano-scholarship/

 

 

Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Student who is fighting through their own loss of a close family member, legal guardian or loved one, and is in need of financial support for their education as they move forward.
  • Amount: $10,000
  • Winners: 1
  • Application Deadline: Jul 20, 2024
  • Scholarship link: https://bold.org/scholarships/cat-zingano-scholarship/

 

 

 

 

HM Family Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Any high school senior or undergraduate BIPOC student who lives in New York and is interested in studying or working in STEM may apply for this scholarship.
  • Amount: $2,000
  • Winners: 2 winners, $1,000 each
  • Application Deadline: May 28, 2024
  • Scholarship link: https://bold.org/scholarships/hm-family-scholarship/

 

 

 

 2024-25 Bridging the Dream Scholarship

Application and eligibility requirements are outlined in the attached flyer and include:

    • Open to current high school seniors of a diverse background
    • Plan to enroll at a 2- or 4- year college or vocational/technical school
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA
    • Pell Grant eligible

 

 

Capital District Chapter NYSSFA Scholarship

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide tuition assistance to a 2024 Graduate from a school district, who’s Director of Facilities, is a current member of the Capital District Chapter – New York State School Facilities Association. Preference will be given to a Chapter Member’s immediate family (unmarried child). This scholarship is for a 2024 Graduate pursuing a college degree; vocational training or trade school education in the career field of Facilities Management, Construction or Project Management, Engineering, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC Technician, Electrician or Plumbing Apprentice or any related field of study.

  • Deadline: May 17, 2024
  • Application and Information
  • The amount awarded will not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per applicant.

 

 

Capital District Counseling Association 2024 Scholarship

The CDCA is pleased to offer four (4) scholarships for Capital Region students. These scholarships are made available to local students who are enrolling at a Capital Region undergraduate institution. Applicants must be from the Capital Region and plan to attend a Capital Region college. The Capital Region includes the counties of Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Montgomery, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and the southern part of Saratoga.

 

Citizens Scholarships

Citizens wants to honor the dedication of students and families pursuing higher learning! Fill out the registration form below to be entered for a chance to win a Grand Prize of $15,000 to use towards school expenses and one of the $2,500 monthly prizes for use towards school expenses. Additionally, each quarter a student who meets the required criteria for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship Prize will be eligible to win a $2,500 quarterly prize for use towards school expenses.

Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award

All High School Seniors including home schooled graduating this year who are continuing their education are invited to apply for the Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award. The Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award is presented annually by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340 & the Elmer A.
Grogan Memorial Fund in memory of Elmer Grogan a former member.  A copy of the application form is available at the counseling offices of Berlin and Brunswick Central School and linked below.

 

Edith Grace Craig Reynolds Scholarship

Through the generosity of the late Rev. Dr. Edith Grace Reynolds, a well-known benefactress in the Town of Hoosick Falls and its surrounding areas, a scholarship fund is available to assist young men and women in obtaining a higher education in a college of their choice.

 

Ethel Simmons Memorial Award offered by Grafton Historical Society & Grafton Community Library

The Grafton Community Library and the Grafton Historical Society jointly offer the Ethel Simmons Memorial Award. This award of $1,000 will be awarded to the applicant with the best entry. All high school seniors who reside within the boundaries of the Town of Grafton are eligible to apply. Entrants may submit either a narrated video or a written essay with up to three photographs or pieces of original artwork included. One of the photographs should be of the applicant at the specified location.

 

 

Hilldale Farm Foundation Scholarship

The Hilldale Farm Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation formed to provide scholarships for Rensselaer County, NY graduates who wish to study agriculture. We seek applicants who share our values of hard work, discipline, education, and commitment to family and community. Upon receipt, this award will be distributed directly to the recipient.

To be considered, you must have resided in Rensselaer County for at least two years prior to applying; earned a GPA of 3.0 or better in the previous two years of your education; and plan to major in coursework or pursue a trade related to Agriculture (examples include, but not limited to, skilled trades such as horticulture, pre-veterinary studies, food science, welding, diesel mechanic, etc.)

Applicants must be accepted at a college, university, vocational or trade school located in New York State. Applicants must either type or print all answers neatly in ink. Scholarship application, transcripts and letters of recommendation may be sent via email to hilldalefarmny@gmail.com or mailed to: Hilldale Farm Foundation, Inc., c/o Linda King, 2826 NY2, Cropseyville, NY 12052.

 

 

 

HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Attention Mountaineers Planning to Attend HVCC!
 
Hudson Valley Community College offers scholarships specifically for Students in Rensselaer County. We highly recommend that any student from Berlin High School who is going to Hudson Valley Community College fills out our general application, https://www.hvcc.edu/application.html which will automatically match students to these opportunities.
The application cycle opens TODAY, February 1st!
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP VISIT:
www.hvcc.edu/foundation
 
Below are the scholarship descriptions
 
Christine A. Helwig Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time, matriculated student enrolled in the Public Administration Studies or Business Administration or Education degree program with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference will be given to a resident of Rensselaer County.

Clarence Charles Sliter, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an incoming student enrolling in the Automotive Technology Program. Preference is given to a student from Rensselaer County with a strong community volunteer portfolio.  Scholarship is renewable for a second year provided student maintains a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.

NYSFHB – Nursing/EMT (Dorothy Allen)
Awarded to a student in Nursing or Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic program with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 GPA or higher.  Preference for Rensselaer County residents.

NYSFHB Business Scholarship
Awarded to a student in the Accounting, Business Administration or Computer Information Systems program with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 GPA or higher.  Preference for Rensselaer County residents.

NYSFHB Early Childhood/Human Services Scholarship
Awarded to a student in Early Childhood or Human Services program with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 GPA or higher.  Preference for Rensselaer County residents.

NYSFHB Humanities/Computer Science Scholarship
Awarded to a student in Humanities or Computer Science program with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 GPA or higher.  Preference for Rensselaer County residents.
NYSFHB Liberal Arts Scholarship
Awarded to a student in Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Sciences or Physical Education Studies program with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 GPA or higher.  Preference for Rensselaer County residents.

Otto V. Guenther Scholarship
Awarded to a student enrolled in the School of Health Sciences or a degree program in the Health, Physical Education and Exercise Studies Department. Preference will be given to Rensselaer County residents.

Ryan W. Gardner Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a Rensselaer County high school graduate entering the Civil Engineering or Construction Technology program.

 

 

Nina Pattison Memorial Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR HORTICULTURISTS IN RENSSELAER COUNTY
Van Rensselaer Garden Club announces Nina Pattison Memorial Scholarship (Troy, New York, October 2023).

The Van Rensselaer Garden Club (VRGC) has announced that it will award two (2) scholarships this year, each in the amount of $1,000, to Rensselaer County residents. The purpose of the scholarships is to facilitate and advance horticulture and related studies for residents of Rensselaer County.

 

Price Chopper/Market 32 Community Scholarships

Price Chopper/Market 32 has established a scholarship program to assist students who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs.

The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.

 Queer Connect Scholarship

 

The Queer Connect Scholarship was established in 2021 and awards a local high school senior $500 toward the college, university, or any post-secondary program (example: trade and apprenticeship) of their choice. This year’s scholarship is currently open and due by May 10, 2024. Please check the PDF above with detailed instructions.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a high school senior
  • Must be planning to attend a post-secondary school or program (ex: trade or apprenticeship) fall of 2024
  • Must be a resident of Bennington County, Rutland County, Berkshire County, or Rensselaer County

Winners of this scholarship had to write an essay that answered the question:

Describe how you plan to be a positive role model for the LGBTQIA community in your life after high school. Our readers love narratives that include your story and background, so please share what motivates you to be part of this important work, especially if your history informs your practices.

 

Retiree Council 10 Scholarship

NYSUT RC 10 is pleased to announce a $1,000 scholarship award for 2024 public high school graduating seniors pursuing a degree in education at either a two-year college transfer program or a four-year college. This scholarship award will be given to one qualified student from each of the four counties represented by RC 10 (Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington). Funds are paid at the end of the first semester of freshman year of college. Upon receipt of a successful fall semester transcript by January 1, 2025, funds will be issued directly to the scholarship recipient.

Each student will indicate his/her intention to become an educator by completing our application. The student is responsible for assuring that all the materials are postmarked by the March 25 deadline. The scholarship award recipients will be notified by April 25.

 

 

 

RENSSELAER COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

We are pleased to announce RCRTA will offer a $1,000.00 Education Scholarship to a deserving Rensselaer County senior who plans to pursue a college degree in the field of education at the Early Childhood, Elementary or Secondary level.

 

 

Rensselaer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Police Benevolent Association –

Deputy Frank J. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship

Once again the Rensselaer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Police Benevolent Association is taking action to give back to the community for the continued support we have received. The Deputy Frank J. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship Fund is again seeking eligible high school seniors to apply. We take pride in being able to offer scholarships to local graduating seniors f om an applicant pool consisting of all public high schools in Rensselaer County. Over the years we have awarded over $28,500.00 to local, graduating seniors.

 

 

 

Saratoga Voices 27th Annual High School Vocal Scholarship Competition

Saratoga Voices is hosting its 27th annual vocal scholarship competition for high school seniors in the Capital Region. Two scholarships will be awarded along with an opportunity to perform in an upcoming Saratoga Voices concert. The winner will receive a $1500 scholarship, and the second-place winner will receive a $1000 scholarship. While applicants are not required to pursue a career in music, the scholarships aim to support the continued study of singing in college.

Eligibility requires candidates to submit a completed application form either electronically to Susanne Margono at susannemargono@gmail.com or by mail to 187 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Winners must provide Saratoga Voices with the address of the college or university program to which they have been accepted. The scholarships will be forwarded, in their names, directly to the institutions.

 

Stephentown Memorial Library Robert J. Smith Scholarship

The Stephentown Memorial Library Robert J. Smith Scholarship rewards the public service of one graduating high school senior with $2000 for college. Each applicant must be a Stephentown resident accepted to a two- or four-year college or university. Please find more information in the link below.