2024-2025 Scholarship Information

Attention Class of 2025:

The 2024 Community Foundation Scholarships application is now open and will close at midnight on March 15, 2024.

Notifications will be made at the recipient’s high school awards ceremony OR sent by email on June 30, 2024.
Visit the website here https://www.cfgcr.org/scholarships/ for more information.

 

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 29, 2025 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.

2025 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 2024.
  • 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 2025 semester expenses.
  • Application
  • Due Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 by 3pm
  • Amount $250

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 2, 2025

  • Award: (3) $200

 

Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Scholarships

Frank Jones Memorial Scholarship 

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 fi ve years, the award will become void and any remaining amount returned to the scholarship fund.

The selection process for the recipient of this award is reserved for the scholarship committee of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department. The scholarship recipient will be announced during the graduation ceremony.

 

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 2025. We will be supporting the selected recipient for four years.

 

Capital District Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers Scholarships

Capital District Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers scholarships to young people pursuing engineering as a career. The Chapter is offering scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to students who attend an ABET-accredited college or university engineering program.

Capital District Counseling Association 2025 Scholarship Application

Capital District Counseling Association offers four one-time scholarships to students that reside in our service area and are planning on attending one of our service area schools.  The scholarships are as follows:
FRESHMAN FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP ($2,500)
FRESHMAN ATTENDING A TWO-YEAR COLLEGE/TRADE SCHOOL ($1,000)
FRESHMAN ATTENDING A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE ($1,000)
CURRENT COLLEGE STUDENT TRANSFERING FROM A TWO-YEAR COLLEGE TO A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE ($1,000)
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.
All application materials must be mailed/postmarked or emailed by May 1st.    Submissions can be mailed to CDCA Scholarship P.O. Box 50073 Albany, NY 12205 or emailed to m.coon@hvcc.edu.

 

Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award

All High School Seniors, including home and private schooled students, 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. The award is $500.
A copy of the application form is available at the counseling offices of Berlin and Brunswick Central School. The deadline for receiving applications is May 3rd 2025.
To earn the award, you must complete the application form and submit an essay on “What Freedom Means To Me”. The essay should not be less than 250 words or more than 500 words. There will be one winner. The award is to be used to further the winner’s education.
Applications and essay are to be mailed to:
Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340
Commander Len Claus
PO Box 361
Grafton, NY 12082

 

 

Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York

The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, Inc. is offering three college scholarships to graduating high school seniors or students who will be enrolled at any post high school institution of higher learning. We have three scholarships that provide $1,000 each: The Nick Birchak Strength of Character College Scholarship, Barbara Quackenbush College Scholarship and The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York Scholarship. The Stephen Piorkowski Scholarship is also available, providing $500. Scholarships will be awarded to students who are currently being treated for epilepsy and have plans to further their education. In addition, students must reside in one of 22 counties served by the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.*
The following documentation a student must be submitted in order to be considered.

• A completed application form (enclosed)
• A copy of the letter verifying admission to college / university
• A statement of epilepsy diagnosis from their physician
• A short essay (see application for details)
• A letter of recommendation
• A recent portrait style photograph

  • Application
  • Three scholarships that provide $1,000 each
  • Deadline: Friday. May 9th, 2025

 

Ethel Simmons Memorial Award

The Grafton Community Library and Grafton Historical Society jointly offer the Ethel Simmons Memorial Award. One award of $1,000 will be presented to the applicant with the best entry. All high school seniors who reside in the Town of Grafton are eligible.

Entrants may submit either a narrated video or an essay with up to three photographs or pieces of original artwork included.

  • Application
  • Amount $1,000 scholarships
  • Deadline: 6 pm, April 30, 2025

 

 

First New York Scholarship Program 2025 Scholarship Program

First New York Federal Credit Union is committed to empowering students with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed both academically and financially. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are excited to continue our Scholarship Program into 2025, offering four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors who meet these eligibility requirements:

• Be a graduating high school senior
• Plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college
• Be an active volunteer and/or active in their community
• Submit a 250-word essay answering the question: “How would the First New York Scholarship benefit you in pursing your college career?”
• Submit a copy of your high school transcript
• Be a First New York member in good standing (Easy to join. Learn more: www.FirstNewYork.org/Join)

Apply online at https://blog.firstnewyork.org/scholarship/
We also invite your school to take part in an educational initiative focused on financial wellness workshops. These sessions are designed to help students make informed financial decisions as they move toward adulthood, whether they are entering the workforce or attending college. Our team at First New York is eager to support your students in understanding the tools and strategies that will set them up for future success.
To learn more about our scholarship program or our financial education workshops, please feel free to reach out to us at (518) 393-1326, ext. 1800 or via email at MarketinqDepartment@FirstNewYork.org.
We look forward to the opportunity to support your students in their educational and financial journeys.

The checks will be presented in-person at our Annual Meeting in April of 2025.

  • Application
  • Amount $2,500 scholarships
  • Deadline: 3/14/2025

Hilldale Farm Foundation

Agriculture & Trades Scholarship for Rensselaer County Students

The Hilldale Farm Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from Rensselaer County students seeking higher education in Agriculture and related trades. Applicants should be graduating high school seniors who have resided in Rensselaer County for the last two years, and have been accepted to a college, university, vocational or trade school in New York State. Suitable majors and trade programs include, but are not limited to, agriculture, horticulture, pre-veterinary studies, food science, welding, diesel mechanic, etc.

Applications must be received by April 30, 2025. For additional information and application form, please visit online at hilldalefarmfoundation.godaddysites.com, or email hilldalefarmny@gmail.com. Award recipient will be announced in May.

The Hilldale Farm Foundation was formed in 2022 to honor the heritage of the Rensselaer County farming community, and support future agricultural industry in New York State.  We seek applicants who share our values of hard work, discipline, education, and commitment to family and community.

 

Horatio Alger Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be considered eligible for Horatio Alger National and State Scholarship Programs, applicants must:

  • Be enrolled full-time as a high school junior in the United States, progressing normally toward graduation in spring/summer 2026 with plans to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation
  • Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may sta1t their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)
  • Demonstrate financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
  • Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
  • Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
  • Maintain a minimum grade point average (GP A) of 2.0
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Information
  • Online Application
  • The scholarships are given to deserving students each year and range in award value from $10,000 to $25,000, with more than 600 scholarships available.
  • Deadline: March 1, 2025

 

 

Hudson Valley Community College Foundation 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 closes February 28th!
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP VISIT:
https://hvcc.academicworks.com/
scholarships@hvcc.edu

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.

 

H2M architects+ engineers STEAM Scholarship

The H2M architects+ engineers STEAM Scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit and character to a graduating senior who is planning to attend college and enroll in a science, technology, engineering, architecture, or math (STEAM) degree program.

Celebrating 90+ years, H2M is a full-service consulting and design firm offering the expertise of more than 500+ architects, engineers (water supply, civil/site, structural, M/E/P. wastewater and environmental), planners, designers, inspectors, surveyors and scientists. Our professionals combine their technical experience and specialized market knowledge and respond to our clients’ needs. H2M is proud of its long history of client service and consistent ability to meet architectural, engineering, and environmental challenges head on. H2M offers a practical approach, with creative results.

For more information, please visit www.h2m.com

  • Application
  • Amount $1,000 scholarships, to be awarded during a ceremony at H2M’s Melville headquarters at the conclusion of the
    recipient’s senior year.
  • Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025

 

Joey’s Fine Art Award Scholarship

In Memory of Joseph W Slaver, Jr “Joey”

The amount to be awarded is $500 to a deserving Berlin high school graduate or homeschool student (who has satisfactorily completed secondary requirements for the Berlin Central School District) who has demonstrated a passion for the literary, performing, or visual arts. Further training/education in one of those fields is strongly encouraged and past community participation will be shared in the application. We ENCOURAGE that you share a sample of your work or projects!

  • Deadline: April 30, 2025
  • Application and Information
  • Amount: $500
  • Directions: Please complete the attached application and return by May 26th, 2023, to
    your school counselor OR via US Mail or email to:
    Linda and Joe Slaver
    1205 Arrowhead Drive N.
    Glenville, NY 12302
    jslaversr@yahoo.com
    If you have any questions or if you prefer to share a sample of your work or projects,
    please do so via mail, or email at jslaversr@yahoo.com.

 

New York State Society of Professional Engineer

The Capital District Chapter is a member of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers. Headquartered in Albany, NY, the State Society is a charter member of the 70,000-member National Society of Professional Engineers and has twenty three local chapters representing approximately 2,000 licensed engineers from all disciplines
(mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, etc.) working in construction, government, private practice, and education.
NSPE programs and activities include efforts to improve the overall quality of engineering practice, pre-college guidance, and scholarship.
  • Application
  • Scholarship amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to students who attend an ABET-accredited college or university engineering program.
  • Deadline: April 1, 2025

Nightingale Scholarship

A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a qualified high school senior who is enrolled full time in a NYS accredited baccalaureate RN nursing program beginning in the Fall 2025 semester post high school graduation.
Eligibility criteria, application packet documents and required forms are attached or can be obtained from the Center for Nursing website (www.cfnny.org)
under the Scholarship section.
For questions contact Deborah Elliott, Executive Director, Foundation of NYS Nurses
518-456-7858, ext. 129 or delliott@cfnny.org

Nina Pattison Memorial Scholarship

The Van Rensselaer Garden Club is proud to announce that it will be awarding two scholarships in honor of Nina Pattison.  The purpose of this scholarship is to facilitate and advance horticulture and related studies for residents of Rensselaer County.

 Nina Pattison was an icon and a vital member of the Van Rensselaer Garden Club from 1989 to 2019. Her involvement and commitment to her community was widespread and she inspired anyone who had the privilege to know her.  Her curiosity and enthusiasm were contagious; she served as a role model for many.  It is in her honor that the VRGC established and awards this scholarship annually.

Qualifying programs include internships, college courses, certificate programs and continuing education. Possible topics of study include: landscape design, plant sciences, floral design, medicinal plants, soil management, turf management, circular economy using plants, master gardener programs.

  • Application
  • A maximum of $1000 will be awarded to any one applicant. $2000 in total will be distributed in 2025
  • Deadline: May 31, 2025

 

 

 

Patricia A. Gee Memorial Scholarship

The Patricia A. Gee Memorial Scholarship is a $1000 award given annually to a high school senior planning to enroll as a full-time freshman at an accredited college or university. Applicants must demonstrate above average academic achievement on their high school transcript and demonstrate strong leadership abilities.

ELIGIBILITY
The applicant must be a member in good standing or a family member of a NextStep FCU member in good standing who meets all of the following criteria:

• college-bound high school senior at the time of application
• attending college for the first time in the fall of 2025
• has a high school average of 88 or above
• has strong leadership abilities through involvement in non-classroom high school organizations, the local community, service groups or other similar activities

  • Application
  • Amount $1,000
  • Deadline: January 31, 2025 deadline

 

Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance Scholarship 

Amount to be awarded is $500 to a deserving Rensselaer County high school graduate who has demonstrated a desire to study a conservation, recreation, forestry, environmental, commercial fishing, or earth studies field. Further education in one of those fields and past community participation documentation to be shared in the application.

The RCCA is a county-wide organization established in 1956, dedicated to fostering all interests, material or otherwise, pertaining to the development and expansion of conservation as applied to reforestation, propagation of fish and game, and development of suitable areas in the county for public park purpose. The RCCA provides a platform for the people of Rensselaer County to express their recreational needs and concerns pertaining to forests, public parks, and fish and game. The organization also serves as a vehicle to work in cooperation with the NYS DEC on issues that our residents have regarding policy, laws, public land access, and land management.

  • Application
  • Amount $500
  • Deadline: May 1, 2025 deadline

Retiree Council 10 Scholarship

NYSUT RC 10 is pleased to announce a $1,000 scholarship award for 2025 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 March 15, 2026, 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.

The application is attached. Applications may also be downloaded from the RC 10 website at http://rc10.ny.aft.org.

 

 RCRTA’s 2025 Education 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.

Applicants must include:

  1. The attached Application form
  2. A sealed, official transcript with senior courses, three year average, and class rank.
  3. A resume of in-school activities, community involvement, and employment history.
  4. A personal essay of 400-500 words, printed in double space
    • Topics to include: Why is education critical in today’s world?
    • What will you do to make a positive impact as a future educator?
  1. Three letters of recommendation.
    • Secondary Teacher (2) Guidance Counselor (3) Any other person

All materials must be postmarked by March 25, 2025 and sent to:

Mary Ellen Caporta
RCRTA Education Scholarship Chair
6 West Bayberry Road
Glenmont, NY 12077
Bayberry6@gmail.com

The 2025 RCRTA Education Scholarship award winner will be selected by May 1,2025.

Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the recipient upon successful completion of the 2025 fall semester.  Send/email a verified college transcript to Mary Ellen Caporta at the address above.

Rockwell Scholarship

Our Mission

The Junior League of Albany, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable endeavors with a particular focus on women and children.

About The Rockwell Scholarship
Because of the generosity of the late Marjorie Doyle Rockwell and in her memory, the Junior League of Albany awards the Rockwell Scholarship each year to one young woman to assist in obtaining the education and skills necessary to further her volunteer potential. The award
$1,000.

We ask that applicants please send a narrative of no more than 500 words demonstrating eligibility based on the criteria above. Your narrative should describe your current volunteer work that serves women and children and explain how the scholarship will assist you in achieving your goals. Your narrative must include a statement describing how you will continue your commitment to volunteer work in college, university, or in a secondary educational or vocational program. If appropriate, please include in your narrative any information concerning your economic need. Each application must be accompanied by an academic transcript and one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be from someone at organization for which you volunteer.

The award recipient must agree to attend a Junior League of Albany General Membership Meeting on May 13, 2025, to accept the award.

Visit Our Website
For more information about the Rockwell Scholarship, the Junior League of Albany’s programs or how to become a member, visit www.juniorleaguealbany.org.

Saratoga Voices Scholarship 

Saratoga Voices is hosting its 28th 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.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY April 27, 2025.

Auditions are scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025, at Burnt Hills United Methodist Church, 816 Saratoga Rd, Burnt Hills, NY 12027 from 3 PM to 5 PM. Depending on the numbers of singers competing, the VSC could start as early as 2 PM.

Participants must prepare two pieces: one from the current NYSSMA Manual level 6 (or a comparable level 6 piece or above). This piece must be from the Classical Music repertoire. The second piece is of the student’s choosing. It can be a Musical Theater selection (limited to Golden Age of Broadway) but may not be Commercial Music. The works are to be performed from memory. Applicants must provide their own accompanist. Taped accompaniments are not allowed.

For further information visit https://saratogavoices.org/vocal-scholarship/ or contact Mrs. Margono at any of the addresses listed above.

  • Application
  • Award Amount $1000 scholarship
  • Deadline April 27, 2025

 

 Zonta Club of Albany  – Young Women in Leadership Award

The Zonta Club of Albany offers an exceptional opportunity to recognize young women who excel as leaders in community service. The Young Women in Leadership Award is intended to encourage these leaders to further their education to prepare for careers as leaders in community service and as promoters of women’s rights.

Applications are sought from Capital Area high schools. Applicants must be women 16 to 19 years of age as of April 1, 2025.The Albany club presents a certificate and a monetary award of $2,000 in May. The winner also becomes one of 24 finalists for an additional award of $5,000 from Zonta International.

 

 

 Zonta International District 2 Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award

The Zonta International District 2 Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award. Applications are being solicited from area public, private and parochial schools. The award is given for outstanding community service. Academic achievement is NOT a factor in selection of the recipient.
Nominee(s), male or female, must be high school juniors or seniors. A certificate and monetary award of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) is presented to the winning candidate by the Zonta Club of Albany in the spring of each year.
This year’s award will be presented by the club on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.
Please send completed application forms by the DEADLINE of March 1, 2025 to:

email to: annclala45@gmail.com
or mail to:
Zonta Club of Albany
P.O. Box 5122
Albany, NY 12205

If you have any questions, please call 518-456-1779 or 518-461-5156.