Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Fund

Proctor, Notre Dame, New York Mills High Schools

It is our privilege to announce a new scholarship in memory of Jaedon M. "Jae" Jarosz, who passed away unexpectedly in November as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. The Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Fund was established through generous contributions by many of Jae's family and friends.

A total of three scholarship awards will be distributed in 2024 by Utica Dollars for Scholars. A graduating senior from Proctor, Notre Dame, and New York Mills High Schools will each be awarded a one-time grant of $1,000. Recipients will matriculate in college this coming Fall 2024 in the academic areas of art, music, or the culinary arts. Graduating seniors from these three high schools may APPLY on the Utica Dollars for Scholars web site at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.

Contributions to the Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Fund can be made online at the following website: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/utica-dollars-for-scholars/jaedon-jarosz-memorial-fund.

For more information, questions, or to discuss a major gift to the fund, contact uticadfs@gmail.com

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UDFS recipients very satisfied with the application experience

Over nine out of ten current-year scholarship recipients expressed the highest levels of satisfaction with their personal Utica Dollars for Scholars (UDFS) experience.

In an online survey on the UDFS information sharing and scholarship application processes, 94% of respondents selected the highest two categories regarding overall satisfaction. At these same levels, including "extremely satisfied", the survey results were also 92% on the use and submission of the web-based UDFS scholarship application.

Seven out of ten respondents, or 72% of current-year scholarship recipients, referred or recommended other students to use the Utica Dollars for Scholars online application. Also, 72% learned of UDFS award availability from their school Guidance Counselor offices and 25% learned from a friend of a family member.

UDFS Mission

Our vision is to fuel the future through opportunity, and in 2021, over 150 scholarships totaling $300,000 were awarded. Utica Dollars for Scholars is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization founded in 1994 and affiliated with Scholarship America. We are also a proud partner in scholarship management with The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties. The UDFS mission is to establish and maintain a growing source of financial and academic support for local students. Awards come from donations by individuals, family members, businesses, and organizations; also from bequests, memorial gifts, and grants.

2024 Awards Program

For more information on the upcoming Utica Dollars for Scholars 2024 awards program, visit the website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org, their Facebook page, or by writing to uticadfs@gmail.com. Utica Dollars for Scholars distributes scholarships to qualified students attending accredited US colleges and universities. A single application on the UDFS website allows eligible students to apply for a wide variety of donor-funded financial awards; most for graduating high school seniors from Oneida and Herkimer Counties, in New York State.

Contributions Accepted

Secure donations can be made online to Utica Dollars for Scholars at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/utica-dollars-for-scholars. To establish a scholarship or memorial fund, send your contact information by email to uticadfs@gmail.com.

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GuideStar Nonprofit Profile by Candid
UDFS Earns the Platinum Seal of Transparency

 

Our organization earned a 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency! Now, everyone can see our strategy, metrics, and achievements. Check out our updated Profile on Candid 

About Utica Dollars for Scholars

CLICK HERE - Instructions (PowerPoint)

 

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE BY MARCH 15, 2024

      Proctor... Rome Free Academy... Notre Dame HS... Sauquoit
     New Hartford ... Whitesboro ... Camden... Poland... New York Mills
     Brookfield... Herkimer ... Little Falls ... James A. Green HS, Dolgeville
     Owen D. Young... Waterville... Remsen... Adirondack... Central Valley Academy
     and OTHER High Schools in Oneida & Herkimer Counties

Click on the "Students & Parents" tab and create your profile. Download instructions from this weblink. Also this POWERPOINT LINK

Students complete the online application on the Utica Dollars for Scholars website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section, goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation. The website also has information on other Scholarship America award opportunities plus other financial aid information. There is no cost to the student or family. UDFS scholarship search, application, and awards have no fees or charges.

Questions can be addressed via email to uticadfs@gmail.com. The deadline for the completion of the scholarship application is March 15, 2023. Instructions are here.

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Scholarship America National and Regional Awards

Utica Dollars for Scholars is an affiliate of Scholarship America which also manages thousands of scholarship programs. Many are only open to employees of the sponsoring company or their families, but some are available to students in the general public. Use this web link to read about Scholarship America opportunities for 2023 and beyond managed by Scholarship America. Scholarship America National and Regional Award Web Link: https://scholarshipamerica.org/what-we-do/students-parents/open-scholarships/

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Mele Family Fund Scholarships are $3,000 each, and for renewable up to four years.
Seniors at 13 high schools in Oneida and Herkimer counties may apply for this award. 

 

 

 

Apply today for the Mele Family Fund Scholarships, each of 15 awards (at 13 high schools) are worth up to $12,000 over a four-year period. Managed in partnership with The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, the Mele Scholarships are available only to students at selected high schools graduating this year in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. Graduating seniors with specific academic intent and qualifications, and who will be attending a four-year college or university beginning in the Fall of 2023 are eligible for consideration. The following are the participating local high schools:

• Proctor
• Rome Free Academy
• Adirondack
• Camden
• Central Valley Academy
• Dolgeville
• Herkimer
• Little Falls
• Owen D. Young
• Poland
• Remsen
• Sauquoit
• Waterville

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. The eligible recipient is initially selected based on excellence in Math, Science, or Humanities. If offered, an annual renewal award may be considered if the originally selected student continues as a full-time undergraduate in good standing enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program in a 4-year college or university. Among the criteria, the student must maintain a minimum academic average of 'B' or '3.0' on a 4.0 scale. Additional qualifications and funding availability may apply to be considered for renewal.

Students complete the online application on the Utica Dollars for Scholars website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section, goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation. The website also has information on other Scholarship America award opportunities plus other financial aid information. There is no cost to the student or family. UDFS scholarship search, application, and awards have no fees or charges.

Questions can be addressed via email to uticadfs@gmail.com. The deadline for the completion of the scholarship application is March 15, 2024

ASK YOUR SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Apply online today. Use the Students & Parents TAB above. The deadline is March 15, 2024. Questions? Write uticadfs@gmail.com 

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All high school graduating seniors from Oneida and Herkimer counties may apply for the following:

• CNY HYDRONICS HEATING ASSOCIATION AWARD: One graduating senior or a non-traditional student who enrolls in the HVAC program at Mohawk Valley Community College. The award is up to two years and is $500 each year.
• CREDIT BUREAU OF UTICA: One graduating senior with a minimum 2.0 (B) academic average who will be attending an accredited higher education institution located in Oneida or Herkimer Counties and pursuing a business or health care program. Other qualifications are a minimum HS grade point average of B or equivalent, with work experience and participation in volunteer or community service. A single award is for a single year and is $1,000.
• LEONARD CAPUANA MEMORIAL AWARD: One graduating senior having a minimum HS grade point average of 2.5 or equivalent and who exhibits leadership in school or community. The award is for a single year and is $1,025.
• MV ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF ALPHA PHI DELTA AWARD: One graduating HS senior illustrating academic achievement, leadership, school and community involvement. The preferred recipient is a legacy nominee who is a child or grandchild of a former APD Fraternity member. The award is for a single year and is $500.

LIKE and FOLLOW Utica Dollars for Scholars on FACEBOOK for new and current award information. https://www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsforScholars/

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New Hartford High School Scholarships

Nine graduating seniors can receive awards specifically for New Hartford HS students. These 9 awards total $12,000. Apply now at Utica Dollars for Scholars, www.utica.dollarsforscholars.org.  Completed applications due no later than March 15, 2024. These are some, BUT NOT ALL, of the awards, you may be eligible for.

• William B. Recknall Memorial Fund: THREE graduating seniors. The award for a single year is approximately $2,300.
• William L. & Gladys K. Boyle Memorial Scholarship Fund: One graduating senior pursuing a career in elementary education, in particular, Kindergarten. A student demonstrating leadership, promise, good character, and potential attending an accredited US college or university. The award for a single year is around $1,200.
• Peter D. Fraser Memorial Scholarship: One FEMALE  and one MALE graduating senior, who is a school athlete, and having average scholastic achievement. A background in community service has shown strength and courage under adverse circumstances, a person of integrity with a sense of humor. The award for a single year is around $695.
• New Hartford Alumni Association Memorial Scholarship. One FEMALE and one MALE graduating senior demonstrating academic improvement. The award  is for a single year is around $1,200.
• Benjamin Zahir Mufti Scholarship Fund: One graduating senior planning to major in English and pursuing a course of study in creative writing and enrolling in an accredited 4-Year college or university. Also, demonstrating financial need. The award for a single year is approximately $950

Students complete the online application on the UDFS website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section (enter FAFSA EFC), goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation. The website also has information on other national Scholarship America award opportunities. There is no cost to the student or family. UDFS scholarship search, application, and awards have no fees or charges.

Students apply online at utica.dollarsforscholars.org. Email questions to uticadfs@gmail.com. The deadline for the completion of the scholarship application is March 15, 2023.

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CollegeScorecard.ed.gov

As the school year begins, many high school students, parents, and working Americans are thinking about their next educational steps.

With so many postsecondary options to consider, it's important that all prospective students have the information they need to make the best decision possible. These decisions-to pursue higher education, with which type of degree, and at which institution-all have a lasting impact on students and their futures.

That's why the U.S. Department of Education recently released its first annual update of the redesigned College Scorecard-available at CollegeScorecard.ed.gov-to ensure that students and families have the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and reliable information available on colleges, all in an easy-to-understand format. The site allows visitors to sort and filter their search results to easily compare schools and decide which college makes the most sense when considering the typical costs, average student loan amount, students' ability to repay their loans, and their future earnings.

We invite you to review and share this information on CollegeScorecard.ed.gov with students and families so they can make informed college choices.

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Impacting the future of students.

A solid education sets a student up for future success. But the journey is getting more difficult by the day. College prices are skyrocketing. Income inequality is growing. And students are making hard decisions with massive debt staring them right in the face.

Simply put, being a student is hard. Really hard. But we're here to make it easier.

As a community, you have proven time and again that every student deserves a fair chance at the American Dream, no matter the cards they've been dealt.

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Give Today. Possible starts now. CLICK TAB ABOVE - DONATE NOW. Thank you.

Utica Dollars for Scholars (UDFS) distributes scholarship dollars to local students this year. In addition to partnering with The Community Foundation, UDFS maintains relationships with local businesses, families, service organizations, and individual donors that help establish annual awards and special funds to recognize excellence and future potential in students throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties.

In November 1994, UDFS became affiliated with a national scholarship foundation, now known as Scholarship America. UDFS distributed its first awards in 1995, a total of $2,500 to 16 students. This past year, the organization managed the selection and distribution of 128 awards totaling $217,260. Since 1994, 1,981 awards totaling $1,575,000 have been distributed (including direct and matching scholarship dollars).

Awards have been made in all areas of academic study, health care, music, construction, and sports, among others. Students also are recognized for commitment to an area of study or for extracurricular activities such as volunteer work or participation in community organizations or events. Many of awards are one-time awards, but the Mele Awards are fourlyear scholarships. 

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 15, 2024. Select the Students & Parents TAB to begin. Questions, write uticadfs@gmail.com 

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Utica Lady Knicks Scholarship

The Utica Lady Knicks Scholarship was established to provide support for current and former members of the Utica Lady Knicks.

The criteria for selection are a graduating senior who will be attending an accredited post-secondary program and who has good academic credentials, involvement in school and community and a proven work ethic, and also participated in the Utica Lady Knicks women's basketball program.

In the UDFS online application, please answer the question which asks that you describe your participation as a member of the Utica Lady Knicks. Your Coach's name and years played in the Utica Lady Knicks must be indicated.

Applications for the Utica Lady Knicks Award are due by March 15. Previous awards were a minimum of $600.

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ECR International Scholarship

The ECR International Scholarship is an employer award for children of the employees of ECR International, Utica Division. 

Qualified applicants must have an overall high school average of 75 or higher, or a college GPA of 2.0 (or equivalent) or higher. Community Service and need will be considered as well as the student's academic standing. Also, in the UDFS online application, click on the My Scholarship  button when selecting the award and complete the information on family members employed at ECR Int'l. 

These Scholarships were established by the Reed Family and ECR International through an endowment at The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties.

 Utica Boilers is now part of ECR International and the tradition of giving and supporting young people continues.

 

Scholarship America National and Regional Awards

Utica Dollars for Scholars is an affiliate of Scholarship America which also manages thousands of scholarship programs. Many are only open to employees of the sponsoring company or their families, but some are available to students in the general public. Use this web link to read about Scholarship America opportunities for 2021 and beyond managed by Scholarship America. Scholarship America National and Regional Award Web Link: https://scholarshipamerica.org/what-we-do/students-parents/open-scholarships/

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Over $1,000,000 in Scholarships and Matching Grants Since 1994

Utica Dollars for Scholars is proud to enter 2021 with over  25 year of raising funds and distributing scholarships to students throughout Oneida and Herkimer counties. Our affiliation with the national scholarship foundation now known as Scholarship America officially began November 20, 1994. 

The first awards were distributed in 1995, a total of $2,500 to 16 students. Most recently, in 2018 Utica Dollars for Scholars managed selection and distribution of 128 awards totaling $217,260. Over the period ending in 2020 a total of 1,981 awards were managed through Utica Dollars for Scholars, for a total of $1,575,000 in direct awards But during that same period, in collaboration with Scholarship America and other funding sources, many awards were matched at colleges attended by our student award winners. This matching scholarship total is more than $90,570

As a result, and at the start of our 27^th year, a total of all awards distributed through Utica Dollars for Scholars is $1,575,000.

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 15, 2024. Select the Students & Parents TAB to begin. Questions, write uticadfs@gmail.com 

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HOW TO AFFORD COLLEGE - FREE BOOKLET!

Scholarship America's free guide breaks financial aid down into six easy steps

College is the best investment you can make in your future.

A college degree may seem expensive -- but the benefits are clear. College grads feel happier, live longer and earn more over the course of their careers than those who finish high school. Despite the importance of the investment, funding a college education is a huge challenge, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when seeking and applying for financial aid. 

Scholarship America Guide to How To Afford College. 
To help, we've broken the process into six steps that can lessen the confusion and fear surrounding financial aid, and ensure that you know just how to afford college!

CLICK HERE to receive your free guide: How to Afford College
 

OPEN SCHOLARSHIPS - Corporate, National and Regional Awards

In addition to local scholarship for students living in Oneida and Herkimer (NY) counties, Scholarship America also manages some scholarship programs that are open to students in the general public. CLICK HERE see those programs; to search other options, you can create a free profile in our Student Center, where you'll be able to search Utica Dollars for Scholars awards and scholarships from partners like Fastweb. You can also find more search options in our Financial Aid & Scholarships section.

CLICK HERE to view national and regional scholarship opportunities.

 

College is expensive. We can help. Free Ebook: The Scholarship Coach

Utica Dollars for Scholars and Scholarship America believes that every student deserves an opportunity to go to college, regardless of their financial status. To make sure the high cost of college doesn't keep students from earning their degrees, we're happy to bring you the latest free ebook in our Scholarship Coach series.This free e-book features more than 50 pages of highlights, tips and tricks for scholarship seekers in high school and college!

CLICK HERE for your free copy of The Scholarship Coach.

 

The Scholarship America Dollars for Scholars Student Center

Welcome to the Scholarship America Dollars for Scholars Student Center! By creating a free profile you will get access to Scholarship America's valuable resources, and you will have the opportunity to apply for relevant scholarships. Create a profile with us if you are located in Oneida or Herkimer (NY) counties. if you wish to gain access to our other resources and will have the opportunity to match to scholarships through our partners, like FastWeb. In addition to scholarships, you'll find college guidance, financial aid advice, video tips and much more. Also, don't forget: Scholarship availability is constantly changing, so make sure you return to your profile often.

CLICK HERE to enter your free profile and Oneida/Herkimer county scholarship application.

 

What is Dollars for Scholars®

Dollars for Scholars®, a program of Scholarship America, is a national network of local chapters, driven by local volunteers that help hometown students in 3,000 communities across the country.

In addition to raising funds and distributing scholarships for students, chapters also provide assistance with college readiness and the financial aid process.

 

 

Utica Dollars for Scholars was founded in 1994.

• LIKE and FOLLOW our Facebook page for current information: https://www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsforScholars