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NEW IN 2026
The Wurz Family Scholarship: $5,000 Annual and Renewable Awards

 

Utica Dollars for Scholars is pleased to announce its partnership with The James H. Wurz Jr. and Edward T. Wurz Sr. Foundation on a new scholarship opportunity of five annual and renewable awards. 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. 

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. Eligibility requirements include:

• Current year graduating high school senior, in a school geographically located in Oneida County. A student graduating in 2026 from any Oneida County High School, with a preference for graduates of Oriskany, Whitesboro, or Notre Dame. 
• Also eligible are GED recipients or a Home-School student issued a diploma per NYS requirements, who are residents of 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. 
• There is a total of up to five (5) annual awards, valued at up to $5,000 each, that may also be renewed (maximum of up to four annual awards) based on maintaining the required qualifications, including financial need.

Utica Dollars for Scholars (UDFS) has a single online application for all local awards. There are many scholarship opportunities currently available for students at nearly every high school in Oneida and Herkimer counties. In 2026, $350,000 in scholarships is available through dozens of scholarships on the UDFS single, online application.

For the Wurz Family Scholarship and dozens of other award opportunities, students must complete the UDFS online application with all submissions by March 15, 2026, at https://Utica.DollarsforScholars.org. Follow UDFS on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsForScholars) to continuously learn about new scholarship opportunities. 

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UDFS Application is Live!

Select 'Students & Parents' Tab

Click for instructions on Profile Instructions

Click for slides on Creating a Profile.

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Dear Friends of Utica Dollars for Scholars, 

Thank you. During Mohawk Valley Gives (Sept. 15-19), we have been presented with a fundraising challenge that can automatically double the scholarship contributions we receive during this event.

Utica Dollars for Scholars (UDFS) was selected by UpMobility Foundation to receive a dollar-for-dollar match of gifts to UDFS. This means gifts of any amount can be matched by the Foundation up to a total of $15,000. Your generosity was DOUBLED at no cost to you.

On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors, we truly appreciate your genorisity.  We raised $223,594 for numerous funds at Utica Dollars for Scholars including Lou Parrotta, Utica Free academy Alumni Association, Susan Khan, John Bartle and Fred Piperata too metion only a few.

Respectfully,
Lee Kowalsky, President… Kari Puleo, Vice President
Bruce Brodsky, Treasurer… Morgan Mielnicki, Secretary
Board Members and Volunteers: Nick Gentile, Joe Giordano, Nadean Gleitsmann, Lorraine Griffiths, Brad Gouger
Amanda Jones, David Ross, Susan Schafer, Ken Szczesnick

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Utica Dollars for Scholars awards over $350,000; honors late President Lou Parrotta

FROM DAILY SENTINEL - Utica Dollars for Scholars, a long-standing local scholarship program, hosted its annual awards ceremony recently at Mohawk Valley Community College, celebrating the academic achievements and futures of local students. Since its inception in 1994, the organization has awarded more than 3,000 scholarships totaling approximately $3.4 million. CLICK FOR ARTICLE.

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2026 Application Goes Live

October 15, 2025

 

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UDFS 2025 Awards Program

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Scholarship Search Guide: Best Practices & Resources

When should you begin researching college scholarships? We've prepared a brief guide and a listing for a wide range of resources about how and where you should apply for college scholarships. CLICK HERE for a direct link to download our new free resources. 

 

ONLINE APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 15, 2025

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT UDFS AWARDS

Be attentive to the entire STUDENT PROFILE, in particular sections such as academics, reference, two essay questions, employment, school and community activities, Financial Info section, and particularly MY SCHOLARSHIPS. Most important is the Goals and Aspirations Essay and requesting an online reference/recommendation and school transcript. For all scholarships, please use the "Goals and Aspirations Essay" to support your qualifications and background for awards.

• All awards require full completion of an online application at Students and Parents tab, including submission of required supporting documents such as a transcript and a reference/recommendation.
• Under  the COUNTY field, you must select Oneida or Herkimer.
• Unless otherwise noted, all awards are one-time scholarships for graduating high school seniors who are matriculating full-time as Freshman when entering eligible colleges.
• Some scholarships (when indicated) have multi-year eligibility with specific requirements, such as Mele awards.
• Some scholarships (when indicated) are single-year or multi-year awards that may benefit students entering other years of their higher education experience.
• Most of our awards have a minimum of $1,000 in total, as awards to individual students. This may occur through a single named award, or multiple awards totaling at least $1,000.
• The deadline for completed award submissions is March 15.

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UDFS Awarded in 2024 A Total Over $300,000

Are you a graduating senior at one of these high schools? Proctor, New Hartford, New York Mills, Whitesboro, Holland Patent, etc. Actually nearly every Oneida & Herkimer County high school. (And remember, when entering contact information in your application, you must include ONEIDA or HERKIMER county!)

Have you applied to Utica Dollars for Scholars for a scholarship this year?

WHY NOT! Are you allergic to free money for college? You can't be considered for an award this year without a completed application. Period.

The deadline is March 15, 2026. 

FOR EXAMPLE, SOME SCHOOL DISTRICT HTAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS.

ADIRONDCK, HERKIMER, LITTLE FALLS, CAMDEN, CENTRAL VALLEY, HERKIMER, POLAND, JAMES A. GREEN DOLGEVILLE, and OWEN D. YOUNG HIGH SCHOOLS graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) will be awarded at EACH of these high schools this year. Apply Now at STUDENTS AND PARENTS TAB. There are other scholarships for Herkimer and Oneida County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline.

WATERVILLE AND SAUQUOIT HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) and a Benson Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at Sauquoit Valley and Waterville high schools this year. There are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors for which you may also be eligible. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline.

REMSEN HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) and an SFC Eric Nichols Award ($1,000) will be awarded at Remsen HS this year. There are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors for which you may also be eligible. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline.

SAUQUOIT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) and a Benson Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at Sauquoit Valley HS this year; and there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline.

BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Benson Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at Brookfield this year; and there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application by the March 15th deadline.

PROCTOR HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors, will you share in over $50,000 to be awarded to students at Utica's Proctor High School this year? Apply now at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. Individual awards of hundreds of dollars, and up to several thousand dollars each. SOME AWARDS ARE FOR MAJORS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION, NURSING, TEACHING,  PHARMACY, CHIROPRACTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, MUSIC, CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY, ETC.  Go online today to complete your submission by the March 15th deadline .

NEW YORK MILLS HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at New York Mills HS this year. Apply! There are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors like you that you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline.

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. Nearly $10,000 in awards to Notre Dame students are expected this year including the Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000), Sean Michael Dougherty Memorial Scholarship ($2000) and there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline.

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Scholarship Applications OPEN October 1, 2025 - March 15, 2026

What do you want to know about FAFSA. Get the free guide to help you understand the process and get answers to the questions you may have. Use this link: https://understandingfafsa.org/. 

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Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Fund

Proctor, Notre Dame, New York Mills High Schools

It is our privilege to distribute a scholarship in memory of Jaedon M. "Jae" Jarosz, who passed away unexpectedly 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  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 2026 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 

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.

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, 2026

      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.. 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, 2026. 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 2026 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  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 2025 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.  A transcript must be submitted every year of the awards.

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. 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, 2026

ASK YOUR SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
 

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

• 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.
• GABRIEL, JOSEPH AND LILA MANDOUR KARAM SCHOLARSHIP

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. 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 student and parents tab.  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, 2026.

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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.

 

 

 

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
 

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