CLICK HERE FOR
UTICA DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS
AND MEMORIAL FUNDS
ON MOHAWK VALLEY GIVES.
Memorial Funds on MVGives Day Fri., Sept. 18
UDFS Board Members Lee Kowalsky and Morgan Mielnicki honored as "Outstanding Women in the Mohawk Valley."
(March 20, 2026) Two Utica Dollars for Scholars Board members were among the women honored at the 8th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony hosted by NYS Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. UDFS President Lee Kowalsky was recognized for her leadership of our scholarship programs and a lifelong dedication to education and service. Morgan Mielnicki was recognized for her community leadership and professional peer mentorship.
"With more than three decades in secondary education, Lee Kowalsky has shaped countless young lives. As President of Utica Dollars for Scholars, she continues to champion educational access and opportunity. Her lifelong dedication to service exemplifies the power of education to transform and empower communities."
"Morgan Mielnicki is recognized for her outstanding mentorship and encouragement of others. Through her enthusiastic and professional leadership and example, she inspires confidence, courage, and a forward-looking vision in those she serves. Her commitment to uplifting others strengthens our community."
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly hosted the 8th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro, in celebratory recognition of extraordinary women in the Mohawk Valley who have made outstanding contributions in the lives of others and their communities, dedicating themselves to uplifting and strengthening those around them. Held in honor of Women's History Month, the event paid tribute to honorees whose contributions span the fields of business, education, humanitarian work, military service, community and civic affairs, healthcare, government, and volunteerism.
The awards ceremony honored women whose impact on their industries and communities reflects the very best of what it means to serve others with purpose and heart. In a meaningful gesture of recognition, each nominee received a merit certificate and a carnation as a symbol of gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the Mohawk Valley.
Utica Dollars for Scholars Awards
Application Deadline March 31
The deadline for completing and submitting the one comprehensive application for Utica Dollars for Scholars is March 31, 2027. A complete application requires academic information, reference and transcript requests, essays employment, school and community activities, and the Financial Info section. Note that the Goals and Aspiration Essay is very important and can be 300 words or fewer. The "Goals and Aspirations Essay" should also support your qualifications and background for specific awards of interest.
Question: Email UticaDFS@gmail.com.
SAMPLE (BUT NOT ALL) AWARDS:
INDIVIDUAL HIGH SCHOOLS
Adirondack, Brookfield, Camden, CVA, Dolgeville, Herkimer, Little Falls, New Hartford, New York Mills, Oriskany, Owen D. Young, Poland, RFA, T.R. Proctor Utica, Sauquoit Valley, Waterville, Whitesboro
Mele Family Fund STEM & Humanities Scholarships
Graduating seniors are eligible to apply for a Mele Award for STEM and Humanities awards, which are valued at up to $12,000 over four years. Eligibility includes students who must be full-time, matriculated in a baccalaureate degree program at a minimum of a 4-year higher education Institution.
ALL ONEIDA COUNTY SCHOOLS and Utica Academy of Science
Wurz Family Scholarships
The James H. Wurz Jr. and Edward T. Wurz Sr. Foundation
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. Eligible applicants are generally graduating high school seniors; however, delayed enrollment, post-high school, and non-traditional students who have earned a GED and are enrolling in higher education are also eligible to apply. The minimum academic average required for eligibility is a 2.5 GPA for both initial awards and renewals. Initial applicants and renewals will also be considered for selection based on their unmet financial needs as they pursue their 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.
ALL ONEIDA & HERKIMER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Leonard J. Capuana Scholarship
A student exhibiting leadership skills and volunteerism in the community. A minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan on attending a 2-year or 4-year college or university.
Credit Bureau of Utica Award… The Community Foundation
For a graduating senior from any Oneida or Herkimer County High School who will be attending a local higher education institution. The minimum qualifications are a student pursuing Business or Health Care as a first career choice and with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0 GPA) or better. A student with employment, volunteer, or community service in their major field of interest is preferred.
Gabriel, Joseph & Lila Mandour Karam Scholarship
This award is in memory of Joe Karam, resulting from family and friends creating a donor-advised fund at the Foundation. The intent is to continue representing the memory of Joe Karam and his philanthropic efforts, such as the Players of Utica, and his positive vision and community impact while employed at Mohawk Valley Edge.
Mohawk Valley Alumni Association Alpha Phi Delta Scholarship
Academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement are among the criteria. Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity legacy nominees, who are children and grandchildren of APD members, are encouraged.
Wallace S. and Janis J. Sweet/Westminster Presbyterian Church Memorial Scholarship
Graduating senior attending a school district in Oneida or Herkimer Counties, enrolled in an accredited not-for-profit college or university. Eligible students should complete the essay and include their experience as a refugee.
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 online application with all submissions by March 31, 2027, Follow UDFS on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsForScholars) to continuously learn about new scholarship opportunities.
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.
2027 Application Goes Live
January 1, 2027. Deadline March 31, 2027
UDFS 2025 Awards Program
FOR EXAMPLE, SOME SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT 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, LAWYER, 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.
FAFSA How-To Guide for High School Students
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/.
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.
For more information, questions, or to discuss a major gift to the fund, contact uticadfs@gmail.com
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.
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
PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR FREE ONLINE APPLICATION BY MARCH 31, 2027
High Schools in Oneida & Herkimer Counties
Students complete the online application. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section, goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation.
Questions can be addressed via email to uticadfs@gmail.com or udfs.scholarships@gmail.com. The deadline for the completion of the scholarship application is March 31, 2027.
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 19 awards (at 17 high schools) are worth up to $12,000 over a four-year period. Managed by 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 and a 3.0 GPA with financial need are eligible for consideration. The following are the participating local high schools:
- Adirondack
- Camden
- Central Valley Academy
- Dolgeville
- Herkimer
- Little Falls
- New Hartford
- New York Mills
- Oriskany
- Owen D. Young
- Poland
- Remsen
- Rome
- Sauquoit
- Thomas R. Proctor (Utica)
- Waterville
- Whitesboro
The eligible recipient is initially selected based on excellence in Math, Science, or Humanities. 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. 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 31, 2027
ASK YOUR SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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/
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 31, 2027.
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 31. Previous awards were a minimum of $600.
Utica Dollars for Scholars was founded in 1994.
We are a local foundation comprised of dedicated community and school volunteers who raise scholarship money and provide financial and academic support to local students. We operate locally with volunteers who determine how best to meet the needs of students who apply. We coordinate many awards throughout Oneida and Herkimer Counties, using a single application process so as to reach more students.
Our focus is to recognize the generosity of local donors and organizations that are the lifeblood of our efforts. Utica Dollars for Scholars is part of Scholarship America, a national network of community-based, volunteer-operated scholarship foundations in cities, towns, and neighborhoods throughout the United States.
We access a Collegiate Partners Program of colleges, universities and post-secondary schools across the United States that agrees not to reduce their grant aid when Dollars for Scholars scholarships come to their campuses. Many institutions also provide a matching amount of scholarship based on Dollars for Scholars awards.
Contact Utica Dollars for Scholars®
LIKE and FOLLOW our Facebook page for current information: https://www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsforScholars
