Parents:  Check for scholarships at your place of employment, unions, banks/credit unions, professional/club/membership affiliations, places of worship, Greek life affiliations, etc.

College Specific Scholarships: 

Merit Based Scholarships:  Most colleges automatically consider applicants for merit based scholarships when students apply. Many students receive merit based scholarships - from the top of the class to average students. No special scholarship application is required, but to be considered for a merit based scholarship, the college application deadline is often November 1st or  December 1st.

Other College Specific Scholarships:  Most colleges offer additional scholarships such as presidential scholarships, dean scholarships, major related scholarships, audition based scholarships, diversity scholarships, first in college scholarships, etc.  These scholarships usually require an application and possibly letters of recommendation and/or an essay. Be sure to check each college that interests you to see what scholarship opportunities are available and what the deadlines are.  We encourage you to apply to as many as you can.

Scholarship List:  See below for a list of scholarships that come through the Counseling office and are managed by the College/Career Coordinator, Vera Foster.  Applications are available online or as printable PDFs.  Please see Ms. Foster if you prefer a paper copy.

Akoma African American Women’s Gospel Choir Nona Patterson Chambers Merit Scholarship:  For college-bound, African American, female high school seniors.  Three references (church and school), short essay and a personal (virtual) interview and high school transcript are required. Amount varies. Fillable Scholarship Application For more detailed informatio, go to https://akoma.org/scholarship/ Deadline is 4/15/2023.

American Foreign Service Association National Essay Contest is open to students grades 9-12.  Every year, AFSA welcomes essay submission that address diplomacy, peacebuilding and the foreign service.  For more information and essay topic, please visit https://afsa.org/essay-contest.  Deadline is 4/3/2023.

American Indian Graduate Center Scholarships:  Offers merit- and need-based scholarships to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students.  https://www.aigcs.org

AIA Rochester/Architectural Foundation Scholarship:  For graduating high school seniors accepted to and enrolled in an architectural college program.  Preference will be given to students in a NAAB (https://www.naab.org/) degree program. 2023 AIA Rochester Scholarship Application Deadline is 4/14/2023.

American Legion Auxiliary, Department of New York, Monroe County Scholarship:  One-time $500  scholarship for further study in any field of the student’s choice.  Candidates evaluated on the basis of character, Americanism, leadership, academic standing and basis of need.  Scholarship Application  Deadline is 4/15/2023.

College Board Opportunity Scholarships.  Complete six college planning steps for six separate chances at $500. When all six steps are finished, students are entered into a drawing for a $40,000 scholarship.  Money can still be earned even if all steps are not completed. For more information, go to: https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/

Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) Sorority, Rochester Alumnae Chapter:  Award up to $4000 in scholarship funds.  To be eligible to apply, applicants must be female identifying, currently attend a Monroe County high school and will attend college in Fall 2023.  Must demonstrate scholastic ability, leadership in school and a commitment to community service. Applications and supplemental materials must be submitted electronically via Google docs (will need to log in) at  https://forms.gle/QhmuLamGNikHURJc9  Deadline is 3/30/2023.

Eisenhower College Alumni Association Scholarship Contest:  For college-bound high school seniors who plan to continue their studies in a liberal arts program.  Awards up to $5,000.  Essay with a minimum of 750 words required.  For more information, essay prompts and an application, go to:  https://eisenhowercollege.org/scholarships/ Deadline is 6/1/2023.

EduMed Scholarships & Resources for African American Students:  Links to 20 scholarships and other valuable resources helping students achieve rewarding college educations and successful careers.  https://www.edumed.org/financial-aid/african-american-student-scholarships-resources/

FAME (Families Advocating Music Education) Scholarship (MHS ONLY): Applicants for the FAME Scholarship must be a current MHS graduating senior with an intended major or minor at an institution of higher learning in Music or Musical Theatre.  Must be enrolled/involved in a MHS curricular or extracurricular music program/course for a minimum of three (3) years. Award recipients are selected by a scholarship committee and award amounts are at the discretion of the committee. FAME Scholarship Application. Deadline is 4/29/2023.

Get-it-Straight Orthodontics Scholarship Award: $500 scholarship available to a senior who is a current or previous patient of the orthodontic office who underwent orthodontic treatment in the Pittsford, Greece or Gananda locations.  Student must have done community service in any area that was of benefit to others or made a contribution to society.  Essay required describing that experience.  Applications should be returned by May 26th to either Pittsford High Schools Counseling Office College/Career Coordinator (Mrs. Anderson at MHS/Ms. Foster at SHS).  Get It Straight Application 2023  Deadline is 5/26/2023.

Hearing Loss Association of America, Inc. Rochester Chapter: One-time scholarship award of $1000 to be given to a Greater Rochester area high school senior with hearing loss who is pursuing postsecondary education or vocational training.  For more information and a printable application, go to https://hearinglossrochester.org/forms-publications. or Fillable Application. Deadline is 4/14/2023.

Historic Pittsford Jean France Historic Preservation Scholarship:  A scholarship of $500 will be awarded to a Pittsford resident planning to enroll in a college program which may lead to a career in historic preservation.  Programs may include but are not limited to architecture, history, museum studies, landscape architecture, environmental studies or a related field. Go to https://www.historicpittsford.com/preservation-awards for instructions and the application.  Deadline is 5/15/2023.

Monroe County School Nutrition Assoc. Scholarship:  $500 Scholarship to be awarded to a graduating senior who plans to further their education in the fields of Food Service and Management, Nutrition, Dietetics or related studies. Monroe County School Nutrition Assoc. Scholarship Application Deadline is 3/23/2023.

NYSIR (New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal)  Applications are available at https://www.nysir.org/page/2023-scholarship-application.  E-mail is the required method for submissions.  Deadline for all applications is 3/17/2023.

• NYSIR Cristin Bambino Scholarship: is available to a special education student who is college bound.  The goal of this scholarship is to reward a student who has worked through his or her special challenges to complete high school and gain acceptance into a college or university.  Applicants for this scholarship must complete an essay, not to exceed 650 words.  The scholarship is in memory of Cristin Ann Bambino.  Nine recipients will receive between $3,000 - $5,000.
• NYSIR Joseph Goncalves Student Humanitarian Scholarship: is available to a student who demonstrates an involvement and work for a cause or organization that promotes social justice, equal opportunity, relief of human suffering or other aspiration generally understood to be within the meaning of humanitarian activity throughout their high school career.  Diversity is encouraged. This scholarship is in honor of NYSIR's former Executive Director, Joseph Goncalves.  Applicants for this scholarship must complete an essay, not to exceed 650 words, that explains his or her experience serving others during their high school careers, how that service has benefited others and what that experience has personally meant to the applicant.  The essay may also include mention of inspirational role models.  One recipient will receive $5,000, the other $3,000.
• NYSIR Paul Jensen Scholarship: is available to a student who has excelled in design in his or her high school career.  The goal of this scholarship is to reward a student who has shown interest and promise in design and who wishes to pursue this path in college.  The scholarship is in memory of Paul Jensen, a marketing representative for NYSIR.  Applicants for this scholarship must complete an essay, not to exceed 650 words, that explains a way they would design or adapt an existing design for a specific purpose, how this design or adaptation could be accomplished and why this design or adaptation would be unique.  One recipient will receive $5,000, the other $3,000.

New York State Excelsior Scholarship: Tuition-free degree program. In order to apply, students must:

• Attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year degree program
• Plan to live and work in New York following graduation for the length of time they participate in the scholarship program
• Adjusted gross family income of $110,000 or less

For more information, please visit:  https://www.ny.gov/programs/tuition-free-degree-program-excelsior-scholarship

New York State Education Department Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE): The Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE) provide a scholarship to attend an institution of higher education located in New York State to the top high school students, based on specific grading criteria through the end of a student’s junior year.  Students cannot apply directly for the scholarships but will be contacted by their school administration to obtain required information for the nomination form.  For more information, please see: http://www.nysed.gov/postsecondary-services/scholarships-academic-excellence-sae.

New York State STEM Incentive Program: Provides a full SUNY tuition scholarship to the top 10% of students in each NYS high school if they pursue a STEM degree and agree to live in NYS and work in a STEM field for five years after graduation. Rules and information can be found at: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/nys-science-technology-engineering-and-math-incentive-scholarships-service-terms-and-conditions.html

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): This program helps NY residents pay for tuition with a grant.  There are specific income requirements.  For more information, please visit:  https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html

OppU Achievers Scholarship: $2500 Scholarship awarded four times a year to Seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. To apply, students submit a short essay online.  Scholarship decisions are based solely on an applicant’s essay response.  Winners for the OppU Achievers Scholarship are selected four times a year, with submission deadlines on September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30.  High school applicants should apply during their final semester of high school.  For more information and an application, go to https://www.opploans.com/scholarship/

Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vincent Lombardi Lodge #2270 Scholarship (Local Level): For college bound high school seniors.  Must be of Italian descent (at least one grandparent must of Italian heritage.)  Scholarship Application  Deadline is 3/31/2023.

PDTA Barbara Shapiro Scholarship:  The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage highly qualified applicants to enter the teaching profession. At graduation, the Pittsford District Teachers Association will give a $1,500 scholarship to one senior at each Pittsford high school who best meets all of the criteria: an overall average of “B” or higher; a personal essay demonstrating thoughtful, clear and concise writing skills; and a demonstrated commitment to teaching.  Preference will be given to candidates with prior teaching experiences such as coaching, internship, scout leader, camp counselor, tutor, or other similar activities. PDTA Scholarship Application Deadline is 4/18/2023.

Pittsford Mustangs Soccer Club Scholarship: $500 scholarship available for up to four college bound high school seniors who are residents of Pittsford, played soccer for Pittsford Mustangs during their youth soccer career and who have demonstrated a commitment to soccer and community leadership.  Essay required.  For more details and the application, go to https://www.pittsfordmustangs.com/scholarship.  Deadline is 4/15/2023.

School Administrators Association of NYS (SAANYS):  Graduating seniors are encouraged to write a 500-word essay on the following topic: "A School Administrator Who Has Made a Difference in My Life".  Entrants may win a $1,000 college scholarship.  Application details found here: SAANYS Scholarship Deadline is 3/27/2023.

Skincare Ox – The Beauty + Wellness Scholarship for Women: Each quarter $1000 + a care package filled with healthy, organic goodies to young women who are striving to maintain their health and wellness as they pursue their higher education goals. Must be a HS senior, a female and a U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident. All majors and GPAs may apply. Deadlines are January 1, March 31, June 30 and September 30 every year. All applicants must submit a 500 word maximum essay on the essay prompt found online at https://www.skincareox.com/scholarship/.  Student essays will be judged on their originality, creativity, and dedication to healthy lifestyle choices.

STAAR Leaders of Rochester Scholarship:  For students in need of financial assistance with strong evidenceof community involvement and/or leadership in the community through volunteer efforts or other community service activities.  Essay, two recommendations and transcript required. Minimum 80 GPA. For more information, go to  http://www.staarleaders.net/   Deadline 5/15/2023.

Student-View Scholarship Program/Student Insights:   For all high school Seniors who plan to attend a four-year college, community/junior college or career school.  Complete a 15-20 minute application survey about colleges in your area at http://www.student-view.com  Scholarship awarded via a random drawing of all completed applicants.  For more information, please go to http://www.studentinsights.com.  Deadline is 4/23/2023.

UNCF (United Negro College Fund): The UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective provider of minority scholarship assistance.  Visit the UNCF website at https://uncf.org/ and select “Scholarships” to begin the process to determine for what scholarship(s) you might be eligible.  For questions, call 202-810-0300 or text “FUNDS” to 50555.

VLP Smile Scholarship:  Dedicated to the memory of Valerie Lynn Palermo, a Greece, NY native.  Not required to be a Greece resident. SMILE stands for Students Making an Impact in Life through Education.  Essay requirement.  Multiple scholarships from $1,000 - $5,000. VLP Smile Scholarship Application 2023 For more information, go to http://www.valeriepalermo.com/  Deadline is 4/30/2023.