Erie Community Foundation Scholarships

The Erie Community Foundation is home to 75 donor named scholarships, and each has its own eligibility and criteria requirements. Many scholarships target students graduating from specific high schools, some for specific areas of study and others for financial need. Each scholarship is unique according to its donor's wishes, and each offers the opportunity to earn a scholarship for your education.

To obtain an application for any of the scholarships listed alphabetically below, please contact your high school guidance office, college financial aid office, or other organization listed as part of the How to Apply information that is provided at the end of each scholarship description below. Application packets are distributed to all public and private high schools and colleges by February 15 of each year.

Academy High School Class of 61 Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Awarded to a graduating senior attending Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, Erie, PA
• Must be accepted to a four-year college
• Excellent academic, extracurricular, personal record

How to Apply: Contact Collegiate Academy guidance office for an application.

Accudyn Products, Inc. Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• First preference shall be given to Accudyn employees and qualified lineal descendants or Accudyn employees who reside in Erie County, PA. Second preference shall be given to graduating high school seniors at Cathedral Prep, Mercyhurst Prep, and Villa Maria High School in Erie County, PA
• Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, scholastic achievement and academic standing

How to Apply: Contact The Erie Community Foundation or click here to download an application.
Click here to download scholarship guidelines.

Sister M. Lawreace Antoun, SSJ Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Females attending Villa Maria Elementary, Villa Maria Academy, Gannon or Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA.
• The Sisters of Saint Joseph choose recipients based on need and ability

How to Apply: Contact school guidance counselors or Financial Aid Office.

Louis W. Balmer Erie Engineering Societies Council Scholarship

Each year, the award is divided equally among NWPA colleges including: Allegheny College, Edinboro University, Gannon University, Grove City College, and Penn State Erie/The Behrend College.

Amount: Up to $3,500 per School
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Must be a resident of the Northwestern PA geographical area.
• Must be pursuing a full-time program leading to a Baccalaureate degree in Engineering, Science or Technology, or related curricula.
• Should be scholastically outstanding, worthy, and a promising student as determined by school administration.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office of the college/university listed above.

Christopher G. Batchelor Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 8
Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating male senior from Fairview High School, Erie, PA.
• Must be a member of the tennis team
• Selection will be based on academic achievement and school spirit.

How to Apply: Contact the Fairview High School guidance office for an application.

Ernst R. Behrend Scholarship (click on the link below to apply for new or renewal scholarship)

Amount:
Standard Scholarships: $2,000 - $4,000 (renewable)
Achievement Scholarships: $6,000 - $8,000 (renewable)
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Awarded to graduating seniors attending high schools in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
• First preference is given to lineal descendents of former employees of Hammermill Paper Company or its corporate successor, International Paper Company who reside in Erie County. Second preference is given to other graduating seniors in Erie County.
• The scholarship is awarded based on financial need and scholastic achievement.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better and a minimum combined Verbal and Mathematics SAT score of 1100. Applicants with an exceptional academic and achievement record may be considered for an Achievement Scholarship.
• Advisory committee generally limits eligibility to the children of parents whose combined income is below $80,000/year.

• Download further criteria

Must apply on-line to be considered for a scholarship

On-line directions:

1. After clicking on the "How to Apply" link below, create an account by entering your e-mail address and establishing a password.
2. After creating an account, you will register by filling out your contact information.
3. Click on apply and choose the scholarship you wish to complete.
4. You will be required to upload necessary attachements such as transcript, essay, etc.
5. Applications can be saved as a draft to forward at a later date.

How to Apply: Click here

David James Berlin Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating senior from McDowell High School, Erie, Pa.
• Must submit a written narrative of qualifications
• Teachers may nominate students
  A Selection Committee will make choice based on scholarly excellence in attitude and conduct; good citizenship, achievements in extracurricular activities and a concern for one’s fellow man.

How to Apply: Contact the McDowell High School Guidance Office for an application.

Raymond M. Blasco, M.D. Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Awarded to a graduating senior from Seneca High School, Erie, Pa.
• Must be accepted at an accredited school in a certified full-time program
• An appointed faculty committee will make the selection based on character, self-discipline, co-operative behavior, respect for others, academic attitude, community and school spirit.

How to Apply: Contact the Seneca High School Guidance Office for an application.

Eda Camphausen Law Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually (renewable – amount may vary)
Deadline: May 15
Eligibility:

• Must be a resident of Erie County, Pennsylvania.
• Must be a first year student at Harvard University Law School.
• Must be the student from Erie County, Pennsylvania obtaining the highest LSAT for the year of admission.
• Names of qualified recipients will be submitted to the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for final approval.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office of Harvard Law School or call The Erie Community Foundation for an application – 814-454-0843.

Eda Camphausen Music Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Eligibility:

• Student must be a music major at Edinboro or Mercyhurst University
• This scholarship alternates between the Universities each year -- 2012 recipient will attend Edinboro

How to Apply: University selects the recipient

Lovisa Card Catlin Art Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a graduating senior from a public or private high school in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
• Must be pursuing secondary study in the field of art, architecture or industrial art.
• Applicants are required to submit up to six of the best examples of their work in .jpeg format on a CD along with a completed application form.

How to Apply: Contact high school guidance office for an application or click here to download.

Nancy Ostryniec Cross Scholarship

Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Must be a high school senior graduating from Fort LeBoeuf High School, Waterford, Pennsylvania residing, at the time of graduation, in LeBoeuf Township, Mill Village Borough, Summit Township, Waterford Borough or Waterford Township.
• An advisory committee will award scholarships based on standardized tests, evidence of good character, motivation, ability and potential, participation in extracurricular or community activities, teacher recommendation and financial need.

How to Apply: Contact the Ft. LeBoeuf Guidance Office for an application.

Frederick Douglass Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually (renewable – amount may vary)
Deadline: January 31
Eligibility:

• Must be of African/American descent
• Must be a graduating senior from Central High School, NW PA Collegiate Academy, East High School, or Strong Vincent High School in Erie, Pennsylvania.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

How to Apply: Contact the high school guidance office for an application

Erie Day School Adopt-a-Scholar Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Eligibility:

• Must be a middle school student (grades 5-8) enrolled at The Erie Day School, Erie, PA
• The student must have an excellent record of scholastic achievement, strong individual motivation, a sound sense of citizenship, and a financial need which exceed his or her parents’ contribution.

How to Apply: Contact the Erie Day School

Erie Music Teachers Scholarship Fund

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: March 1
How to Apply: Applicant's music teacher must be a member of the Erie Music Teachers Association. Information about this scholarship can be obtained from an EMTA member.

GE Transportation AAF "Raymond Clarke" Dare to Dream Scholarship

Amount: $1,000 minimum
Deadline: April 20
Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating senior from Central Tech, East High or Strong Vincent High Schools
• Must be accepted to a 2 or 4-year accredited university or trade school
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Must be a U.S. citizen or hold an official U.S. work authorization

How to Apply: Contact your Guidance Office for an application or click here to download

John Gillette Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Two scholarships per year, each $1,500, to preferably one male and one female.
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating senior from General McLane High School, Edinboro, PA.
• Scholarships are awarded based on need and a required written essay.

How to Apply: Contact the General McLane Guidance Office for an application.

The Goodwine Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a graduating senior from a public or private high school in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
• Students must intend to pursue a two year Associate Degree or Certificate (not a baccalaureate degree).
• Must have a lifetime GPA of at least 2.0 at graduation

How to Apply: Contact the high school guidance office for an application or click here to download.

Dr. Lori Ann Gornall Memorial Scholarship Fund

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a graduating senior from Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy in Erie, PA
• Applicant must be pursuing a college degree in Education
• Applicant must have an acceptance letter from the school administration verifying attendance

Scholarships are awarded based on financial need & scholastic achievement.

Robert B. Gray Erie Engineering Societies Council Scholarship

Amount: $500
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Scholarships awarded based on financial need, scholastic achievement & academic standing
• Recipients must reside in Erie or Crawford County, PA
• Must be pursuing a two year degree in an engineering related field
• Applicants must have a G.P.A. between 3.0 and 3.5

Preference will be given to students attending an institution in Erie or Crawford County.

How to Apply:

Lindsay Graygo Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Awarded to a graduating female senior attending McDowell High School, Erie, PA.
• Must be accepted and planning to attend a campus of the Penn State University.
• Preference will be given to those who have given at least 50 hours community service work and who have been active participants in McDowell High School athletics and arts programs.
• This is an academic scholarship based on merit as evidenced by high school transcripts and standard aptitude test scores.

How to Apply: Contact McDowell High School guidance office for an application, or click here to download

Walter and Florence Guelcher Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 29th
Eligibility:

• Must be students of Gannon University enrolled in an Engineering Program, and are required to have graduated from a high school in Erie County, PA.
• Students applying must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be active in their faith, and exhibit high moral character.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office at Gannon University, Erie, PA for an application or click here to download.

H.O. Hirt Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 1
Eligibility:

• Must be a full-time employee or dependent of full-time employee of Erie Insurance
• Must be a graduating high school senior or full-time student carrying a minimum of 24 credits per academic year at an accredited university, college, graduate or professional school

On-line directions:

1. After clicking on the "How to Apply" link below, create an account by entering your e-mail address and establishing a password.
2. After creating an account, you will register by filling out your contact information.
3. Click on apply and choose the scholarship you wish to complete.
4. You will be required to upload necessary attachements such as transcript, essay, etc.
5. Applications can be saved as a draft to forward at a later date.

• Download further criteria

How to Apply: Click here

Holy Family Education Fund

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: May 15
Eligibility:

• The scholarship was designed to benefit students of the Holy Family Elementary School, Erie, PA.
• Recipients of this award are chosen based upon the financial need of the family and are determined by a Holy Family advisory committee.

How to apply: Contact Holy Family School.

Iroquois Education Association Scholarship

Amount: $250 scholarship awarded each year, renewable 4 year scholarship.
Deadline: May 2
Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating senior from Iroquois High School.
• Intended major must be in Education.

How to Apply: Contact the Iroquois High School guidance office for an application.

John F. and Pauline M. Jageman Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: Contact the Mercyhurst University Financial Aid Office.
Eligibility:

• Must be a full-time student at Mercyhurst University majoring in education.
• Must be entering at least his/her sophomore year and in need of financial assistance.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office at Mercyhurst University.

Jaloszynski Harborcreek Youth Services Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a current or former resident of Harborcreek Youth Services, Erie, PA wishing to pursue vocational training or secondary education.

How to Apply: Contact the Transitional Living Program office at Harborcreek Youth Services.

Richard C. Kennedy Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a Harborcreek High School, Harborcreek, PA graduating senior.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher.

How to Apply: Contact the Harborcreek High School Guidance Office for an application.

Julie Glennan King Scholarship

Amount: $1,000 Awarded Each Year
Deadline: Contact the Fairview High School Guidance Office.
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be an outstanding female senior graduating from Fairview High School, Fairview, PA.

How to Apply: Contact the Fairview High School Guidance Office for an application.

Christopher Mark Knoll Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: May 22
Eligibility:

• Must be a junior or senior student attending an Erie County high school in Erie, PA or;
• Must a Junior or Senior in attending an accredited college or university located in Erie County Pennsylvania
• Preference given to Erie County residents
• Selection will be based on academic achievement and school spirit.

Criteria:

• Letter of recommendation from faculty
• Current official transcript of grades
• One page cover letter of introduction including your professional goals
• Single page writing sample: excerpts acceptable
• Financial information

How to Apply: Not being awarded at this time.

Casimir Kraus Memorial Scholarship & Internship (formerly the Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union Scholarship)

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: February 28, 2012
Eligibility:

• Applicants must reside in Erie or Crawford County, PA
• Applicants must be attending a four-year post secondary College or University located in Erie or Crawford County (PA)
• Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Applicants must be sophomores in college or beyond
• Recipients must be available to work the weeks of June 4th through August 10, 2012

How to Apply: Applications are available through the Erie General Electric Credit Union or click here to download.

To review the guidelines for the Casmir Kraus Scholarship click here to download.

Donald S. and Dorothy R. Leslie Endowment

Amount: Determined Annually
Eligibility:

• Must be a middle school student (grades 5-8) enrolled at The Erie Day School, Erie, PA
• The student must have an excellent record of scholastic achievement, strong individual motivation, and a sound sense of citizenship, and be in need of financial assistance.

How to Apply: Contact the Erie Day School.

Charles and Louis Lincoln Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually (renewable)
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility:

• Must be a student enrolled at East High School, Erie, PA.
• Recipients are selected on scholastic ability, acceptance to an accredited institution of higher education, and financial need.
• Must be a first or second generation American

How to Apply: Contact the East High School Guidance Office for an application.

Henry A. and Mary J. MacDonald Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be students of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA
• Scholarship will be awarded on merit, academic ability, financial need, extracurricular activities, and all around high school and college citizenship.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

Martin Family Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: May 29
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be graduating seniors from Strong Vincent High School, Erie, PA accepted at a technical school or four-year college or university.
• Must have successfully completed two years of a foreign language, participated in at least two years in a school-sanctioned sport, participated in at least one club or organization; volunteered twenty or more hours of community services during the Sept. through May school year.
• Must have a 3.0 or better GPA, complete a 350-500 word essay.
• Family household income must not be greater than $50,000.

How to Apply: Contact the Strong Vincent High School Guidance Office for an application or click here to download.

Howard and Teresa McMullin Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be students attending St. Thomas School in Corry, PA.
• Scholarships are awarded primarily by financial need.

How to Apply: Contact St. Thomas School, 229 W. Washington St., Corry, PA 16407.

Ellen Elizabeth McNamara Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be female students of Gannon University, Erie, PA
• Students applying must be outstanding academically, in character, in faith and in personality just as Ellen Elizabeth McNamara was.
• Must be in need of financial assistance.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office at Gannon University.

Hugh M. Nelson Engineering Scholarship

Amount: Up to $4,000
Deadline: May 25
Eligibility:
* Applicants must be Erie County, PA residents who are currently sophomores or juniors enrolled in a BS Engineering Program at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College or Gannon University.
* The curriculum must be within ABET accredited engineering degree program leading to a B.S. in engineering.
* Recipients are selected on academic standing, faculty recommendation, college activities, required applicant letter outlining their goals, and financial need.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office at Behrend College or Gannon University for an application, or click here to download.

Wayne and Kathleen Newton Music Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be music majors attending Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
• Preference is given to students who are of Native American Indian descent, with an overall GPA of 2.5 and 3.0 or better in their major.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office at Mercyhurst University.

Dr. Michael J. Relihan Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 29th
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a graduating senior attending a high school in Erie County, PA
• Must be accepted to an accredited college/school.

On-line directions:

1. After clicking on the "How to Apply" link below, create an account by entering your e-mail address and establishing a password.
2. After creating an account, you will register by filling out your contact information.
3. Click on apply and choose the scholarship you wish to complete.
4. You will be required to upload necessary attachements such as transcript, essay, etc.
5. Applications can be saved as a draft to forward at a later date.

How to Apply: Click here

Lester R. Roesner Art Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a graduating senior from an Erie County, PA high school pursuing a collegiate or post secondary course of instruction in art at an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Applicants are required to submit up to six of the best examples of their work in .jpeg format on a CD along with a completed application form.

How to Apply: Contact the High School Guidance Office for an application or click here to download.

Joyce A. Savocchio Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a female senior graduating from an Erie City, PA high school, public or private.
• Must be enrolled at a college or university located within Erie County, PA.

How to Apply: Contact the High School Guidance Office for an application or click here to download.

Mary E. Schumann Scholarship

Amount: $1,500 (renewable)
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating senior from one of four Erie City Public High Schools.
• Must have outstanding academic credentials and be pursuing a collegiate course of instruction at an accredited college or university.
• The award rotates annually to one of the four public schools.
  *School Rotation:
  East High School – 2003, 2007, 2011
  Central High School – 2004, 2008, 2012
  Strong Vincent high School – 2005, 2009, 2013
  NW PA Collegiate Academy – 2006, 2010, 2014

How to Apply: Contact the High School Guidance Office for an application.

Spaeder Michigan Law Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually (renewable – amount may vary)
Deadline: May 15
Eligibility:

• Must have graduated from an Erie County, PA High School.
• Must have graduated from an accredited college.
• Scholarship awarded based on scholastic ability, extra-curricular activities, and community service.

Spanos Family Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: May 1
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be an active member of the Greek Orthodox Faith.
• Priority will be given to those who are active members in good standing of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie, PA and Saint Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH
• Applicants must be scholastically outstanding and will be judge on merit, academic ability, financial need, extracurricular activities, citizenship, character, and parish involvement.
• Applicant must also be pursuing a collegiate or post secondary course of instruction at an accredited institution of higher learning.

How to Apply: Contact the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie, PA or St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH, or click here to download.

Stazer Sisters’ Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be United States citizens graduating from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, Erie, PA. accepted to a four year degree program.
• Selection criteria includes academic record and goals, financial need, essay, and record of activity in school

How to Apply: Contact the Collegiate Academy Guidance office for an application.

Dr. Alfred W. Stone Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: May 27
Eligibility:

• Scholarship recipients must have graduated from a Western PA high school that have completed their freshman year at Allegheny College or Edinboro University of PA
• Applicants must be pursuing a degree in Psychology, Music or Education
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• This scholarship is renewable for undergraduate study for a maximum of three years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and continues to pursue a degree in the aforementioned fields

How to Apply: Contact the financial aid office or click here for an application.

Carol & Joseph Tafelski Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 29
Eligibility:

• Awarded to a graduating senior from East High School, Erie, Pa.
• Applicants must have a G.P.A. between 2.75 and 3.6
• Must be accepted at an accredited institution including two and four year colleges as well as trade schools
• Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, scholastic achievement, community service, and excellent attendance

How to Apply: Contact the East High School Guidance Office for an application or click here to download.

The Susan E. Tidmore Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: Contact the Erie Day School
Eligibility:

• Must be a middle school student (grades 5-8) enrolled at The Erie Day School, Erie, PA
• The student must have an excellent record of scholastic achievement, strong individual motivation, and a sound sense of citizenship, and be in need of financial assistance.

How to Apply: There is no traditional application process. Teachers recommend students for this scholarship.

Trinity Lutheran Church Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Applicants must be active in the life and ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church,
• Must have financial need, a commitment to a path in education, and evidence of a Christian life in word and deed.

How to Apply: Contact Trinity Lutheran Church, 14 E. 38th St., Erie, PA for an application.

Weber Murphy Fox Scholarship

Amount: $500 for each College/University listed below.
Deadline: June 1
Eligibility:

• Scholarship recipients must be students currently attending Allegheny College, Edinboro University, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University or Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
• Scholarship recipients must be residents of Erie or Crawford County
• This scholarship provides awards for post secondary undergraduate education for students who have a demonstrated need for financial support
• Applicants must have a G.P.A. between 3.0 and 3.5

The financial aid office at the colleges listed above will select the recipient

Weeks - VanTassel Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline:
Eligibility:

• Awarded to two graduating seniors from Northwestern High School who have the highest grade point averages
• Must be residing in Springfield Township
• Must be accepted at and intend to attend an accredited college, university or other institution of higher learning.

How to Apply: Contact Northwestern High School's guidance office.

Rev. John F. Weibel Scholarship

Amount: Determined Annually
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• Awarded to graduating seniors attending Coudersport Senior High School, Coudersport, PA and Austin Area High School, Austin, PA.

How to Apply: Contact the Coudersport High School or Austin High School guidance office for an application

The Dr. Chester “Chet” Wolford Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Determined annually
Deadline: May 22
Eligibility:

• Must be a Penn State Erie junior or senior
• Must have a minimum 3.0 G.P.A.
• Preference is given to Erie and Blair County PA residents

How to Apply: Not being awarded at this tiime

Yaple-Kerr Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:

• The student must be a graduating senior from Seneca High School, Wattsburg, PA, accepted at an accredited school in a certified full-time program.
• Each year two students, always one male and one female, are selected.
• Scholarships will be awarded to serious students ranked in the middle third of the senior class.

How to Apply: Contact the Seneca High School Guidance Office for an application.