Welcome to the 2018-19 Scholarship Season!
Since 1980, the Foundation has awarded more than $14.5 million dollars in scholarships to students of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
The Northern New York Community Foundation annually awards scholarships to
- High school seniors for their freshman year in college or technical school (Full-time enrollment required – this is a one year award.)
- Non-traditional students for any year in college or technical school. (Part-time and full-time enrollment available) Applicants must reside in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence counties – applicants may re-apply each year.
- High school juniors who will be studying STEM related careers (available ONLY to high school juniors in St. Lawrence County – this is a one year award.)
Application packets are available in February each year, and can be downloaded at that time as a PDF (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader ). Application packets will also be available through high school guidance counselors or at the Community Foundation office. Completed packets must be returned to the Foundation by April 15, by mail or hand delivered. They may not be submitted by e-mail.
Scholarship awards, which can average up to $2,000 annually, are available from three programs administered by the Foundation:
- Northern New York Community Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students in liberal arts.
- Herring College Memorial Scholarships are awarded to students in engineering, sciences, mathematics, and related fields.
- Visiting Nurse Association Scholarships are awarded to students in nursing and health related fields.
The Foundation also offers over 400 restricted scholarships through funds established by individual donors.
The Foundation, in partnership with Jefferson Community College (JCC), administers the Jefferson-Can Community Scholars Program. The Jefferson-Can scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to high school seniors, at the top of their class, who plan to attend JCC. Students are awarded up to full tuition (less fees and other financial aid and/or any other scholarships) for their first year at Jefferson Community College. Scholarship packets will be mailed to students who qualify for the Jefferson-Can program – packets are mailed to students by the financial aid office at Jefferson Community College.
Residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties are also eligible to apply for the Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship – this scholarship is available to persons who have been awarded the Purple Heart, or to their dependents (spouse or child). Applicants may be in any year of full-time undergraduate study when they apply. Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship application packets are accepted throughout the year until all funds available for the academic year are awarded.
Scholarships are available for current residents of North Pleasant Street, Watertown whose families have lived on North Pleasant Street for at least five years.
The Fort Drum Chapter of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc. has established the 10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship for current or former 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) members or the family member of one (spouse or child). The applicant or their military sponsor must also be a member of the 10th Mountain Division Association. Membership information is available from the Association. Scholarship applicants may reside anywhere and be in any year of full-time undergraduate study.
Qualifications at a glance…
Jefferson and Lewis County Freshman students:
- Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, residing in either Jefferson or Lewis counties, enrolled in 12 credits per semester.
- Graduate study is not funded.
- Students who will be attending technical schools are eligible to apply.
- Application packets are accepted from high school seniors for freshman year of college.
- Selection for freshman scholarships is based upon academic achievement and personal data.
Non-traditional students:
- Applicants must reside in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence counties.
- Applicants may be either part-time or full-time undergraduate students in any year of study.
- Students who will be attending technical schools are eligible to apply.
- Selection for non-traditional students is based on educational objectives, ability to meet them, and financial need. Additionally, any unusual hardships and special family or personal circumstances should be described in the application.
St. Lawrence County students:
- Applicants must be students in the following school districts:
Canton, Clifton-Fine, Colton-Pierrepont, Edwards-Knox, Gouverneur, Hammond, Harrisville, Hermon-DeKalb, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Madrid-Waddington, Massena, Morristown, Norwood-Norfolk, Ogdensburg, Parishville-Hopkinton, Potsdam and St. Lawrence Central. - Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, enrolled in 12 credits per semester.
- Graduate study is not funded.
- Students who will be attending technical schools are eligible to apply.
- Application packets are accepted from high school seniors for freshman year of college.
- Selection for freshman scholarships is based upon academic achievement and personal data.
Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship:
- Applicants (or their dependents – spouse or child) must provide documentation of a Purple Heart Award.
- Applicants must be residents of Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County.
- Applicants can be entering any year of full-time undergraduate study
- (12 credits per semester).
For more information
If you have questions about the variety of scholarship programs available, please contact our office at 315-782-7110 or e-mail us at kelly@nnycf.org.
Northern New York Community Foundation
131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 782-7110