What
We
Do.
What We Do.
Student Scholarships
Scholarships for High School Students and Adult Learners
If you are a high school senior or adult who lives in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania you may be eligible for a scholarship from the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes. Scholarship applications are available starting November 1 and most will close by mid-February of that year.
Individuals, families and companies have established funds at the foundation for educational scholarships so that deserving neighbors can attend college or acquire job skills. Scholarships have varying eligibility so please see below for more information.
At the Community Foundation, we believe that cost should not be a barrier to continued education. We find that philanthropic funds are most beneficial when used to broaden opportunity and access to post-secondary education and are here to help you navigate the process. If at any point you are feeling overwhelmed or have questions about the process of applying to college or our scholarship program, we are happy to assist you and help you get through the process together. Please reach out to Katie (McConville) Strickler at cmm@communityfund.org.
Scholarship Recipients
Did you receive a scholarship administered by the Community Foundation and not sure what to do next? Click either link below for written instructions or to watch a video about how to receive your scholarship money.
Scholarships and Racial Equity
Community Foundation staff and volunteers acknowledge the systemic barriers and challenges that face marginalized students within our education system and traditional merit-based scholarship programs. Community Foundation Scholarship Application process engages in a holistic review process that seeks to achieve a more equitable application and selection process. The application includes a questionnaire and short answer statements that help to identify the many ways students of different races, genders, cultures, and backgrounds exhibit qualities of leadership, community service, and work ethic. We encourage applications from students of all races, genders, and backgrounds to the Community Foundation Scholarship Program.
Start Here
Whether you are an adult learner or a high school senior, the first step in the application process is creating an account within the online system. Make sure to sign up with the email address you check frequently. The Community Foundation will communicate with you regarding the status of your applications, requests for additional materials, and deadline reminders all via email. Check your email junk or SPAM folders to ensure you are receiving this communication.
Click the button below to create your account or continue your applications. Make sure to read below for more information first.
Filling out an application and looking for support?
Set up a time to meet with Katie to go through applications and answer any questions you have.
High School Seniors
Am I Eligible?
Scholarships have varying eligibility requirements. Most of the applications will be accessed by submitting the “Common Application” first. The Common Application is a submission to most scholarships. Once submitted, you will be directed to scholarships you are eligible for that require additional information. All students in the Finger Lakes Region and Northern PA are encouraged to submit a Common Application which is one submission for over 10 scholarships*. Supplementary materials and questions may be required to submit additional applications.
*Eligibility varies
Applications submitted online:
Scholarships available by school
Scholarships are listed specific to your school. If you do not see your school listed, please see the list of “Available Scholarships” above. See also Scholarship Eligibility by County below.
Scholarships eligible by county
Applications submitted on Paper or Special Circumstance Scholarships:
Some of our scholarships are available to submit by paper application or have more in-depth requirements.
Ernie Davis Scholarship - Now Submitted Online
High school senior who exhibits qualities of integrity, leadership, courage, and humility. Graduating from an accredited high school in Chemung County or a high school in Corning.
Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship
Graduating from a public, private, or homeschooled in Steuben County and a member of Arc of Allegany-Steuben. May also be an adult learner who resides in Steuben County
Adults
The Community Foundation offers scholarships for adults seeking further education as non-traditional students, vocational students, early childhood educators and more.
Step by Step: Applying for a Scholarship
Have we confused you yet? You’re not alone! If you’re tired of reading, watch this 5-minute video explaining the process, or download the step-by-step guide to applying for a scholarship below.
For more information or assistance contact Katie McConville at the Community Foundation office at cmm@communityfund.org or (607) 739-3900.
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