SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION  

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER BUFFALO SCHOLARSHIP:  Since 1924, the Community Federation for Greater Buffalo has been awarding scholarships to students from WNY.  In 2021, the Community Foundation remains as one of the region’s largest scholarship providers, awarding scholarships totaling $3 million to more than 3,000 Western New York students.  To take advantage of these scholarships, you must be a permanent resident in one of the eight counties of WNY (Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming); have a GPA of at least 2.0, and be accepted to an accredited non-profit college or university in the United States for full-time study at the undergraduate level.  A strong preference will be given to students who are Pell eligible and attending school in one of the eight counties of Western New York (WNY).  Scholarship applications are available now www.cfgbscholarships.org.  Deadline:  May 1, 2021.

NIAGARA PRIDE LGBTQ+ SCHOLARSHIP:  Niagara Pride, Inc. is an independent 501 (c)(3) organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County, NY and the surrounding areas.  Their scholarship program was established in 2021 and consists of an annual $500 award to help aid in the costs of pursuing educational opportunities beyond high school.  This scholarship is aimed primarily at benefiting those LGBTQ+ young adults, and allies, who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing social justice, reducing inequities, and increasing the overall health of their community.  Students who meet the following criteria are invited to apply:  must be 18 years of age, or able to provide parental consent for the scholarship; currently a senior in high school with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or a minimum B average; must be pursuing full-time registration for the fall semester of the 2022-2023 school year at an accredited community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate program, or vocational /technical/trade program; identify as LGBTQ+ and/or has demonstrated support of the LGBTQ+ community; and reside in WNY (Niagara, Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, Genesee, and Orleans counties).  To apply , please visit niagarapride.org/scholarship.  Deadline:  May 1, 2022.

ERIE COUNTY COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP:  ERIE COUNTY COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP:  This year the Erie County Convention of the American Legion will be at the American Legion Niagara Frontier Post # 1041, located at 533 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14207 on June 4, 2022.  It is known at this time that there will be at least three (3) awards presented with a value of five hundred dollars ($500) each with a possibility of additional scholarships. Scholarship awards are based on monetary need, scholastic ability, realistic goals, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement.  Applicants must be available to receive the award at the American Legion County Convention on June 4, 2022.  Click on the following link for an application  Erie County Committee of the American Legion Scholarship Application  Deadline:  May 2, 2022.

THE PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER MICHAEL J. KOGUTEK AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP:  The Past National Commander Michael J. Kogutek American Legion Scholarship Trust will award two $1,500 scholarships to students/veterans attending college in 2022.  This scholarship will be awarded based on veteran status (including family members), financial need, scholastic ability, realistic goals, extra-curricular activities and community involvement.  Applications can be picked up in the Student Services Office.  Deadline:  May 6, 2022

CHEEKTOWAGA LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP:  The Cheektowaga Lions Club awards scholarships annually to graduating seniors.  Applicants must be a resident of the Town of Cheektowaga, maintain an 80-90 average, and have a need to further their education.  Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship will also be taken into consideration.  Applications can be picked up in the Student Services Office.        Deadline:  May 9, 2022.

DANIEL J. ADAMCZYK SCHOLARSHIP: In honor of Daniel Adamczyk, a 2008 Cheektowaga Central graduate,  The Daniel J. Adamczyk foundation would like to give back to the community  that gave so much to him. The foundation will be awarding four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors attending a college or university in the Fall of 2022.  A brief essay, no longer than 500 words, on what your major is going to be, what that major means to you and how this scholarship will help you with school is required to apply for this scholarship.  To learn more about Danny's story and how to apply for the scholarship, please visit https://djafoundation.org/scholarship/   Deadline:  May 21, 2022

PB & J FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP:  The PB & J Scholarship is for students who have experienced personal challenges that may not have allowed them to perform well academically, but who still have the drive to succeed.  Examples of personal challenges include, but are not limited to; medical issues, peer issues, bullying, change of school, minority status, etc.; family issues, divorce, death, lack of income, homelessness, foster care, abuse, etc.  Scholarship awards range from $500 to $1,000.  Visit bit.ly/pbjscholarship2021 to apply.    Deadline:  May 30, 2022.

CHRISTINE F. MALARKEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:  This $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Cheektowaga Central High School senior planning on pursuing a career in the field of education, health-related or science occupation.  This scholarship is being presented in memory of Christine F. Malarkey, who spent 33 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of pupil services with the Cheektowaga Central School District.  Click on the following link for an application.    Christine F. Malarkey Memorial Scholarship Application  Completed applications should be turned in to the Student Services Office no later than June 1st.    Deadline:  June 1, 2022.

THE PAIGE T. CASILLO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:  The Paige T. Casillo Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Cheektowaga Central High School senior pursuing a career in education or the helping field.  Applications can be picked up in the Student Services Office.  Completed applications should be turned in to the Student Services Office no later than June 1st.  Deadline:  June 1, 2022. 

CHEEKTOWAGA CENTRAL TEACHERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP:  The Cheektowaga Central Teachers Association will be awarding a $1,200 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing a career in a helping field related to education (teaching, social work, psychology).  Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 85.  An application can be accessed by clicking the following link:  Cheektowaga Central Teachers Scholarship Application  Completed applications should be turned in to the Student Services Office no later than June 1st.    Deadline:  June 1, 2022. 

EL DABE RITTER SCHOLARSHIP:  The law firm of El Dabe Ritter is offering a $1,500 scholarship.  In order to apply, you must be enrolled in an accredited university, in the USA, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Applicants are required to write a 500+ word essay on why having a higher education is important.  Visit www.personalinjurylawyerslosangeles.com/#scholarship to apply.  Deadline:  June 30, 2022.

Scholarship Links:

Erie County Community College Scholarships - There are several scholarships available to incoming ECC first-year students.  Click on the Scholarship Application link on the right hand side of the page for a list of available scholarships.

Local Western New York Scholarships - Vist this link to find local scholarships awarded to WNY Students Only.  

Excelsior Scholarship - Please click this link to access information about the NYS Excelsior Scholarship Program.

Scholarship Opportunities -  starting with the Class of 2020 - students who enroll in this website will enter into scholarship opportunities ranging between $500 to $40000.   Click on the link to register.

School Soup - School Soup provides students with the largest and most comprehensive scholarship database in the world - giving you access to over $32 billion in scholarship funds.

Cappex - This free service give you access to more than $11 billion in merit based scholarship programs.

StudentScholarships.org - StudentScholarships.org has been providing scholarship information to students and scholarship management services to companies since 2003.  The staff spends countless hours searching both online and offline sources to find new and exciting scholarships for students to apply for. Their database is considered the largest and most comprehensive source for finding scholarships online and is 100% free for students to use.

Financial Aid Information:

Access to the FAFSA Portal for parents and students begins October 1, 2021.

SUNY Financial Aid Days:

SUNY's Financial Aid Days are offered as a free service to all prospective college students and their families. The programs are designed to answer questions and provide assistance regarding the financial aid application, types of aid available, and the financial aid award process.

Many campuses will provide hands-on assistance from SUNY financial aid professionals in completing the FAFSA.

Websites to help parents and students complete the FAFSA and TAP applications:

Start Here Get There -  This free and new website is an excellent resource tool for parents and students who need assistance completing the FAFSA and TAP forms on-line.   It also provides a link to access regional workshops across NYS.

Please Note: The links listed above will bring you to third party institutions. The Cheektowaga Central School District does not endorse any of these links, nor are we responsible for their compliance.