Scholarship Applications OPEN November 1, 2025 - March 15, 2026
Utica Dollars for Scholars applications are available. "Like" and "Follow" our Facebook page to keep current on scholarship opportunities and submission information.
CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsforScholars
MOHAWK VALLEY GIVES HAS ENDED FOR 2025:
Dear Friends
We have an exciting and special announcement. This month, during Mohawk Valley Gives, we are presented with a special challenge to raise funds for Utica Dollars for Scholars and receive a dollar-for-dollar match, with a minimum gift of $5.00
Utica Dollars for Scholars was selected by UpMobility Foundation, to receive a match of dollars raised, and more for unique donors, through online contributions made ONLY during Mohawk Valley Gives. We can receive a grant of up to $12,500 by raising just $5,000 and 75 unique donors! NO MATTER WHAT THE DONATION AMOUNT, UpMobility will match the gifts, and provide $100 more for each unique donor to Utica Dollars for Scholars.
The web link is only open from Sept.16-22. Additional special cash prizes to UDFS will be promoted on Sept. 20, the official Mohawk Valley Gives Day. Any gift will help, and the matching amounts provide even more support for local student scholarships. Here is the matching gift online website https://www.givemv.org/organizations/utica-dollars-for-scholars.
Thank you. We appreciate your consideration as we seek to achieve our minimum goal of 75 donors plus $5,000 in total gifts to provide UDFS with a matching grant of $12,500. All gifts toward the match must be made online during this specific donation window.
Bruce Brodsky, Treasurer
Utica Dollars for Scholars
UticaDFS@gmail.com
Donation Window - 9/16-9/22. Special Prize Day - 9/20
https://www.givemv.org/organizations/utica-dollars-for-scholars
Utica Dollars for Scholars will receive MATCH from Up Mobility
ONLINE APPLICATIONS OPEN NOVEMBER 1, 2024
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT UDFS AWARDS
Be attentive to the entire STUDENT PROFILE, in particular sections such as academics, reference, two essay questions, employment, school and community activities, Financial Info section, and particularly MY SCHOLARSHIPS. Most important is the Goals and Aspirations Essay and requesting an online reference/recommendation and school transcript. For all scholarships, please use the "Goals and Aspirations Essay" to support your qualifications and background for awards.
- All awards require full completion of an online application at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org, including submission of required supporting documents such as a transcript and a reference/recommendation.
- Under the COUNTY field, you must select Oneida or Herkimer.
- Unless otherwise noted, all awards are one-time scholarships for graduating high school seniors who are matriculating full-time as Freshman when entering eligible colleges.
- Some scholarships (when indicated) have multi-year eligibility with specific requirements, such as Mele awards.
- Some scholarships (when indicated) are single-year or multi-year awards that may benefit students entering other years of their higher education experience.
- Most of our awards have a minimum of $1,000 in total, as awards to individual students. This may occur through a single named award, or multiple awards totaling at least $1,000.
- The deadline for completed award submissions is March 15.
UDFS Awarded in 2024 A Total Over $300,000
Are you a graduating senior at one of these high schools? Proctor, New Hartford, New York Mills, Whitesboro, Holland Patent, etc. Actually nearly every Oneida & Herkimer County high school. (And remember, when entering contact information in your application, you must include ONEIDA or HERKIMER county!)
Have you applied to Utica Dollars for Scholars for a scholarship this year?
WHY NOT! Are you allergic to free money for college? You can't be considered for an award this year without a completed application. Period.
The deadline is March 15, 2025. Do it now at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org
FOR EXAMPLE, SOME SCHOOL DISTRICT HTAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS.
ADIRONDCK, HERKIMER, LITTLE FALLS, CAMDEN, CENTRAL VALLEY, HERKIMER, POLAND, JAMES A. GREEN DOLGEVILLE, and OWEN D. YOUNG HIGH SCHOOLS graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) will be awarded at EACH of these high schools this year. Apply Now at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. There are other scholarships for Herkimer and Oneida County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
WATERVILLE AND SAUQUOIT HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) and a Benson Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at Sauquoit Valley and Waterville high schools this year. There are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors for which you may also be eligible. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
REMSEN HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) and an SFC Eric Nichols Award ($1,000) will be awarded at Remsen HS this year. There are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors for which you may also be eligible. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
SAUQUOIT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Mele Family Fund Scholarship ($3,000) and a Benson Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at Sauquoit Valley HS this year; and there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Benson Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at Brookfield this year; and there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
PROCTOR HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors, will you share in over $50,000 to be awarded to students at Utica's Proctor High School this year? Apply now at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. Individual awards of hundreds of dollars, and up to several thousand dollars each. SOME AWARDS ARE FOR MAJORS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY, NURSING, TEACHING, HVAC, CHIROPRACTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, MUSIC, ETC. Go online today to complete your submission by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
NEW HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors, will you share in over $10,000 to be awarded to students at New Hartford this year? And there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
NEW YORK MILLS HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. A Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded at New York Mills HS this year. Apply at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors like you that you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors. Nearly $10,000 in awards to Notre Dame students are expected this year including the new Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) and a Christine Madia Scholarship ($2,000); and there are other scholarships for Oneida and Herkimer County graduating seniors you may also be eligible for. Go online today to complete and submit your application at Utica Dollars for Scholars by the March 15th deadline at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
Scholarship Applications OPEN November 1, 2024 - March 15, 2025
Utica Dollars for Scholars applications are available . "Like" and "Follow" our Facebook page to keep current on scholarship opportunities and submission information.
CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsforScholars
FAFSA How-To Guide for High School Students
What do you want to know about FAFSA. Get the free guide to help you understand the process and get answers to the questions you may have. Use this link: https://understandingfafsa.org/.
Proctor, New Hartford, Notre Dame Award Winners
UDFS held our Utica Awards program on June 9 at the First Presbyterian Church (Utica) for Proctor, New Hartford, and Notre Dame student awards. Presentations for students at other Oneida and Herkimer county high schools will be made by their school districts at award programs and graduations. Nearly $300,000 and 160 awards will be distributed in total.
2024 Awards Program will be held at MVCC on June 13.
Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Fund
Proctor, Notre Dame, New York Mills High Schools
It is our privilege to announce a scholarship in memory of Jaedon M. "Jae" Jarosz, who passed away unexpectedly as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. The Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Fund was established through generous contributions by many of Jae's family and friends.
A total of three scholarship awards will be distributed in 2024 by Utica Dollars for Scholars. A graduating senior from Proctor, Notre Dame, and New York Mills High Schools will each be awarded a one-time grant of $1,000. Recipients will matriculate in college this coming Fall 2024 in the academic areas of art, music, or the culinary arts. Graduating seniors from these three high schools may APPLY on the Utica Dollars for Scholars web site at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org.
Contributions to the Jaedon Jarosz Memorial Fund can be made online at the following website: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/utica-dollars-for-scholars/jaedon-jarosz-memorial-fund.
For more information, questions, or to discuss a major gift to the fund, contact uticadfs@gmail.com
UDFS recipients very satisfied with the application experience
Over nine out of ten current-year scholarship recipients expressed the highest levels of satisfaction with their personal Utica Dollars for Scholars (UDFS) experience.
In an online survey on the UDFS information sharing and scholarship application processes, 94% of respondents selected the highest two categories regarding overall satisfaction. At these same levels, including "extremely satisfied", the survey results were also 92% on the use and submission of the web-based UDFS scholarship application.
Seven out of ten respondents, or 72% of current-year scholarship recipients, referred or recommended other students to use the Utica Dollars for Scholars online application. Also, 72% learned of UDFS award availability from their school Guidance Counselor offices and 25% learned from a friend of a family member.
UDFS Mission
Our vision is to fuel the future through opportunity, and in 2021, over 150 scholarships totaling $300,000 were awarded. Utica Dollars for Scholars is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization founded in 1994 and affiliated with Scholarship America. We are also a proud partner in scholarship management with The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties. The UDFS mission is to establish and maintain a growing source of financial and academic support for local students. Awards come from donations by individuals, family members, businesses, and organizations; also from bequests, memorial gifts, and grants.
2024 Awards Program
For more information on the upcoming Utica Dollars for Scholars 2024 awards program, visit the website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org, their Facebook page, or by writing to uticadfs@gmail.com. Utica Dollars for Scholars distributes scholarships to qualified students attending accredited US colleges and universities. A single application on the UDFS website allows eligible students to apply for a wide variety of donor-funded financial awards; most for graduating high school seniors from Oneida and Herkimer Counties, in New York State.
Contributions Accepted
Secure donations can be made online to Utica Dollars for Scholars at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/utica-dollars-for-scholars. To establish a scholarship or memorial fund, send your contact information by email to uticadfs@gmail.com.
GuideStar Nonprofit Profile by Candid
UDFS Earns the Platinum Seal of Transparency
Our organization earned a 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency! Now, everyone can see our strategy, metrics, and achievements. Check out our updated Profile on Candid
About Utica Dollars for Scholars
CLICK HERE - Instructions (PowerPoint)
PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE BY MARCH 15, 2025
Proctor... Rome Free Academy... Notre Dame HS... Sauquoit
New Hartford ... Whitesboro ... Camden... Poland... New York Mills
Brookfield... Herkimer ... Little Falls ... James A. Green HS, Dolgeville
Owen D. Young... Waterville... Remsen... Adirondack... Central Valley Academy
and OTHER High Schools in Oneida & Herkimer Counties
Click on the "Students & Parents" tab and create your profile. Download instructions from this weblink. Also this POWERPOINT LINK
Students complete the online application on the Utica Dollars for Scholars website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section, goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation. The website also has information on other Scholarship America award opportunities plus other financial aid information. There is no cost to the student or family. UDFS scholarship search, application, and awards have no fees or charges.
Questions can be addressed via email to uticadfs@gmail.com. The deadline for the completion of the scholarship application is March 15, 2025. Instructions are here.
Scholarship America National and Regional Awards
Utica Dollars for Scholars is an affiliate of Scholarship America which also manages thousands of scholarship programs. Many are only open to employees of the sponsoring company or their families, but some are available to students in the general public. Use this web link to read about Scholarship America opportunities for 2023 and beyond managed by Scholarship America. Scholarship America National and Regional Award Web Link: https://scholarshipamerica.org/what-we-do/students-parents/open-scholarships/
Mele Family Fund Scholarships are $3,000 each and renewable up to four years.
Seniors at 13 high schools in Oneida and Herkimer counties may apply for this award.
Apply today for the Mele Family Fund Scholarships, each of 15 awards (at 13 high schools) are worth up to $12,000 over a four-year period. Managed in partnership with The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, the Mele Scholarships are available only to students at selected high schools graduating this year in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. Graduating seniors with specific academic intent and qualifications, and who will be attending a four-year college or university beginning in the Fall of 2025 are eligible for consideration. The following are the participating local high schools:
- Proctor
- Rome Free Academy
- Adirondack
- Camden
- Central Valley Academy
- Dolgeville
- Herkimer
- Little Falls
- Owen D. Young
- Poland
- Remsen
- Sauquoit
- Waterville
The Mele Family Fund Award goes to a graduating senior at selected Oneida and Herkimer County high schools who will matriculate in a four-year college or university this year. It is considered for renewal for up to three additional years. The eligible recipient is initially selected based on excellence in Math, Science, or Humanities. If offered, an annual renewal award may be considered if the originally selected student continues as a full-time undergraduate in good standing enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program in a 4-year college or university. Among the criteria, the student must maintain a minimum academic average of 'B' or '3.0' on a 4.0 scale. Additional qualifications and funding availability may apply to be considered for renewal. A transcript must be submitted every year of the awards.
Students complete the online application on the Utica Dollars for Scholars website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section, goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation. UDFS scholarship search, application, and awards have no fees or charges.
Questions can be addressed via email to uticadfs@gmail.com. The deadline for the completion of the scholarship application is March 15, 2025
ASK YOUR SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Apply online today. Use the Students & Parents TAB above. The deadline is March 15, 2025. Questions? Write uticadfs@gmail.com
All high school graduating seniors from Oneida and Herkimer counties may apply for the following:
- CNY HYDRONICS HEATING ASSOCIATION AWARD: One graduating senior or a non-traditional student who enrolls in the HVAC program at Mohawk Valley Community College. The award is up to two years and is $500 each year.
- CREDIT BUREAU OF UTICA: One graduating senior with a minimum 2.0 (B) academic average who will be attending an accredited higher education institution located in Oneida or Herkimer Counties and pursuing a business or health care program. Other qualifications are a minimum HS grade point average of B or equivalent, with work experience and participation in volunteer or community service. A single award is for a single year and is $1,000.
- LEONARD CAPUANA MEMORIAL AWARD: One graduating senior having a minimum HS grade point average of 2.5 or equivalent and who exhibits leadership in school or community. The award is for a single year and is $1,025.
- MV ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF ALPHA PHI DELTA AWARD: One graduating HS senior illustrating academic achievement, leadership, school and community involvement. The preferred recipient is a legacy nominee who is a child or grandchild of a former APD Fraternity member. The award is for a single year and is $500.
LIKE and FOLLOW Utica Dollars for Scholars on FACEBOOK for new and current award information. https://www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsforScholars/
New Hartford High School Scholarships
Nine graduating seniors can receive awards specifically for New Hartford HS students. These 9 awards total $12,000. Apply now at Utica Dollars for Scholars, www.utica.dollarsforscholars.org. Completed applications due no later than March 15, 2024. These are some, BUT NOT ALL, of the awards, you may be eligible for.
- William B. Recknall Memorial Fund: THREE graduating seniors. The award for a single year is approximately $2,300.
- William L. & Gladys K. Boyle Memorial Scholarship Fund: One graduating senior pursuing a career in elementary education, in particular, Kindergarten. A student demonstrating leadership, promise, good character, and potential attending an accredited US college or university. The award for a single year is around $1,200.
- Peter D. Fraser Memorial Scholarship: One FEMALE and one MALE graduating senior, who is a school athlete, and having average scholastic achievement. A background in community service has shown strength and courage under adverse circumstances, a person of integrity with a sense of humor. The award for a single year is around $695.
- New Hartford Alumni Association Memorial Scholarship. One FEMALE and one MALE graduating senior demonstrating academic improvement. The award is for a single year is around $1,200.
- Benjamin Zahir Mufti Scholarship Fund: One graduating senior planning to major in English and pursuing a course of study in creative writing and enrolling in an accredited 4-Year college or university. Also, demonstrating financial need. The award for a single year is approximately $950
Students complete the online application on the UDFS website at https://utica.dollarsforscholars.org. The application must include requested comprehensive student information including the financial section (enter FAFSA EFC), goals essay, high school transcript, and recommendation. The website also has information on other national Scholarship America award opportunities. There is no cost to the student or family. UDFS scholarship search, application, and awards have no fees or charges.
Students apply online at utica.dollarsforscholars.org. Email questions to uticadfs@gmail.com. The deadline for the completion of the scholarship application is March 15, 2023.
Impacting the future of students.
A solid education sets a student up for future success. But the journey is getting more difficult by the day. College prices are skyrocketing. Income inequality is growing. And students are making hard decisions with massive debt staring them right in the face.
Simply put, being a student is hard. Really hard. But we're here to make it easier.
As a community, you have proven time and again that every student deserves a fair chance at the American Dream, no matter the cards they've been dealt.
Utica Lady Knicks Scholarship
The Utica Lady Knicks Scholarship was established to provide support for current and former members of the Utica Lady Knicks.
The criteria for selection are a graduating senior who will be attending an accredited post-secondary program and who has good academic credentials, involvement in school and community and a proven work ethic, and also participated in the Utica Lady Knicks women's basketball program.
In the UDFS online application, please answer the question which asks that you describe your participation as a member of the Utica Lady Knicks. Your Coach's name and years played in the Utica Lady Knicks must be indicated.
Applications for the Utica Lady Knicks Award are due by March 15. Previous awards were a minimum of $600.
ECR International Scholarship
The ECR International Scholarship is an employer award for children of the employees of ECR International, Utica Division.
Qualified applicants must have an overall high school average of 75 or higher, or a college GPA of 2.0 (or equivalent) or higher. Community Service and need will be considered as well as the student's academic standing. Also, in the UDFS online application, click on the My Scholarship button when selecting the award and complete the information on family members employed at ECR Int'l.
These Scholarships were established by the Reed Family and ECR International through an endowment at The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties.
Utica Boilers is now part of ECR International and the tradition of giving and supporting young people continues.
Scholarship America National and Regional Awards
Utica Dollars for Scholars is an affiliate of Scholarship America which also manages thousands of scholarship programs. Many are only open to employees of the sponsoring company or their families, but some are available to students in the general public. Use this web link to read about Scholarship America opportunities for 2021 and beyond managed by Scholarship America. Scholarship America National and Regional Award Web Link: https://scholarshipamerica.org/what-we-do/students-parents/open-scholarships/
HOW TO AFFORD COLLEGE - FREE BOOKLET!
Scholarship America's free guide breaks financial aid down into six easy steps
College is the best investment you can make in your future.
A college degree may seem expensive -- but the benefits are clear. College grads feel happier, live longer and earn more over the course of their careers than those who finish high school. Despite the importance of the investment, funding a college education is a huge challenge, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when seeking and applying for financial aid.
Scholarship America Guide to How To Afford College.
To help, we've broken the process into six steps that can lessen the confusion and fear surrounding financial aid, and ensure that you know just how to afford college!
CLICK HERE to receive your free guide: How to Afford College
OPEN SCHOLARSHIPS - Corporate, National and Regional Awards
In addition to local scholarship for students living in Oneida and Herkimer (NY) counties, Scholarship America also manages some scholarship programs that are open to students in the general public. CLICK HERE see those programs; to search other options, you can create a free profile in our Student Center, where you'll be able to search Utica Dollars for Scholars awards and scholarships from partners like Fastweb. You can also find more search options in our Financial Aid & Scholarships section.
CLICK HERE to view national and regional scholarship opportunities.
What is Dollars for Scholars®
Dollars for Scholars®, a program of Scholarship America, is a national network of local chapters, driven by local volunteers that help hometown students in 3,000 communities across the country.
In addition to raising funds and distributing scholarships for students, chapters also provide assistance with college readiness and the financial aid process.
Utica Dollars for Scholars was founded in 1994.
We are a local foundation comprised of dedicated community and school volunteers who raise scholarship money and provide financial and academic support to local students. We operate locally with volunteers who determine how best to meet the needs of students who apply. We coordinate many awards throughout Oneida and Herkimer Counties, using a single application process so as to reach more students.
Our focus is to recognize the generosity of local donors and organizations that are the lifeblood of our efforts. Utica Dollars for Scholars is part of Scholarship America, a national network of community-based, volunteer-operated scholarship foundations in cities, towns, and neighborhoods throughout the United States.
We access a Collegiate Partners Program of colleges, universities and post-secondary schools across the United States that agrees not to reduce their grant aid when Dollars for Scholars scholarships come to their campuses. Many institutions also provide a matching amount of scholarship based on Dollars for Scholars awards.
Contact Utica Dollars for Scholars®
- LIKE and FOLLOW our Facebook page for current information: https://www.facebook.com/UticaDollarsforScholars
