Current Local Scholarships
These scholarships are listed in order of their due dates, located at the end of the scholarship name. These due dates are just approximate, as they often change each year. The actual due date is on the scholarship forms. Because due dates vary every year please apply far in advance. These are scholarships Brocton students have won in the past, or appear within reach for our students. If you have trouble locating the applications on the linked websites, come to the BCS Guidance Office for help. Always allow at least one week before a scholarship is due to collect transcripts, references, write essays, and other required items.
Fredonia State is offering direct admissions program for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus county students who have above an 85% weighted GPA.
Email a Fredonia Admissions representative for more information.
Regular NYS/Federal Monies for College to be aware of: PELL, TAP, EXCELSIOR, Federal Student Loans, DREAM.US. Information on these can be regularly found online.
LEAP Program: helps students with financial need.
Questbridge Scholarship - full tuition - opens Aug. 1st, deadlines are Sept. 26 and Oct. 12.
Outstanding scholarship program for fully paying for college.
Trocaire Nursing Grant - full tuition! -deadlines depend on when you choose to enroll
There is a wonderful grant opportunity through NYS to Fully Fund Students Seeking Registered and Practical Nurse Degrees (limited timeframe for this opportunity). Trocaire College has signed a participation agreement for 2025. This is an opportunity for students to not only attend college tuition free, but have textbooks, supplies, and other fees and materials covered by this grant. New students can start in spring or fall. What is the catch? Participants must sign an agreement to work for an organization after graduation that serves 30% Medicaid clients for three years. This is NOT a heavy lift as most local hospitals, community centers, and many long-term care facilities qualify. The grant also provides job placement services.
Email the program director at info@trocaire.edu.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) -- must do this form to attend college - Dec. to Feb.
This is the first step for obtaining scholarships. All colleges require this to assess how much your family can pay. Then they assign scholarships that might be available for you. They also use this to give you a payment plan and information on student grants and loans. This year (2025) you will start filing this in December. You use your tax report from 2 years ago (not this past year). If you choose not to o
FASTWEB is a highly recommended source for scholarships, internships, plus lots of other resources.
CSEA Free College Classes - college class tuition - due around Aug. 15
Vouchers for two free college classes if you work a state job over the summer.
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution - $500 - Oct. 15
Outstanding grades with and interest in history, education, medicine, government, politics or science. Community service is a plus. Need reference letters and essay. They also offer scholarships for Native Americans.
Voice of Democracy VFW - from $1000 to $35,000 - Oct. 30
Prepare an original audio essay of 3-5 minutes on the topic.
American Legion, NY State Oratorical Contest - $ each level - due Oct. 31
For speeches about the constitution. Scholarship amount increases at each level, beginning with $75 locally at the John W. Dill Post. Top national winner receives $18,000. Speeches must be written and memorized by the beginning of Nov. Applications are in the Guidance Office.
American Legion, NY Boys'/Girls' State Leadership Program - no cost - Oct. 31
Being a part of this program helps you to win scholarships.
Elks Scholarships - $4,000 to $50,000 - Nov. 15 and Feb. 5
For Elks members and relatives, and outstanding academics.
Buff State Physics Scholarships - $4,000 up to 8,500 per year - November 29
for the Physics Program or Physics/Engineering/Math and also for 3 yr. transfers to Univ. at Buffalo
Hagan Scholarship - $12,000 - Dec. 12
a need-based merit scholarship for small communities, income under $85,000, GPA 3.5, must have 240 hours of outside employment during the Spring of your Senior year. They award 1000 of these, so it is worth applying for.
Northwestern PA Artists Assoc. Scholarship - $1,000-$3,000 - Dec. 15
Must submit 10 digital art projects, a 300 word essay, and some other items.
Military Scholarship Information Day - free tuition - Dec. 30
This is a Shadow Day for students interested in ROTC training. It is held every President's Day in February. It is a GREAT experience with a Leadership Lab, food, drills, ceremonies, college classroom shadowing - even parent sessions. You learn about all the colleges nearby that offer ROTC scholarships. Apply by Dec. 30, although there is some leniency with that deadline.
Credit Union Scholarships - $500 to $1000 - Jan. 16 and Mar. 12
For excellent academics and community service.
Potato Growers Scholarship - $1000 - Jan. 1
For furthering studies in agriculture and a related field.
Please get an application from the Guidance Office.
Greater Buffalo Comm. Foundation Scholarships - $ various - Jan. 1 to June
One application allows you to be selected for several scholarships. Must have a 2.0 GPA and be accepted to college.
https://www.cfgb.org/community-change/initiatives/scholarships/
Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation Scholarships - $ various - Feb. 1 to June
One application allows you to be selected for several scholarships.
Grow Ag (Agricultural) Leaders and FFA Scholarship - $1,500 - 352 awards - due Jan. 8
Pursuing a degree in an agricultural related field, 2.5 GPA and recommendation from two farmers.
American Quarter Horse Association Scholarship - up to $35,000 - 50 awards - due Jan. 14
Criteria: Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, financial need and Quarter Horse involvement, as well as an applicant’s outstanding leadership and communication skills. Submitted materials must include a completed application form with financial information, resume, three reference letters or appraisal forms, and transcript. Students applying for a state or regional scholarship will also need to provide proof of membership in their state affiliate. The website has a webinar for more information on this scholarship.
DEWALT Trades Scholarship - $5000 - 40 awards - due Jan. 15
Criteria: A GPA of 2.0 and Enrolling in a 2-year vocational-technical school for any of the following: automotive, aviation, carpentry, construction, diesel, electrical, fire control, heavy equipment, HVAC, machinery, manufacturing, pipefitting, plumbing, welding., culinary, cosmetology, and hospitality. Check the website for other options.
Lyons Aviation Foundation Scholarship - $1,500 - 1 awards - due Jan. 17
Criteria: do not yet hold a Private Pilot license, must begin program within 8 months of receiving the scholarship.
Trocaire Nursing Training - $ complete tuition plus books - due Jan. 20
2025: A grant is making this free nursing training opportunity free. This is a huge and rare opportunity.
Trocaire can certainly answer any questions you or a prospective student may have on admission to the PN and RN programs by sending an email to info@trocaire.edu.
Damar Hamlin Scholarship - $ ? - opens Feb. 1
See this link for criteria: https://www.buffalobills.com/news/damar-hamlin-announces-scholarship-program-in-honor-of-buffalo-bills-athletic-training-staff
American Welding Society - $ 2500-7000 - 130 awards! - due Feb. 28
Two letters of recommendations are required.
Applicant must have an official transcript set by email or mail directly from the school.
Some National Scholarships require demonstrated financial need, which means the cost of attendance exceeds the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as found on the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR must be submitted in addition to cost of attendance documentation to be eligible for these scholarships.
Some scholarships require or have a preference for applicants to be a member of AWS. To apply for an AWS student membership, please visit the Student Membership page.
Students who are currently enrolled in vocational schools, technical colleges, community colleges, or universities should apply if they meet the needed criteria.
United Food & Commercial Workers Scholarships - $500 to $4000 - open Feb. to May 12
The Union Plus Scholarship Program awards scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need, and commitment to the values of organized labor. Some are simply unqualified benefits for members.
McDonald's Hispanic Heritage HACER Scholarship - $5000 up to $100,000! - 30 awards - Feb. 6
For having at least one parent of Hispanic heritage and a GPA of 2.8.
American Council of the Blind - $2000 to $7,500 - 22 awards - Feb. 14
Criteria: working 32 hours per week in the Fall, part or full time student, legally blind, community service, and a GPA of 3.0.
CISCO - $2000 - Feb. 15
For children of Construction trade Union members
KFC Trades or College Scholarship - $2500 to $20,000 - 500 awards - Feb. 16
Criteria: GPA of 2.5, employee of KFC, an essay, and enrolling in a trade school or college for the fall.
WNY Safety Conference - $1000 - Feb. 19
For students pursuing safety, health, and criminal justice careers
Please see the Guidance office for a paper application.
Character Excellence Scholarship - $1000 - Feb. 23
For an essay on many character traits that help you to be successful and your goals to help those around you.
https://charactercouncilwny.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/scholarship-pdf.pdf
American Legion Auxiliary - $2000-5000 (4)- Feb. 26
For various criteria: some are for Junior Auxiliary members, and some are for descendants of veterans. Other criteria include: non-traditional student, essays, leadership, goals, financial need, grades, 50 hours of community service.
Information in the BCS Guidance office.
Information Security - $1000-5000 - 20 awards - Feb. 27
For studies in cybersecurity. Must have GPA of 3.3. Must plan ahead and show extra studies or projects or extracurriculars related to programming and cybersecurity.
Please see the Guidance office for a paper application.
Agriculture Future of America - $1600-3200 - 100 awards - Mar. 5
For being enrolled in an agriculture or food-related degree program. You will need to commit to 10 hours of community service during college.
NY Schools Insurance Reciprocal Scholarships - $1000-5000 - 14 awards - Mar. 6
3 different scholarships for some of these criteria: a successful special needs student who has overcome challenges, character, inventive, resourceful, creative, social justice and humanitarian relief.
Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship bold.org - $5000 - 2 awards - Mar. 7
Nabi Nicole was a beloved sister who recently passed away due to a stroke. During her career, Nabi was an award-winning customer service representative for multiple corporations, but her true calling was one of faith. Nabi loved to preach in church, counsel others in her church community, and work with the youth of the community. This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Nabi Nicole by supporting other people who share her faith and ambition. Any student who is an underrepresented minority with financial need may apply for this scholarship. To apply, tell us about a time when you relied on your faith to overcome a certain obstacle or challenge.
Junior League of Buffalo - $2000 - March 8
For Leadership and Strong Academic Performance
Farm Bureau of NY - $250 - $3000 - March 11
For working on a farm or an agricultural connection and being a member of the Student Farm Bureau which you can easily join for free. Some essays are required.
Farm Credit of WNY scholarship - $ ? - March 13
We are looking to award this scholarship to someone who is pursuing a career in agriculture, forestry, commercial fishing or a related field.
4-H Beef Scholarship - $ ? - March 14
For 3 years in 4-H and a beef project. Applications in the BCS Guidance office.
http://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=crcfonlinescholarship
Zonta Club of Jamestown - $1000 (2) - March 30?
Two scholarships for women. For community service, business studies, financial need, and advancing the status of women. There are 2 awards: one for entering the professions, and one for entering the business field.
Firemen's Assn. of the State of NY - $1500 - March 15
Being a member of the fire service and showing community service.
JUNIORS ONLY: Alfred Univ. Scholars Award - $30,000 - March 15
Must be attending Alfred State Univ. and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you are interested in art or engineering you could receive $18,000 per year.
Info at the BCS Guidance Office.
Pilot International Scholarship for a Career in Helping Youth - $1500 -22 awards - March 16
For pursuing a career in helping youth or young adults developing leadership and potential, helping with youth mental health, and caring for families.
Rupp Astronomy Scholarship - $5000 - March 30
For interest in Astronomy, 3.0 average, essay and reside in western NY.
4-H Hog Scholarship - $ ? - March 30
For 3 years in 4-H and a hog project, and pursuing studies in agriculture, business, education, or vocational studies. Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
http://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=crcfonlinescholarship
Eighth District Federated Garden Clubs - $1000 - March 30
For Environmental Studies
Jim & Delores Selan Memorial Scholarship Fund (NCCF) - $? - April 1
For Environmental Studies, forestry, ornithology. Accepted at Cornell or Syracuse Univ. Top 3rd of class. Offered through NCCF.
Paper application in Guidance Office.
JUNIORS ONLY: Corning Summer Science Research Experience application - $ internship - due April 1
Corning Incorporated's 2023 Office of STEM Summer Science Research Experience, to be held in Corning, NY, for rising high school seniors (current 11 graders). This unpaid research experience is designed to allow students who demonstrate a high interest and competency in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) the opportunity to enrich their skills through practical application in a real-world setting. Students are matched with a mentor in one of Corning’s Research, Development or Engineering laboratories and work on real-world projects for a period of 6 – 8 weeks during the summer. More information is attached. Completed applications and supporting materials must be emailed to OfficeOfSTEM@corning.com by 5pm on April 3, 202___. If you have any questions or need additional information, please email OfficeOfSTEM@corning.com or visit www.corning.com/officeofstem.
Corrections Officers Benefits - varies - due in April
for being the son/daughter of a Corrections Officer
Chaut. Co. Counselors' Assn. - $ varies - April 1
For students going into counseling or education.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Matthew Hazelton Scholarship for Safety-Related Field - April 1
For students going into law enforcement, criminal justice, and any safety related field.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Alice Reding Connell Nursing Scholarship - $ ? - April 1
Must be accepted into a college Nursing Program and have a 2.5 GPA.
Timothy Ryan Memorial Scholarship (NCCF) - $ ? - April 1
For students going into trades or vocational school. Boy Scout. Shows character and is family oriented. Attended BOCES. Community Service.
Paper applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Beatrice N. Price Memorial - $ varies - April 1
Majoring in education and top third of class.
Applications in the Guidance office.
Leon D. Price Memorial - $ varies - April 1
Majoring in education and top third of class.
Applications in the Guidance office.
Cliver and Cliver Scholarship - $500 - April 1
For overcoming family hardships and foster care. Applications also available in the BCS Guidance Office.
St. Joseph's School Scholarship - $500 - April 1
For planning to teach special needs children, good character, and financial need. Student needs to submit a letter with career goals, reasons for teaching special needs students, and a letter of reference from the Guidance Office.
Submit these items to the BCS Guidance Office. and also to NCCF, 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk.
Westfield-Mayville Rotary Scholarships - $1000-1500 (3) - April 8
For grades, community service, leadership, essay, resume, etc.
Chaut. Co. Assn. of Office Professionals - up to $750 - April 11
For high scholarship and goals.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Future Technician Scholarships for HS Seniors - up to $20,000 - April 14
For students going into trade school for the heavy truck industry driving and maintenance, etc.
Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen - up to $600 - April 15
For being a SWAVF junior member, or related to a Fireman.
*Chautauqua Region Community Foundation - $ VARIOUS - Apply between April 15 & July 15
**** This is the most important application to fill out. This is one GENERAL application that gives you a chance at MANY scholarships.
NYWEA New York Water Environment Association - 3 awards $1500, 1250 & 1000 - April 19
For being enrolled in an environmental major in college, as well as academics, community service, extra-curricular activities, references, and personal goals.
Paper application available in the BCS Guidance Office.
Chaut. Co. Joint Veterans Council - $250 - April 29
For relatives of a veteran, good grades, and community service.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Far Western New York Nursing Scholarship - $ various - April 28
Must be accepted into a school of nursing. Need to attach HS transcript and college school of nursing acceptance letter.
Paper applications in the Guidance Office.
American Legion, Kogutek Family Scholarship - $1500, 2 awards - April 30
Community Service or Legion support is a plus.
Chaut. Lake Fishing Assn. - $500 - 2 awards - April 20
For studies in conservation or environment, grades and accomplishments.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Patrick K. Coughlin RO Foundation Scholarship - $1000 (2)- April 21
For Grades 3.0 and above, community service, and leadership. Essay and two reference letters required.
Information and application in the BCS Guidance Office.
Soldier's Friend Fenton History Center Scholarship - $1000 - April 20
For a Chaut. Co. Grad going into the military and has been involved in the community.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
Family Health Medical Services FHMS Health & Sciences Scholarship - $ 1000 - April 30
For excellent academics, a Chaut. Co. student who is pursuing studies in public health, health science, nursing, or another health-related field. Must already be enrolled in college and submit the application which includes a 500 word essay.
Application information available in the BCS Guidance office.
Douglas W. Richardson Scholarship - $ ? - April 30
For excellent academics: studies in the health field would be a plus.
Brocton Fire Company, EMS Scholarship - $500 - May 1
For students pursuing a health related job.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame - up to $1000 - April 30
At least 2 scholarships: an Education Scholarship and a Songwriter's scholarship.
Ben Spitale Memorial Labor Scholarship- $ ? - May 1
Ben Spitale Memorial Labor Scholarship Fund: To assist an ambitious and industrious undergraduate student who has a sense of community and who is a member of the Jamestown Area Labor Council or has a parent or guardian who is in good standing of a union in Jamestown Area Labor Council.
Brocton Fire Company, Athletic Scholarship - $500 - May 1
For student athletes.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
Brocton Fire Company, Bob Miller Trade School Scholarship - $500 - May 1
For students pursuing a business or trade career.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club - $500 - May 1
For Life Hardship Overcome, physical or mental. Please submit a letter of interest, a short autobiography explaining the challenges you have faced, plus a summary of your work, activities, and community service.
Submit this to the BCS Guidance Office.
Dunkirk Area Labor Council- $400 - May 1
For Trade School, Auto Body, etc.
https://nysaflcio.org/dunkirk-area-labor-council-afl-cio/union-member-benefits
American Legion, John W. Dill - $1000 - May 1
Community Service or Legion support is a plus.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
American Legion, Erie County- $500, 3 awards - May 3
Community Service or Legion support is a plus.
Excelsior Scholarship - finishes tuition costs - May
Makes tuition in NYS free, has some stipulations. To obtain: first you file your FAFSA, then your TAP, then in May or June this scholarship opens up. You can sign up online for notifications of the exact opening date.
American Legion, Richard M. Pedro - $1000 - May 3
For being a relative of a Veteran.
https://nylegion.net/scholarship-in-memory-of-pnc-richard-pedro/o/
Chaut. Co. Principal's Association - $500 - May 10
For pursuing a career in education and extracurricular activities.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
988 Be the Hero Scholarship - $1000(1) & $500 (4) - May 14
For pursuing a certification in emergency medical services or mental health and appreciation of the service of veterans.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
John Rondenell Scholarships - $500 - May 15
Mr. Rondenell was a Brocton WW2 recipient of a Bronze star, for cleverly eliminating a German tank and helping his Combat Engineer Army Unit in many ways. These awards are given for good scholastics and citizenship. An interest in technical skills is a plus, but not required.
Please provide a letter of interest showing good scholastics, financial need, character and citizenship to the BCS Guidance Office.
Brocton Teacher Association - $ varies - 2 awards - May 15
For dedication and financial need.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
Ruth Barker Winch Scholarship - $ various - May 15
For dedication to college, good scholastics, citizenship, character, motivation, and also financial need. Working toward teaching special needs students is a plus.
Paper application form in the Guidance Office.
Chaut. Fallen Heroes Fund - $250 - May 15
For relatives of a veteran, good grades, and community service. Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Southern Tier Legal Secretaries Margaret E. Brodine Scholarship - 2 awards - $500 - May 17
to be used towards the continuing education of a high school senior with an emphasis on the legal and/or business fields..
Applications in the Guidance office.
Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation Group of Scholarships - about 11 scholarships are available - $ large range - May 20
Grades, community service, career plan, and financial need.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
American Legion, John W. Dill Sgt. Manzella-Lapeira Scholarship - $1000 - May 27
For being a relative of a Veteran.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
BCS Alumni Association - $1000 - May 27
For community service, extra-curricular activities, good scholarship. Relatives who are alumni is a plus, but NOT required.
Please visit the BCS Guidance Office for an application.
Ellsworth Emmett Memorial Science Award - $150 - May 31
For the BCS student with the highest average on 3 Regents Science Exams.
Email a letter of interest to Ms. Putcher, BCS Guidance Counselor.
Chaut. Co. Municipal Clerks Association - $300 - 2 awards - May 31
For a career in local government or public service.
Applications in the BCS Guidance Office.
Chaut. Co. Retired Teachers' Assn. - $ ? - June 1
For those students seeking to major in education, the Southern Chautauqua County Retired Teachers’ Association offers a special scholarship through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The SCCRTA established the Southern Chautauqua County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Fund in 2001. It is an endowment fund designed to assist area students pursuing a teaching degree. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed a total of $19,000 to over thirty-five area students.
American Legion Richard M. Pedro - $1000 - June 16
For dedication and goals to help people in the Health Field. Applications available in the BCS Guidance Office.
Hadden Scholarships - $5000 - only Feb. 1 to June 1
For low income students with GPA of 3.5 or higher. Based on character, leadership, & community service. Renewable each year if you maintain a 3.0 average in college.
SchoolHouse for Homelessness Schol. Program - $ 2500 - June 20
For experiencing homelessness within the last 6 years. You are allowed 1 gap hear before starting college.
Chaut. Co. Home Auxiliary - up to $ ? - June 20
For dedication and goals to help people in the Health Field. Applications available in the BCS Guidance Office.