Scholarship Criteria

ACAF’s scholarships vary in their criteria. Some are open to students from any school, attending any college, and in any academic program. Some scholarship donors, though, have established funds that benefit students from specific high schools, at certain colleges and studying in particular fields. See scholarship descriptions for additional information.

 

Allegany County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Allegany County Deputy Sheriffs to support students graduating this year from an Allegany County high school (homeschooled students may also benefit). This award is based upon need and merit. Applicants may be pursuing any career, though preference will go to those planning to work in criminal justice or related fields. This is a spring semester scholarship. Students chosen must submit their fall semester college grades for the award to be disbursed for the spring. GPA of 3.00 after the fall semester is required.

Alfred Wood Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the will of Alfred Wood to provide scholarship support to worthy students graduating this year from Cuba-Rushford Central School. This award is based upon need and have at least a 2.50 high school GPA. Applicants must plan to enroll in a college OR a university OR a technical training school (leading to a two year Associate degree). The applicants must also participate (at least 15 hours) in athletic activities OR clubs and organizations OR community service activities OR church/religious activities OR music/theater/arts activities.

Carl Atwell Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in December 2019 to provide scholarship support for graduating senior from Andover Central School. The recipient will show a record of athletic involvement and community involvement. Applicants must plan to enroll in a college OR a university OR a technical training school (leading to a two year Associate degree) or have committed to military service.

Dresser-Rand Scholarship

This scholarship was established by a gift from Dresser-Rand for the benefit of children and family of current and retired Dresser-Rand Wellsville employees. Recipients must plan to pursue one of the following courses of study: technical, manufacturing related, business, human resources, IT, supply chain, accounting, machining tool and welding technology, or drafting/CAD. This scholarship is based upon need and merit. This student must have at least a 2.5 high school GPA or a 2.5 college GPA.

Walter F. and Louisa A. Sibley Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the will of Louisa A. Sibley for graduates of the Cuba-Rushford School District. This scholarship is based upon need and merit. Applicants must be a senior in high school or already enrolled in college or graduate school. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 college GPA or at least a 2.0 high school GPA.

Julianne Doyle Bentley Memorial Scholarship

The Julianne Doyle Bentley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 for the benefit of a Cuba-Rushford or Wellsville student entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in college. This award is based upon merit.

Mary A. Bishop Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the will of Mary A. Bishop to provide scholarships to students residing in Allegany County who demonstrate general merit and need so they can attend the school of their choice. The recipients must attend college full time and have at least a 3.0 high school GPA or a 3.0 College GPA. The award is based upon need and merit.

Dr. Robert G. Hutter Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide a student in Allegany County a scholarship for Performing Arts or Finance on alternating years at Alfred University.  This year (2015) preference will be given to s student enrolled in a finance program. This is a need based scholarship.

Daniel R. McCarthy Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide scholarships for Cattaraugus and Allegany County students desiring to attain an associate degree in occupational studies. Award based on all-around general merit and financial need. The applicant must: be a U.S. citizen, have an 80 or above high school average, must be enrolled full-time (12 hour minimum)course of undergraduate study at an accredited college in Allegany county or Cattaraugus County where they can pursue a business education, and they must be pursuing or planning to pursue an Associate Degree program in one of the following fields of study: Accounting, Business Management, Office Technology, Administrative Medical Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Paralegal, or Computer Technology. Students must complete a new application each year. Students are eligible to apply to receive an award in each of the years they are studying as an undergraduate at a qualified institution, with a maximum of two annual awards within the three consecutive years after their graduation from high school or commencement of such undergraduate study. Recipients must have at least a 2.5 high school GPA or a 2.5 college GPA.

Highway Superintendents Scholarship

These $1,000 scholarships were established for students pursuing an engineering program at Alfred University or the Heavy Equipment Program at Alfred State SUNY College of Technology at Wellsville. The recipients must have attended a high school in Allegany County in New York State or had been a home schooled student living in Allegany County in New York State. The recipients must also have a family member who is employed by a municipal highway department within Allegany County in New York State? High school seniors with at least a 2.0 GPA and those currently in college with at least a 2.5 GPA may apply.

Joseph W. and Inez A. Hupp Scholarship

This scholarship was created by a bequest from Inez A. Hupp to award scholarships to students graduating from Cuba-Rushford Central School. The applicants must either be a senior in high school or already enrolled in college, and they must plan to attend full time. They also must attend or plan to attend a Four-Year College OR Two-Year College OR Graduate School. This is a need based award.

Edward Brewster Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the will of Pauline Brewster in honor of her husband Edward to provide scholarships for Whitesville Central School graduates who exhibit a strong work ethic and financial need. The applicant must be a senior in high school or already enrolled in college.

Marion W. Green Commitment to Community Scholarship

This scholarship was established to encourage students who attended the Scio High School to continue their education. Financial need is considered in making these grants to students that will achieve a degree or certification within two years. Students must show maturity, a commitment to sharing skills and resources as well as community service with a desire to help others learn. Students who live in Wellsville, NY and Belmont, NY but attended Scio High School are also eligible to apply for this award. Number and size of awards: Number of awards varies; up to $5000 renewable for one year (for a total of two years). Upon degree completion, an additional award of $5000 is given to create a permanent investment account in the recipient’s name. Allowed use of the award: The scholarship award must be applied to expenses of higher education including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and fees. The investment account award must be used to create a permanent account, and the student must participate in professional financial planning services. Applicants must attend or plan to attend a Four-Year College OR Two-Year College OR Vocational-Technical School OR Graduate School.

Renewal Criteria: This award is renewable for one year for a maximum of two awards. To renew the scholarship, students must complete and send into the Allegany County Area Foundation a “Verification Enrollment Form,” included with the original award letter. Students who have previously received the award and are enrolled or accepted in another degree or certificate program may apply for another award t that level.

Hobart Rhinehart Memorial Scholarship

This award will alternate between Allegany County and Cattaraugus County applicants until such time the fund grows large enough to have two $500 awards. The first award will go to a Cattaraugus County applicant.  The applicant must pursue a career in an education or a healthcare related field of study. The applicant must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. This award will go to an applicant who plans to enter his/her first year of college.

Wellsville Rotary Club Service Above Self Scholarships

The applicant must be a Wellsville High School senior who is planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college.  The applicant must be involved in extracurricular activities and with community service.

Kane Family Scholarship

The recipient must have graduated from the Genesee Valley Central High School with at least a B- average (80% or 2.7 GPA) or have a current college GPA of at least a 2.5.  Preference will be given to those going into one of the following fields of study: Finance, or Education (including Elementary Education, Music Education, & Physical Education).  Applicants must have demonstrated that they are highly motivated, and they will work hard to reach their goal.

M. Gretchen Probst Scholarship

Gretchen Probst, a longtime resident of Wellsville, recently created this new scholarship endowment fund at the Allegany County Area Foundation. The applicants for this scholarship must be high school seniors or current college students from Allegany County who plan to attend college or a trade school full time.

The applicants must be pursuing one of the following fields: electrician, carpenter, bricklayer, mechanic (for cars and/or trucks), plumbing and heating, refrigeration, or attending the LPN Program at BOCES.

Financial need will be a consideration.

In the event no applicant meets all of the above criteria for this scholarship, preference will be given to an applicant who meets most of the criteria.

The Dennis J. Amore Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will benefit the graduates of the Friendship Central School. This scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior or a current college student who must have a 3.0 GPA. The applicants must have participated on a high school athletic team and in a community service project within the last twelve months.

Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship

This award will assist students from Friendship or Genesee Valley central schools.

The first award will be made in the fall of 2020.

Beverly Grantier Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship fund will benefit students who attended a high school in Allegany County or those who are home schooled and living in Allegany County. Preference will be given to those applicants who pursue a nursing program at a two or four year college. The applicant’s community service activities and financial need will also be considered.

Belva A. Waite Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the will of Belva A. Waite for students residing in Allegany County pursuing undergraduate studies based on all-around high school performance. The recipients must have graduated or plan to graduate from a high school in Allegany County.

Mary Lou Canessa Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a worthy Wellsville High School Senior.  This award will be based upon need.

General Scholarship

These scholarships will be awarded to students who have attended high school in Allegany County in New York State. The awards will be based upon need and merit. The applicants must have at least a 2.50 high school GPA or at least a 2.50 college GPA.eed.

The Marie Miller Gleason Scholarship

This fund was established by David Scholes in honor of his mother. The scholarship will benefit Belfast Central School graduating seniors who are in the first generation of their families to attend a four year college, to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics also commonly known as STEM skills. The recipient must be a first generation college student. The award is based upon merit.

Stephen V. Ambroselli Scholar Incentive Award

This scholarship will be awarded to a Genesee Valley Central School student who will be enrolled full time at St. Bonaventure University. This scholarship is based upon merit. The applicant must be a high school senior or currently enrolled at St. Bonaventure University. They also must plan on receiving a Bachelor’s degree.

Leonard and Margaret Kelley Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of Mr. & Mrs. Kelley as a lasting memorial.  Seniors at or graduates of Genesee Valley and Fillmore central school who are or will be studying at a SUNY college or St. Bonaventure University may benefit from this award. The first scholarship from this new fund will be awarded in the fall of 2021.

Ian Gregory Bole Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of Ian Gregory Bole to provide a scholarship for a graduate of the Career and Technical Belmont Center who will pursue or is currently pursuing a career in Manufacturing/ Engineering at Alfred State SUNY College of Technology. The applicant must attend college full time.

Lois M. Lilly Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the will of Lois M. Lilly to provide scholarships to assist worthy residents of Allegany County in attending the college or university of their choice. Preference is given to a Belfast Central School graduate who has at least a 2.50 college GPA or at least a 2.50 high school GPA and who plans to attend college full time. The applicant must be a senior in high school or already enrolled in college.

George and Ella Shear Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Ella Shear to provide scholarships to graduates of Scio Central School, with preference to students pursuing a career in elementary education. This is a need and merit based scholarship. The applicant must have at least a 2.50 college GPA or at least a 2.50 high school GPA. The applicant must also be a high school senior or already enrolled in college.

William F. Farnsworth Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by friends of William F. Farnsworth for graduates of Genesee Valley Central School, with preference to students pursuing a career in education. This is a need and merit based scholarship. The recipient must have at least a 2.50 college GPA or at least a 2.50 high school GPA . The applicant must be a senior in high school or already enrolled in college.

Non-Traditional Education Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by a gift from Irene Fisk for residents of Allegany County covering up to 75% of the total cost for those seeking to improve their current skills. Financial need is considered. You may apply for this scholarship at any time during the year. This scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing a certificate rather than a degree. (Example: cosmetology, welding, etc.) The recipients must be a resident of Allegany County in New York State.

The Presutti Family Scholarship

For this scholarship preference will be given to Genesee Valley Central School graduates who are residents of Allegany County. Preference will also be given to veterans and those working in public service. Financial need will be considered. Recipients must have at least a 2.50 college GPA or at least a 2.0 high school GPA. Recipients must also plan to pursue one of the following fields of study: Accounting, Human Services, Political Science, Public Service, or Social Sciences.

Karen A. Kunz Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to support a student who intends to pursue a degree in Business and Economics OR Accounting OR Finance and who has financial need. An applicant may reapply for their second year. The applicant must attend high school in Allegany County in New York State OR attend the Hinsdale High School in New York State OR the Portville High School in New York State?

Renewal Criteria:The student must submit an application for both years. They also must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5 at the end of the first year. They must also submit a copy of their grades after completion of year one for this scholarship to Patty Oliver at P.O. Box 167, Belfast, NY 14771.

John C. Robertson and Flora S. Whitman Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established for the benefit of a Cuba-Rushford student. Only college sophomores, juniors and seniors shall be eligible for this scholarship. Preference shall be given to those studying conservation, ecology, and allied fields. Scholastic achievement and need shall be considered. The recipient must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The recipient must have at least a 2.50 college GPA.

Betty Embser Wattenberg Community Service Scholarship

This scholarship was established for the benefit of a Wellsville High School student.   The recipient must be a graduate of the Wellsville High School with preference given to a student entering their first year of college.  The recipient must plan on becoming a social worker or pursuing a career in community service or healthcare related fields. These fields would include the following: Clinical Nutrition, Exercise Science, Health Aide and Home Health Aide, Health and Medical Administrative Services, Health and Medical Assisting Services, Health and Medicine, General Health Diagnosis, Intervention, and Treatment, Health Sciences, General, Mental and Social Health Services, Pre-medicine, Public Health and Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Community Organization and Advocacy, Human Services, Public Services, Social Work & Youth Services.  Each applicant  must write an essay about why they want to pursue a career in their chosen field. The essay should be no longer than 500 words in length.

Ann Swift Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The recipient must be a graduate of the Cuba-Rushford High School.  As a high school senior the recipient must have at least a 2.5 GPA.  The recipient must plan to enroll in an accredited LVN/LPN or RN Degree Program. (If no recipient meets this requirement, preference will be given to someone who plans to enroll in a medical field of study.)  The recipient must have good character, honesty and motivation to work hard and achieve career goals in the medical field.

Wellsville Central School General Scholarship

The recipients for this scholarship will be those who graduate from the Wellsville High School who plan to attend college full time. They must have attended the Wellsville High School for all four years. Also, preference will be given to a student who has financial need. This scholarship program is inactive at this time.

Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship

The Leslie Newland Thomas Memorial Scholarship has been established by the family and friends of Leslie Newland Thomas who passed away in 2006.  This scholarship fund will benefit the students who attend the Wellsville High school.  Preference will be given to those who are pursuing degree in Music Education and/or teaching; have a commitment to the community and helping those in need through volunteerism; and those who are involved in music activities within their school and/or community.

The Foundation has been affiliated with Dollars for Scholars since 2004. While DFS is a national organization, the funds for our scholarships have been donated locally.

Dollars for Scholars has a number of Collegiate Partners. SOME of these schools will match a portion of your DFS scholarship award.