External Scholarships

AAUW Buffalo Branch Scholarships

Description: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers several scholarships plus interest-free loans and grants, providing financial support to college students in the Western New York area. Applicants, women or men, must demonstrate superior academic achievement, have potential for achieving their academic and career goals, and, for some of the awards, show financial need.

Requirements:

• Review the applicable scholarship opportunity applied for as each have varying eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Deadline: February 13, 2027

Loan Deadlines: May 01 / December 01

Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) Scholarships | Including EXCELSIOR

• NYS Scholarships are awarded based on various factors. Some may require certain conditions to be met or have a service component.

John P. Feroleto Memorial Scholarship Fund

Description: The John Feroleto Memorial Scholarship supports students who exemplify John’s values of perseverance, public service, and advocacy. The scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduate or law students; specifically first-generation college students or students who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving their communities.

Requirements:

• Entering or enrolled in a college/university/law school.
• First generation college student OR significant commitment to public service, advocacy, or community involvement.
• GPA minimum: 3.0.

Scholarship Deadline: March 31, 2027

Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program

Description: SMART scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships, mentorship, and opportunities for research funding. After graduation, they have the opportunity to begin their civilian career with the Department of Defense working as nonmilitary government employees solving complex national security challenges in their fields.

Requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom.
• Be 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2028.
• Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be currently pursuing, or intend to pursue in Fall 2027 a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a SMART STEM discipline.
• Planning to attend, or enrolled in, a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
• Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Be requesting between 1-5 years of degree funding. Degree funding will start in August 2027.
• Complete summer internships for awards greater than 1.5 years.
• Accept a one-for-one post graduation service commitment as a civilian employee of the Department of Defense.

Deadline: December 1, 2026

TeachNY Scholarships

Description: The TeachNY Classic Scholarship award is intended for any future educator applying to a teaching program.

Requirements:

• Apply to participating teaching program.
• Submit the application with proof of application by the deadline.

Additional Considerations:

TeachNY can also reimburse up to $100.00 for expenses such as:

• Application fees.
• Transcript fees.
• Public transportation to and from interviews and/or testing.
• Testing fees.
• Test prep materials.
• Program deposits.

Deadline: January 31, 2027

The Ford Philanthropy Scholarship

Description: The Ford Philanthropy Scholarship is a program for two-year and four-year college students pursuing careers in STEM fields connected to the automotive and mobility industries. It also assists students participating in apprenticeship programs within these sectors.

Requirements:

• Major Requirement – Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Software Engineering.
• Must attend an accredited college or university full-time.
• Resident of Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Louisville, Marshall/Battle Creek, Michigan, or West Tennessee.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Scholarship Deadline: September 15, 2026

The George Chin Memorial Scholarship

Description: The George Chin Memorial Scholarship offers five $1,500.00 scholarship awards to deserving students.

Requirements:

• Nominated by a NYSFAAA campus member (Financial Aid Administrator).
• Complete the Student Scholarship Application.
• 1-page typed essay covering: (1) insight into your special circumstances/background, and (2) your personal/career goals and strategies for achieving them.

Scholarship Deadline: October 9, 2026