Scholarships on File

Many colleges have their own scholarship opportunities. You can find these on individual college websites. Please see your counselor if any of them require a nomination.

Click here for a list of scholarships from The High School Counselors' Association of WNY. Please check back often, scholarships and deadlines can change. 

May 2026

2026 Series Scholarships for Academic Excellence

New York State offers awards based on academic excellence: the demonstrated ability to perform, achieve, and/or excel in scholastic activities.

• 1 award for $1500
• 7 awards for $500
• The selection criteria is based on class rank
• *no action is required by the student*

The Buffalo Police Athletic League - Lt. Craig Lehner Scholarship -This scholarship held by The Buffalo Police Athletic League was created in remembrance of Lt Lehner who dedicated his life to community service. The scholarship's goal is to assist and encourage deserving students seeking education in Criminal Justice and Law. For requirements and application, visit https://buffalopal.com/lieutenant-craig-lehner-scholarship-fund-page/ 

embraceWNY Grant/Scholarship -https://embracewny.org/  and click on Apply for Funding.  This Scholarship has a rolling deadline.

The Erie County Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs – Two - $500 college scholarships are available for qualifying seniors who are residents of Erie County and who plan on attending an accredited college with a major in any one of these areas: environmental conservation, law enforcement, or environmental pollution. Scholarship applications are available at https://www.ecfsc.org/scholarship/.  

Empire State Potato Growers, Inc – Applicant must be a NYS resident, pursuing an agricultural-related area of study. Click here for application. Deadline: May 1, 2026

Erie County Historical Federation Scholarship - $500 awarded to a high school senior planning to study history at an accredited institution of higher learning. Click here for more information.  Deadline: May 1, 2026

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo – High school seniors in good standing with a GPA of 2.0 or higher are considered for up to $6000 to be utilized toward educational expenses. Must be a resident of one of the eight counties in WNY.  Information is available at www.cfgbscholarships.org. Deadline: May 1, 2026

Erie County Committee of the American Legion and Past National Commander Michael J. Kogutek Scholarships- Two separate scholarships to available by visiting  www.eriecountyal.org
Deadline: May 1, 2026 

Garden Friends of Clarence Scholarship – This $500 annual scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Clarence High School senior who has excelled in a minimum of four science courses, has contributed significantly towards the beautification of their community and plans to pursue a career in science, technology or any of the following career paths: Landscape Design, Floral Design, Forestry, Environmental studies, Agriculture, Horticulture, Green Energy & Green Technologies, and other related fields. Applications are available by clicking here.  Deadline: May 8, 2026

The Italian American Police Association - The scholarships are in the names of two of our members who lost their lives in the line of duty. The scholarships are offered to high school seniors who have been accepted and will be attending college. Apply on-line at www.iapawny.org Deadline:  May 15, 2026

The Little Red Schoolhouse – $250 scholarships awarded to three seniors in high school who will be attending college in September 2026.  For qualifications and directions click here.  
Deadline:  May 15, 2026

Go To Girls, Inc. Kindness Award – Two - $1500 scholarships awarded to graduating seniors who exude the definition of kindness: “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate” to their peers, teachers, staff and throughout the community. Students who go above and beyond to ensure that others are not left alone and
gives generously of themselves with no expectation of reward or recognition. Visit: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=SL3so3KpcU664xM5zN_dNE2D879SO3BJtGMoqyAfoYdUMkVOS0dBNTNFUjdGQ1VJVFNZVExBSEJOUi4u&route=shorturl Deadline: May 15, 2026

One Story at a Time Foundation - In memory of Patrick Story, a beloved member of the Clarence Community. A $500 scholarship will be awarded to three students who embody the following characteristics: compassionate leadership, resilience and positive influence, and commitment to community and personal growth. Please submit an essay detailing your qualifying characteristics and submit to onestoryatatimefoundation@gmail.com.
Click here for more information. Deadline: May 31,2026

The Engineering Society of Buffalo, Inc. – Four $500 per semester scholarships are available to students who anticipate acceptance in an A.B.E.T www.abet.org certified engineering or technology program at WNY Institutions of higher learning. Applications are available by clicking here. Deadline: June 1, 2026

P.E.O. STAR Scholarship- For current year juniors. This is a non-renewable $2,500 scholarship for graduating high school senior women which must be used in the academic year following graduation or it will be forfeited. A woman is eligible to be recommended for the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship provided she exhibits excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service, and potential for future success. Must have a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Currently, a junior in high school. Will be 20 years of age or under at the end of senior year. Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada. Plans to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the United States or Canada, full-time or part-time, in the fall of the academic year following graduation. Recommended by and receives the vote of a local P.E.O. Chapter. Visit:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXHY0Jc46mvWWTHE8I3UxH3A6zIxP3ag_i-VnR3sVpSOderQ/viewform  Deadline: Sunday, June 14, 2026

Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship Program:
To apply for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Have completed high school (or equivalency) by July 1
Plan to attend a not-for-profit community college or trade/vocational school
Enroll in an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma program by September that will lead to employment
May not be enrolled in pre-requisite courses
Demonstrate financial need (applicants must show household income of $100,000 or less)
Be under the age of 35
Be a United States citizen
Visit: https://horatioalger.org/career-technical-education-scholarships/  
PRIORITY DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2026