Foundation Awards $91,000 in Scholarships

Twenty-six Schenectady County high school seniors have won assistance to pursue college degrees through scholarships awarded last month by The Schenectady Foundation – the largest amount awarded since the Foundation began its scholarship programs in 1974.

The Foundation supports four scholarships:

The Anna Hudson Erbacher Teaching Scholarship provides up to $10,000 to graduating seniors pursuing a degree to become an educator. A total of $40,000 was granted to: Aidan Ford (Niskayuna), Lesly Garcia (Niskayuna), Kaylee Beehm (Schenectady), Regan Crary-Gracz (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake), Laurel Karp (Mohonasen) and Apollonia Alois (Schenectady).

The Schenectady STEM Scholarship was established for Schenectady High School students by a former GE scientist, Sanford Shuler, to help inspire and empower the next generation of innovators in STEM fields. This year $10,000 was awarded to each student: Dylan Slater (Biology/Psychology/Medicine), Cole Bogdanowicz-Wilson (Physics), and Sonia Bhola (Physics/Aerospace Engineering).

Our Build Your Future Vocational Scholarship supports students to obtain certificates or degrees in a vocational field, toward a career in the trades. One student, Sage Steenburgh, of Scotia-Glenville High School, was awarded $5,000 toward her degree in Automotive Technology.

The Foundation’s Good Neighbor Awards recognize students’ civic involvement and good character, with selection based on financial need. Sixteen $1,000 scholarships will be awarded by Schenectady County High Schools at their June graduation awards ceremonies.

The Foundation remains committed to supporting our students to advance their education and careers, especially as college costs continue to rise. To help us increase the number of students assisted, and the amount of our scholarships, please consider making a gift to our Scholarship Fund Campaign.