Using money they have collected, they offer scholarships to students to further their education. Although the bulk of the scholarships are offered to high school seniors, some funds may be available for advanced study. 

 

The funds held by the foundation come from individuals, families, companies, and nonprofit groups. The funds are often established to memorialize or honor an individual and the guideline for each scholarship is different. Therefore, you should read them carefully to see if you qualify.

 

Below is a list of scholarships currently available:

 

Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship (Two awards for $1,000 each): Coach Ken Baker spent nearly 40 years as a teacher and coach at East Greenbush, Hoosick Falls, and Cambridge School Districts, where he brought out the very best in the hundreds of young men and women that he touched.  This scholarship was established to ensure that the legacy of Coach Baker will live on through the awarding of scholarships to deserving high school seniors from both Hoosick Falls and Cambridge schools each year.

 

 

Michele Brunette Scholarship Fund ($2,200): For a graduating senior from Troy High School who has demonstrated academic achievement, leadership skills, and evidence of financial need. The recipient must have clear career goals and must be accepted to either a two- or four-year college or university.

Michael J. Campbell Memorial Scholarship: To enable students to attend a two-year New York State private or public college, for the full two years, to earn an Associate’s Degree in Construction Technology, Building Construction/Building Trades or a closely related field. Applications are available from high school guidance offices or The Community Foundation.

 

 

Doviak Scholarship for the Arts ($500):  This scholarship is awarded to a student entering a 2 or 4 year college or university to study in an arts-related field.  Student must be a high school senior residing in Schenectady County and attending Schenectady High Sayles School of Fine Arts.  Student must have completed several volunteer activities over the course of their high school career; special consideration given to applicants that have completed projects that focus on literacy-based initiatives with children under age 12.

Leonard K. Doviak Memorial Scholarships (two awards each year at $1,000):  These awards are for students entering a 2 or 4 year college or university to study any field.  Students must be high school seniors residing in Schenectady County.  Students must have achieved a high school academic GPA between 75% and 85%.

 

Tina A. Dailey Memorial Scholarship ($1,500): For a graduating Shenendehowa High School senior who has demonstrated academic achievement and an interest in working with children. The student must be accepted to a four-year college or university to pursue a career in elementary education.

 

C. Michael Darcy Scholarship: To honor Mr. Darcy’s dedication to unionism by benefiting members of PEF Region I, grade 18 or less. The scholarship helps pay tuition not covered by G.O.E.R. vouchers and/or additional higher education expenses. Applications are available from the Region 8 office or The Community Foundation. Scholarships are awarded each spring. Down Syndrome - Aim High Scholarship ($2,000): To benefit students who will assist those with Down Syndrome by pursuing education and a career in the field of special education or speech, physical, or occupational therapy.

 

Dunham Hollow Scholarship:  To support a resident of the Dunham Hollow-West Stephentown community to attend a trade school.

Don Forsyth “Circle K” Scholarship ($4,300): To provide recognition and financial assistance to individual members of Circle K clubs who have demonstrated exceptional community service.

 

Ruth Goldstein Memorial Music Scholarship ($500) : For a graduating senior from a Capital Region high school who will continue on to study music education or music performance.  Special consideration will be given to students whose major instrument is of the woodwind family, piano students who accompany others, or students who demonstrate financial need. 

 

William Randolph Hearst Scholarship ($4,800): For students who have been accepted into ninth grade at a Capital Region private high school, but would be unable to attend without additional financial assistance.

 

Shirley Kelly Scholarship ($10,000): Established in honor of Mrs. Kelly’s 80th birthday to enable a student from Columbia High School (East Greenbush) to pursue an education and career in elementary education. Applications are available in the Columbia High School guidance office and from the Community Foundation.

 

Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship: Established in memory of Edna A. Lauterbach, RN, former president of Competent Care, Inc. and American Care, Inc., this scholarship is open to nurses in New York State who are seeking to enhance their skills through business-related education. Scholarships are awarded to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses residing in New York State.

 

Herbert K. and Isabel C. Liebich Four-Year Scholarship ($20,000): Established to honor the founders of Albany Frosted Foods, one of the original companies to form Sysco Corporation, by awarding a scholarship each year to the children of employees or retirees of Sysco Foods of New York, Inc.. Applications are available each spring from any of the Sysco Foods of New York, Inc. personnel offices. Awards are paid over four years. 

 

Herbert K. Liebich Two-Year College Scholarship (Two awards for $4,500 each): Established to honor Mr. Liebich’s lifelong work and to recognize his dedication to education, by awarding a scholarship in his name each year to the children of employees or retirees of Sysco Foods of New York, Inc. Applications are available each spring from any of the Sysco Foods of New York, Inc. personnel offices. Awards are paid over two years.

 

Niskayuna Community Foundation Scholarship:  Established to provide scholarships for students who reside within the Town of Niskayuna or the Niskayuna Central School District.  The student must have been accepted at or planning to attend an accredited college or university.  Applicants must have a clearly demonstrated commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Niskayuna.  Scholarly achievement will be considered. 

 

Coach Dan Reinfurt Scholarship: Awarded annually to a Watervliet High School athlete who exemplifies the qualities most admired by Dan Reinfurt in a student-athlete. Applications are available at the Watervliet High School Guidance Office and via the Community Foundation.

 

Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship ($1,000): Established to recognize the many significant contributions that Gene Robb, former publisher of the Times Union, made to the field of journalism. The student must have a clearly demonstrated interest in journalism and provide samples of journalistic work. Personal recommendations are required.

 

Lou Rubin and Ike Cohen Memorial Scholarship: Assists outstanding students who plan to pursue post-secondary education in college and vocational programs. Applicants must be dependent children of full-time employees of designated periodical wholesaler organizations, and/or national periodical distributors, and/or publishers in specified areas east of the Mississippi River, with one year of service. Applications are available through the employee’s personnel office or from the Community Foundation.

 

Lawrence Spraragen Memorial Scholarship ($1,000):  Established in memory of Lawrence Spraragen to provide scholarships for children or grandchildren of current, active members of IBEW Local 236 or the management or staff of a signatory contractor to IBEW 236.

 

John G. and Diana S. Waite Scholarship ($1,000): To provide assistance to a student who is a resident of Rensselaer, Albany, or Washington counties and/or a student of Jersey Shore Area Senior High School in Jersey Shore, PA, who wishes to study Architecture, Architectural History, History, or Historic Preservation.

 

Liza Warner Scholarship:  Established to honor the memory of Liza Warner, a top stylist at Ania’s Hair Studio and Spa, for the benefit of graduating high school students entering Austin Beauty School or the Orlo School of Beauty.