2026 Scholarship Programs Announced

The Schenectady Foundation is now seeking applications for three scholarship programs that give students from throughout Schenectady County the opportunity to further their education after high school. These scholarships provide financial assistance for a variety of educational paths, from vocational training to teaching to STEM. 

Applications from eligible high school students are due by March 25. Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online application portal, which opens on February 12. Students will be notified of their awards in early May.

The Schenectady Foundation plans to award up to $80,000 in scholarships in 2026, which represents a significant expansion of the organization’s scholarship program. In 2025, the Foundation awarded $69,000 in scholarships. “The cost of college remains high, and we wanted more students to benefit from our scholarship program,” said Robert Carreau, executive director of The Schenectady Foundation.

The Anna Hudson Erbacher Scholarship supports graduating Schenectady County seniors pursuing teaching careers, awarding up to four $10,000 scholarships. The Schenectady STEM Scholarship will award up to two $10,000 scholarships to graduating Schenectady High School seniors pursuing degrees in science, math, engineering or technology.

New this year is the Build Your Future Scholarship, which will provide up to five graduating Schenectady County seniors with a maximum of $1,000 to pursue or advance employment in the trades.

Since 1974, The Schenectady Foundation has provided nearly $900,000 in scholarships to Schenectady County students.

To visit the application portal and learn more about the criteria for these scholarships and how to apply, visit The Schenectady Foundation - Scholarships.