Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Schenectady Foundation proudly offers several scholarship opportunities for graduating high school students seeking to further their education and future career prospects. While some scholarships have been established by donors through their gifts and estate plans, others have been initiated by the Foundation to recognize young people for their community involvement and to encourage them to prepare for a career.
All scholarship applications are submitted online through our application portal. Applications are due Wednesday, March 25, 2026 for students to be considered for a scholarship for Spring 2026 awards. Click on the links below to learn how to get started on your application.
TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED aPPLY FOR A Scholarship
The following scholarships are available to graduating seniors of Schenectady County high schools:
Erbacher Scholarship
The Anna Hudson Erbacher Scholarship supports students in Schenectady County who aspire to become teachers. Each recipient is awarded a total of $10,000, paid in annual installments of $2,500, subject to continued qualification. The Foundation awards up to four new scholarships each year, based on academic performance, financial need, and extracurricular activities.
Grant payments are made directly to the college upon receipt of enrollment confirmation. Funds may be used for tuition, room and board, activity fees, and other direct costs billed through the bursar's office.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply, students must:
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Reside in Schenectady County, New York.
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Be a graduating senior from a high school in Schenectady County.
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Plan to pursue a teaching career by enrolling in appropriate coursework at a college or university.
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Maintain good academic standing.
Who Was Anna Hudson Erbacher?
Established in 1973 through a charitable trust created by John N. Erbacher in memory of his wife, Anna, this scholarship honors her lifelong dedication to education. Anna was a passionate and committed teacher in the Schenectady School system, where she taught at Riverside School in Schenectady’s Stockade when it first opened. A graduate of New York University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education, Anna’s legacy lives on through this scholarship, supporting students who share her love of teaching.
Schenectady STEM Scholarship
The Schenectady STEM Scholarship supports graduating seniors from the Schenectady City School District planning to pursue studies in STEM related fields. Each year, at least two students will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Thanks to a generous gift from the estate of Sanford A. and Marilyn Shuler, this scholarship aims to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators in STEM fields, building a brighter future for our community.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply, students must:
- Be a graduating senior from the Schenectady City School District
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Pursue studies in and complete a degree in Science, Math, Engineering, and/or Technology
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Maintain good academic standing
Who Was Sanford A. Shuler?
Sanford A. Shuler graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and wished to honor some individuals who were instrumental in his development of a love for all things scientific and innovative. He named the scholarship in honor of Clarence E. Crowfoot and Mary Clarke- people who took him in as a young man and instilled the importance of education.
He was on the GE Team that developed the first American Jet engines, among many other patented innovations. He was remembered by friends as a brilliant engineer, a visionary, and a dreamer. One of his dreams was to help someone else have the opportunity to pursue a career in science and engineering.
