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.

Scholarship applicants must be residents of Schenectady County, and graduating seniors in the year that they apply.

All scholarship applications are submitted online through our application portal. Applications are due Wednesday, March 25, 2026 for students to be considered for a spring 2026 scholarship award. Click on the links below to learn how to get started on your application.

 aPPLY FOR A Scholarship

Need help getting started on your application? Contact Amy Batson @ abatson@schenectadyfoundation.org.

Our scholarship opportunities are the Erbacher Teaching Scholarship, Schenectady STEM Scholarship and the Build Your Future Vocational Scholarship, described below:

Erbacher Teaching Scholarship

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Is teaching in your future? There is great demand for more teachers and educators in New York State. The Schenectady Foundation can help.

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. 

Funds may be used for tuition, room and board, activity fees, and other direct costs billed through the bursar's office.

 

To apply, students must...

  • Plan to pursue a teaching career by enrolling in appropriate coursework at a college or university. 

  • 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

Uploaded Image: /vs-uploads/scholarships/1770912101_KEVA-CHALLENGE.jpgSTEM jobs are growing 3.5 times faster than all other fields. Seed your future career with the Schenectady STEM Scholarship.

This 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. 

To apply, students must: 

  • Be a graduating senior from the Schenectady City School District 

  • Pursue studies in Science, Math, Engineering, and/or Technology 

  • Maintain good academic standing 

Who Was Sanford A. Shuler? 

Sanford A. Shuler graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and wished to honor those 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.

Shuler 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.  

Build Your Future Vocational Scholarship

Uploaded Image: /vs-uploads/scholarships/1770911748_vocational_training.jpgCollege isn't for everyone, and skilled trades are in great demand. We can help you build your future in with a scholarship for vocational education.

Aware of the need and opportunity for a new generation of skilled workers in the trades, the Foundation established the Build Your Future Scholarship. This program provides up to $1,000 to graduating seniors to pursue vocational education and training. The Foundation intends to support up to five students annually. 

To apply, students must:

  • Intend to attend and complete a certification from a trade or vocational school (not an associates or bachelor's degree).

Questions about our Scholarship programs? Contact us at 518-393-9500, or email abatson@schenectadyfoundation.org.