Scholarship categories are listed below. The color-coded icons below make it easy to scan the page to find scholarships of a particular interest.
Addie’s Vegetable Stand Scholarship
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Addie's Vegetable Stand Pass-Through Scholarship Fund
Adelyn "Addie" Bell, a determined young woman and student at Otto-Eldred Junior/Senior High School, has made an incredible impact this summer through her vegetable stand—a project she started with the goal of giving back to those around her. Throughout the season, Addie has worked to build, stock, and operate the stand, never intending to keep the proceeds for herself in the summer of 2022. Instead, she dedicated her earnings to supporting others, contributing to the growth of a spirit of generosity and community engagement. Today, she continues this journey donating a portion of proceeds to charity.
Addie’s commitment to her cause has been met with overwhelming support from the local community. Not only have residents purchased fresh vegetables from her stand, but they’ve also pitched in when the supply ran low, ensuring the stand remains stocked. The construction of the stand itself is a testament to the power of collaboration—volunteers helped build the stand's framework, while her father constructed the roof. Addie and her mother finished off the project with colorful paint, signs, and decorative touches. Even her neighbor donated space on his property for the stand, further reinforcing the sense of unity and support that defines the project.
This year, Addie has decided to extend her generosity in a new way. Drawing from her own experiences and the support she’s received; she has chosen to create a scholarship for a student who demonstrates the same community-minded spirit. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who shows a strong sense of giving back to their community, just as Addie has done through her vegetable stand.
“Giving back to the community has always been important to me, and I’ve been so lucky to have received so much help along the way,” Addie said. “I hope this scholarship will inspire other young people to get involved and make a positive impact.”
Through this scholarship, Addie continues her mission of giving and supporting others. Her selflessness and dedication to both her community and the future of others are a shining example of how one individual can create lasting change. The scholarship will serve as a legacy of Addie’s hard work, compassion, and commitment to her community—a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Amount: Will be determined
Eligibility: Graduating senior from Otto-Eldred, Port Allegany, or Smethport School Districts
Category: Pursuing a post-secondary degree
- Pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education, including a technical college
- Be involved with their school and/or community and provide an activity resume'
ARG Employees Scholarship
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The ARG Employees Scholarship Fund was established by the ARG Employees Scholarship Committee in recognition of the hard work and determination demonstrated by its many employees, Leadership Team and owner. ARG will support the scholarship from proceeds raised through the annual ARG Golf Tournament and/or any other fund-raisers established for this purpose.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: ARG employees’ children, grandchildren or legal dependents
Category: General
- Graduating senior and anyone enrolled in a post-secondary program
Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund
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Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund
Tyler Bender recently graduated from the Center for Emergency Medicine, and he felt compelled to give back by starting this scholarship to encourage other individuals to consider the EMS field. There is a constant demand for well-trained and qualified EMS professionals. Tyler hopes that this scholarship fund will help attract individuals to the field and alleviate a shortage of EMS personnel.
Amount: $500 annually
Eligibility: Applicant must reside within the EMS region (Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Potter, Washington and Westmoreland.
Category:
- Registered and accepted into an EMR, EMT, AEMT or paramedic program.
- Proof of affiliation within an EMS agency within EMS West Region. (signed letter from services manager/director with their contact information).
Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center (BCPAC) Scholarship
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One of BCPAC’s goals is to encourage and promote interest in the arts among area young people in the belief that it will foster their lifelong support of, and involvement in the creative and performing arts. For this reason, they have established a scholarship for students in McKean County School Districts.
Amount: Minimum of $500, determined annually
Eligibility: A McKean County graduating high school senior
Category: Creative and Performing Arts
- A graduating senior from any McKean County High School
- Candidate must be planning to or has enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a post-secondary 4-year-degree in a creative and performing arts program
- Be active in school and community activities related to the arts
Kristie Chase Memorial Scholarship Fund
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The Kristie “Carpenter” Chase, wife of Corey and mother of Holley and Michael lost her battle with cancer in 2019. Kristie was a teacher’s assistant in the Otto-Eldred School district, PTO president, coached cheerleading and softball and scorekeeper for basketball and track. She loved helping people and volunteered for many charitable causes that touched many lives through her efforts. Kristie’s family and friend established this scholarship to honor her memory.
Amount: Minimum $500, determined annually
Eligibility: Otto Eldred High School senior
Category: General, Nursing, Education
- A graduating Otto Eldred High School Senior.
- Candidate must be planning to enroll in an accredited 2 or 4 year post-secondary schools, pursuing a degree in the Human Services field, this would this include special educations degree, speech, occupational therapy, counselors, nursing, caseworkers, sociology or psychology.
- Involvement in both school and community activities.
Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Military Scholarship
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Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Military Scholarship Fund
Staff Sgt. Carl Enis was born and raised in Florida but had generational family ties to the McKean County area. He was passionate about the outdoors and was an expert at hunting and fishing in northern Pennsylvania when he visited his family. He studied at Florida State University where he received a Bachelor Degree of Science in Environmental Studies and a Master Degree in Business Administration. After college he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Pararescuemen, this is an Elite team of Guardian Angel Airmen.
Staff Sgt. Enis died at the age of 31 in a helicopter incident on the Syrian Iraq border and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Staff Sgt. Enis lived by the Pararescue Creed: “These things we do, that others may Live.”
To honor Staff Sgt. Enis, they renamed the Tally Ho Bridge in the Kinzua Creek region on Route 219 as the Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Memorial Bridge.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: High School Senior or an adult learner
Category: High School senior at McKean, Cameron, Potter or Elk County High Schools or an adult learner. Adults must be a member of the National Guard, reserves, active duty in any branch of the service. Adults or high school seniors enrolled in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC). Must be serving under honorable conditions.
- Attending a post-secondary program, certificate program or any qualified trade school
- Active in school and community
- Show academic merit
Thomas E. Frair Scholarship
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Thomas Frair is a graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Forest Science and a M.S. in Forest Resources. He had a 38-year career as a private Forestry Consultant working primarily with private landowners in achieving short and long term forest management objectives. Tom is a lifelong resident of Lafayette Township in McKean County. He is the owner/operator of the Frair Haus Greenhaus & Gardens since 1995, growing wholesale and retail annual and herbaceous perennial flowers and vegetable plant starts.
Tom established this fund to help aspiring students in the fields of interest that he has had for his entire life: forestry, horticulture, apiculture, plant science and general agriculture. He also hopes this scholarship will help a deserving student to defray some of the cost of pursuing their education. At the time of his undergraduate education Tom was seriously concerned about how he would ever be able to satisfy those financial obligations and he wants to assist another undergraduate student with some of his/her college expenses.
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: McKean County High School and non-traditional students
Category: Post-Secondary degree
• Post-secondary 2 or 4-year degree in forestry, agricultural horticulture, plant science, general agriculture, animal sciences with a preferable emphasis in apiculture or similar disciplines
• Be active in school and community activities
• Show academic merit - minimum GPA of 3.0
• Students are eligible to apply after high school even if they won in a previous year
Martin K Henneman Scholarship Fund
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Martin K. Henneman Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Martin K. Henneman Scholarship Fund was established by the family and friends of Marty Henneman, husband, father, brother, friend, and hero, who passed away in 2022. He had a strong passion for providing service to others, caring deeply about the safety and protection of those around him and all he met. This scholarship, established in his name, honors his lifelong dedication to service.
Marty, a 1985 graduate of Wellsboro High School, enlisted in the United States Army and worked as a Military Policeman in Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1987. He received the Army Service Ribbon, Army Medal Achievement, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge in rifles, grenades, and handguns. He then attended Mansfield University, majoring in Criminal Justice. In October of 1992, he enlisted at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. He worked all across Pennsylvania during his time in the State Police. He served as a Trooper, Fire Marshal, Corporal, Patrol Unit Supervisor, Crime Unit Supervisor, Staff Services Section Supervisor, Sergeant, and his final assignment was Station Commander as he retired in 2016.
Martin was an active supporter of his community. He was Chief Deputy Coroner of McKean County; former adjunct professor at Pitt-Bradford teaching criminal justice; former president and member of the Seneca Law Enforcement Association (SLEA); owner and operator of IOA Consulting, LLC, which provided training for self-protection and private investigation services; former member of the Rotary Club of Bradford and former member of the Bradford Area Choral Boosters. He was a man of many hobbies as well including hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, amateur radio operator, and spending time with his friends, family, and many Weimaraners.
Amount: Minimum $500
Eligibility: McKean County High School graduate: graduating senior or adult learner
Category: General, vocational, public service
- McKean County High School Senior and/or currently enrolled and/or adult learner who is a graduate of any McKean County High School
- Pursuing a post-secondary degree, certificate or license in the field of criminal justice, paramedic, EMT, police officer training or an emergency public servant
- Be active in in school and community activities
- Submit a short essay
Scott Hickey Memorial Scholarship
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This scholarship fund was established by Scott’s wife Jeanne to honor a man with an incredible integrity, a strong work ethic, honest, fair and fun loving. Scott was a Licensed Master Electrician, owner of Hickey Electric. Scott was professionally trained and an expert in the electrical field, his well-known motto was “Wiring is No Hobby”.
Amount: Approximately $500, determined annually
Eligibility: U.S. Citizen and resident of McKean County
Category: Vocational or Trade School
- High School senior or non-traditional student
- Pursuing a post-secondary diploma or certificate from a vocational, trade, or technical school
- Be active in school and community activities
- Demonstrate academic aptitude and work ethic sufficient to succeed in his or her chosen field of study
- One letter of recommendation is required
Kelley Hritz Memorial Arts Scholarship
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Kelley Hritz Memorial Arts Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Kelley Hritz. Kelley (Musselman) was a graduate of Chestnut Ridge High School in New Paris, PA, Class of 2001, and a graduate of the Pittsburgh Technical Institute class of 2003 with a degree in Graphic design. Kelley moved to St. Marys in 2006 with her husband and son.
Kelley wore many hats during her time living in the St. Marys area. She worked for the non-profit Life and Independence For Today (LIFT) helping people with disabilities, JIT Tool & Die as their Quality Manager, Guardian Home health/Aveanna healthcare helping provide in home healthcare, and most recently at Northwest Bank.
Kelley was an artist at heart. She loved all music (except country) and was a member of her high school concert and marching band, playing the clarinet. She loved cinema and theater, and portrayed Glinda the Good Witch in her high school production of “The Wizard of Oz”. She wrote poetry and loved drawing and painting. She was a talented photographer and loved capturing memories for people. She owned her own photography business, Twilight Photography and Design. She took classes at the Winkler Gallery in 2019 to learn how to make stained glass. Kelley shared her love for art with her family, doing projects with nieces and nephews, and taking her family on trips to museums frequently.
Kelley’s love for the arts will live on through this scholarship, helping future artists to create amazing and beautiful things, and she would love that.
Amount: $1000, determined annually.
Eligibility: High school senior from Elk, McKean, Cameron Counties, and Chestnut Ridge High School in New Paris
Category: Pursuing post-secondary education in an art related field
- Be active in school and community activities.
- Submit two pieces of the artwork either by uploading a slideshow, video, pdf or pictures.
IUE-CWA Local 88502 Union Scholarship
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Helene K Nawrocki Memorial Scholarship
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Helene K Nawrocki Memorial Scholarship
Helene Nawrocki was born and raised in the Philadelphia PA region. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from LaSalle University. Helene was employed in the ICU and as Director of Nursing at Delaware Valley Hospital. She also authored a Nurses’ Book of Courage and lectured at nursing seminars throughout the country. In 1996 after 20 years in the medical field, Helene and her husband moved to Potter County where she served as the Executive Director of the Potter County Education Council (PCEC).
The PCEC’s goal is to bring higher educational opportunities to the region. Helene never stopped learning and this scholarship is being offered for today’s students to continue their education through the Northern PA Regional College.
Amount: TBD
Eligibility: Enrolled or will be attending Northern PA Regional College (NPRC)
Category: Pursuing a post-secondary 2-year degree or a work force development training or dual enrollment.
- Priority will be given to students in Potter and McKean County, but if there are no eligible students all students within the NPRC footprint will be able to apply
- Must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA average
Lisa Pecora Scholarship for NPRC Students Fund
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Lisa Pecora Scholarship for NPRC Students Fund
This scholarship fund was established to honor Lisa Pecora’s dedication to the Education Consortium of the Upper Allegany (ECUA) and Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC).
Lisa Pecora is a founding member of the Education Consortium of the Upper Allegany, serving as Treasurer. ECUA was established in 2009 with a goal to provide open admission, low-cost, high quality post-secondary education to communities that had never been served by these opportunities. ECUA founding members worked with state officials to seek a permanent solution to provide affordable, accessible technical and associate degree programs in northwestern Pennsylvania resulting in a College Plan. The College Plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education officially established the Northern Pennsylvania Regional college in May 2017. NPRC began operating as an independent institution in January 2020. NPRC is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to grant degrees and certificates, and is proudly pursuing institutional accreditation. Lisa continues her dedication to the College’s mission currently serving as the Director of Human Resources.
Amount: TBD
Eligibility: Enrolled or accepted to Northern PA Regional College (NPRC)
Category: Pursuing a post-secondary degree or high school students attending NPRC classes through dual enrollment. Preference given to McKean County and Titusville High School.
- Present student or future students attending NPRC
- Dual Enrollment for high school students through NPRC
- Preference for students in McKean or Titusville High School
- Be active in school and community
Andrew Joseph Pingie Scholarship Fund
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The Andrew Joseph Pingie Scholarship
The Andrew Joseph Pingie scholarship fund was established by his two daughters, Faith and Sarah, after his passing from glioblastoma brain cancer. Andrew was known for his gift of gab, quick wit, and humor, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. After graduating from Bradford High School in 1991, Andy was employed with Allegheny Bradford Forest Products, and ended his career working at Dresser Manufacturing in Bradford. He was a self-taught fabricator of wrought iron and many of his creations and designs are admired at many home and businesses within the area. The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving learner that shares the same passions and values as Andy.
Amount: Minimum $500
Eligibility: Resident of Cattaraugus or McKean County
Category: Technical
- Any resident of Cattaraugus or McKean County
- High School Senior or currently enrolled adult learner
- Pursuing a post-secondary technical education with preference to the welding field
- Be active in in school and community activities
- Submit a short essay describing his/her career goals
Safran Family Donor Advised Scholarship Fund
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Safran Family Donor Advised/Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is being offered by the Safran Family to encourage employment in the trades that service McKean County.
Amount: Approximately $1000, determined annually. Renewable annually by reapplying up to 3 times with a maximum of 4 years.
Eligibility: McKean County high school senior or currently enrolled as an adult learner who is a graduate of any McKean County High School and a resident of McKean County
Category: Pursuing a post-secondary certificate, trade or vocational program
- Active in school and community
- Demonstrate need
- McKean County resident
Joe Stanko Memorial Scholarship
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Joe Stanko died at the early age due to melanoma skin cancer and his family created this scholarship to memorialize his life. Joe was an active student and excellent in carpentry, drafting and welding. He was passionate about working with his hands and loved many sports. His strong work ethic began in high school. This scholarship will be awarded to the participant that resembles the qualities Joe valued most in life: family, friends, work, the outdoors and sports.
Amount: Minimum $1,000 each, determined annually
Eligibility: McKean County High Schools
Category:
- Graduating Senior from any McKean County High School
- Pursuing a post-secondary 1 to 4-year degree, certificate, or vocational program
- Be active in school and community activities/service (must provide an activities resume)
- The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation and only one can be school related
