Cuyahoga County Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Pursuing higher education is a significant investment, and scholarships play a crucial role in making it more accessible and affordable. For residents of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, numerous scholarship opportunities exist, each with its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria. This article provides a detailed overview of various scholarships available to Cuyahoga County students, covering a wide range of academic interests, backgrounds, and financial needs.

Scholarships Administered by LEAF

LEAF (Linking Education and Awareness Foundation) collaborates with local scholarship providers to manage scholarship awards annually. Several scholarships are available for high school seniors graduating from a Lake, Geauga, Portage, or Cuyahoga County high school and planning to attend a four-year college or university in Ohio.

Frank Jason Feola, Ph.D. Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating seniors, including homeschooled students, from Lake, Geauga, or Cuyahoga County. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited institution or vocational/technical school. There is also a renewal option for previous recipients of this legacy scholarship.

Harriet B. Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors residing in the 44077 zip code area. Applicants must be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, meet specific household income criteria, be accepted at an accredited postsecondary school (excluding Lakeland Community College or Lake Erie College), and be enrolled at least half-time. Renewal options are available for previous recipients.

LACA Member Scholarship

This scholarship is available for high school seniors graduating from an Ashtabula, Lake, or Geauga County high school, provided a current LACA member is employed by their school district. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required, and applicants must be enrolling in a certificate program, technical/vocational college, or a two- or four-year institution.

Read also: Tri-C Job Openings Guide

Vincent L. Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for graduating seniors from Mentor High School.

Scholarship for Adult Females

This scholarship targets adult females residing in Lake, Geauga, or Ashtabula County. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have been out of high school for at least two years, have experienced an interruption in their post-high school education, be enrolled at least part-time in an accredited institution for the next term, be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need. Current and former members of the WRJSL are encouraged to apply.

Willis E. Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who have resided in Geauga County for at least two years and attended a Geauga County school for a minimum of two years. Applicants must be attending an accredited two- or four-year college/university and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Esperanza Scholarships

Esperanza's mission is to enhance the academic achievements of Hispanic and Latino students in Greater Cleveland. They offer scholarships to students entering or continuing their college education, with the number of scholarships depending on funds raised annually.

Eligibility Requirements for First-Time Applicants

To be eligible for an Esperanza scholarship, first-time applicants must:

Be graduating from high school.
Be enrolled full-time in college or university for the fall semester.
Be a resident of Cuyahoga or Lorain County.
Be of Hispanic/Latino descent.
Be an American citizen or Permanent Resident (open to students with DACA status and diverse immigration backgrounds).
Submit a Student Aid Report (SAR) to prove the FAFSA was filed (DACA-eligible students must provide tax returns).
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
Attend a professional headshot session at the Esperanza offices.
Have a family income that does not exceed \$75,000 per year (applicants with higher incomes may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis).

Evaluation Criteria

Scholarship applicants are evaluated based on:

Academic achievements
Quality of personal statements
Recommendation letters
Volunteerism
Family income

Fiesta of Hope

Esperanza hosts an annual Fiesta of Hope, a fundraising event that honors scholarship recipients and supports the organization's mission. The event features personal stories from scholarship recipients, staff, and board members, along with the formal presentation of scholarships.

Cuyahoga Community College Scholarships

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) offers a variety of scholarships to make higher education more affordable. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid.

Application Process

To apply for Tri-C scholarships, students must:

Complete the admission requirements.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Complete the general scholarship application.

The application cycle for the upcoming academic year typically opens in late February.

Read also: Navigating Tri-C Professors

Available Scholarships

Tri-C offers numerous scholarships, including:

Ardelia Lois Dickens Scholarship
Zella M. Bessie A. Scholarship
Bettie J. Scholarship
Carl B. Scholarship
Dale K. Scholarship
Dr. Albert W. Geater Memorial Scholarship
Dr. E. C. E.W. Holmok and Charles Kinzig Memorial Scholarship Fund
Dr. Margaret and Mr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship
The Honorable Frank G.
George L.
Gerald H. Scholarship

This list is not exhaustive, and more scholarships may be available.

Lincoln Electric Scholarship

The Lincoln Electric Scholarship is designed for students pursuing a fifteen-week advanced welding course at Lincoln Electric’s Cleveland, Ohio, plant.

Eligibility

Applicants must be pursuing a fifteen-week advanced welding course at Lincoln Electric’s Cleveland, Ohio, plant.

Award Details

The scholarship covers the full tuition cost for Lincoln Electric’s Comprehensive Welding Program, valued at \$4,300. The program includes extensive hands-on instruction in various welding processes, such as SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW.

Additional Information

Scholarship recipients are responsible for their temporary housing expenses, though a housing list is provided. Protective gear can be purchased at the school at student prices.

United Church of Christ (UCC) Scholarships

The United Church of Christ offers several scholarships for students involved in seminary or doctoral studies, as well as for those connected to global partner churches.

Garrett Trust Fund

This fund provides scholarship assistance to individuals pursuing a seminary education.

Applicants must be seminarians enrolled full-time in a Master of Divinity program in an accredited seminary.
Membership in a UCC congregation for at least one year prior to receiving a scholarship is required.
Applicants must be under the care of an Association or Conference at the time of application.
A minimum B average must be maintained.
Recipients must agree to serve in the UCC or a partner church upon completion of seminary.
Demonstrated leadership ability is required through participation in local church, Association, Conference, or academic environment.
Applicants must sign a faith statement as part of the application process.

Scholarship awards range from \$300 to \$1,000 and are based on financial need.

Make a Difference! Seminarian Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduate-level UCC students. The presidents of the seven seminaries of the United Church of Christ nominate candidates annually. Awards typically range from \$1,500 to \$2,500 and are applied toward tuition.

Doctoral Studies Award

Awards of approximately \$2,500 are given to members of the United Church of Christ engaged in doctoral studies programs that prepare recipients for teaching positions at a UCC seminary.

Overseas/Global Partner Church Awards

These awards range from \$1,000 to \$2,000 and support students from overseas/global partner churches and international students studying at a UCC seminary. Continuing education funds are also available for clergy from overseas/partner churches.

Clinton Cannon Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance to seminarians planning to become military chaplains. Applicants must meet general requirements and have local church and seminary recommendations. Scholarships are typically around \$2,500.

Other Notable Scholarships

Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) Scholarship

BPACF scholarships are awarded to African American students with financial need from the Cleveland and surrounding areas who maintain at least a 2.8 GPA.

Scholarship for Members of National Panhellenic Conference

Scholarships are available to residents of the metropolitan Cleveland area who are full-time students at an Ohio college or university and initiated members of the National Panhellenic Conference fraternity. Awards range from \$750 to \$1,500.

Judge Lillian W. Burke Scholarship

This scholarship supports students attending the Cleveland State University John Marshall College of Law who demonstrate financial need and potential to succeed.

and Wilma Cade Scholarship

This scholarship is for residents of Greater Cleveland pursuing post-secondary education in Christian ministry. Applicants must be accepted at or enrolled in a college or university, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be in good standing with no criminal record, show financial need, and be pursuing educational studies in the Christian ministry. Preference is given to inner-city applicants and members of Second Ebenezer Baptist Church and other church organizations. The general award amount is \$1,000.

Wilma Chapman Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is for U.S. citizens or legal residents pursuing post-secondary education. Selection is based on commitment, ability to benefit, and compatibility of coursework to career path. Finalists must verify a household income of less than \$100,000. The general award amount is \$750.

Robert E. and Ada Hagan Public Service Scholarship

This scholarship supports students attending or accepted at Cleveland State University Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs pursuing a public service career. Applicants must be residents of Ohio, registered voters, and degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Judge Leo A. and Mrs. Gilberta Jackson Justice and Integrity Scholarship

This scholarship assists collegiate students, primarily juniors and seniors, interested in pursuing public or community service-oriented careers to secure justice for all, while adhering to a high standard of personal integrity.

Ruth Alice Jacobs Roe Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship supports a member of St. Clair Memorial Hospital's nursing staff pursuing additional nursing education or a college junior or senior pursuing a nursing career. Preference is given to Greater Cleveland residents attending an accredited Ohio college of nursing.

Betty Hansen Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial assistance to Farm Bureau members or their dependent children pursuing a college or advanced technical education, with preference given to students entering an agriculture-related field.

Cuyahoga County Fair Partnership Scholarship

The Cuyahoga Farm Bureau and Cuyahoga County Fair Partnership offer a \$1,000 scholarship to a deserving graduating senior from Cuyahoga County.

Resettled Refugee Scholarship

This scholarship is for resettled refugees living in Cuyahoga County who are graduating high school seniors and intend to enroll full-time at an accredited institution, demonstrating a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Cuyahoga Developmental Disabilities Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students matriculating to Cleveland State University’s RISE Program.

Cleveland Browns Foundation Marion Motley Scholarship Program

This scholarship assists motivated students whose long-term career goal could include working in education or for a professional sports organization. Applicants must have graduated from a high school in Northeast Ohio, intend to enroll full-time at an accredited institution, and demonstrate a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

College Now Greater Cleveland Scholarships

The Cleveland Foundation, in partnership with College Now Greater Cleveland, offers over 60 scholarships to students from Greater Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and beyond. These scholarships vary in criteria and scope, catering to a wide range of students. College Now also offers renewable scholarships for adults ages 19+ who have taken at least one year off after high school, are Pell-eligible, and are pursuing their first degree or certificate.

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