Sarah Johnston, scholarship program officer (right) and Nikia Washington, equity program officer (left)

Students Apply for 55+ Scholarships with One Application

A little over a year after joining the Community Foundation, Sarah Johnston, the Foundation’s scholarship program officer, is stepping into her second scholarship season and supporting local students in new ways. “Nothing brings me greater joy than helping students achieve their dreams. Every scholarship we award is a chance to transform a life through education,” says Sarah. 

Take for example Camilo Martínez, a graduate of East High School in Rochester who is now studying geology at Monroe Community College after being awarded scholarships through the Community Foundation’s program. “It has removed the weight of paying for my education from my shoulders,” says Camilo. He sees these scholarships as the “first step” towards many bright possibilities. “I look forward to establishing myself in my new community, building relationships, and exploring and participating in all the wonderful opportunities I will be provided with [through higher education].” 

Scholarships have the ability to reduce education-related debt and support student choice on a variety of paths, whether that includes higher education, trade or vocational school, or enrichment opportunities.

Scholarship Innovation Increases Applications by 178%

In 2023, the Foundation launched the Consolidated Scholarship Application, open now, which connects aspiring learners to more than 55 scholarship opportunities with one application. The application is designed for ease and efficiency, and gives each unique student a chance to tell their story. Students are asked to use just a few sentences to highlight their best qualities, describe how they respond to challenges, and share strategies they will use to stay motivated on their academic journey. Last year, the new application process — combined with the rollout of improved scholarship software — resulted in a 178% increase in applications to the Foundation’s program compared to the previous year. 

Nearly $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded in 2024

How does one program officer review all those applications? Thankfully, she doesn’t do it alone. A volunteer committee spends hundreds of hours reviewing applications in a herculean effort to match dollars from the Community Foundation’s 125+ scholarship funds with qualifying students. The committee represents every part of the learning ecosystem, including school counselors, Rochester City School District parents, dedicated retirees, and staff at local schools and colleges. This diverse team of richly qualified individuals helps make decisions when there are more eligible applicants than scholarship dollars. So far in 2024, more than $985,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 339 students in the Greater Rochester Region.  

Donors to scholarship funds are providing relief from present-day economic burdens, and making sure that nothing stands in the way of unlocking a scholar’s potential.

‘Tis the Season to Apply for Scholarships

Do you have a someone in your life like Camilo? Tell them that many scholarship applications for the 2025-26 academic year are open now through the end of February 2025. Learn more at racf.org/scholarships.