Susan A. Cowell Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Rochester Community Foundation
Overview
This scholarship supports academically strong, community-oriented high school graduates who are continuing their education—whether at a college, university, graduate program, or trade/technical school.
Application window
Applications are accepted November 1 through February 1.
Award amount and distribution
One recipient will receive a $1,000 award. The Community Foundation issues the funds to the recipient’s school in a single payment in the fall; the school will apply the amount evenly across the fall and spring semesters.
Permitted uses
Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, fees, textbooks, and other education-related expenses.
Who is eligible
Applicants must identify as members of the LGBTQ community and meet all of the following:
- Hold at least a 3.0 GPA (B average) or higher.
- Be pursuing post-secondary education at a qualifying institution located in the eight-county Rochester area: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, or Yates counties.
- Be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, a program related to public health, nonprofit administration, or social justice activism (this can include social activism expressed through the arts).
- Demonstrate a history or strong interest in social justice activism and/or a commitment to positively impacting the LGBTQ community.
Qualifying institutions
Acceptable schools include accredited undergraduate and graduate colleges and universities, community colleges, trade schools, and technical schools.
How to apply
Begin or continue your submission through the Community Foundation’s Consolidated Scholarship Application portal. Applying for this scholarship automatically places you in consideration for other scholarships included in the Consolidated Application.
Selection process
The Community Foundation oversees the selection. A review committee made up of Foundation staff and community representatives evaluates applications and chooses the recipient.
Notification and disbursement instructions
Recipients will receive an award notification email with claiming instructions in April. To trigger payment, upload the required documentation—such as your class schedule and a tuition invoice or bill verifying enrollment—to the Consolidated Scholarship Application portal between July 1 and August 15. Once the documentation is received, the Foundation mails the scholarship in one lump sum to the school, which will allocate it across fall and spring terms. Awards not claimed by February 15 of the award year will be forfeited.
Questions
For questions or assistance, email scholarships@racf.org.