Elmer W. Schwittek Free Enterprise Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for the expenses associated with higher education for a student who possesses a spirit and aptitude for understanding and appreciating the free enterprise system that allows private philanthropy to exist.

Application Period

November 1 to March 4

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

For a graduating high school senior who:

• Resides in the eight-county area surrounding Rochester (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties);
• Plans to attend a two- or four-year college in the eight-county area surrounding Rochester;
• Plans to matriculate into a business management program;
• Has a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA;
• Demonstrates financial need; and
• Possesses a spirit and aptitude for understanding (and appreciating) the free enterprise system that allows private philanthropy to exist.

Application Process

To begin or continue your application, click here.

This scholarship is one of dozens connected to our Consolidated Scholarship Application. Applying for this scholarship means you’ll be considered for any other relevant opportunities within the Consolidated Application.

Committee/Selection Process

The selection process is coordinated through the Community Foundation. A committee of Community Foundation staff and community representatives reviews applications and selects recipients.

Award Announcement and Payment

The Community Foundation emails an award notification with instructions for claiming the award to the recipient in April. Payment is made to the school for the recipient’s account in one lump sum in the Fall and split between the Fall and Spring semesters once required documentation is received.

To release the initial scholarship payment, upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying enrollment in a four-year college or university specializing in business management to the Community Foundation’s online Consolidated Scholarship Application between July 1 and August 15.

To release subsequent scholarship payments, upload the requested and required information including your unofficial transcript, class schedule, and tuition bill verifying continued enrollment in a business management program at a two- or four-year college or university and a minimum 3.0 GPA to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Portal between July 1 and August 15.

Scholarships not claimed by February 15 in the assigned year will be forfeited. Email scholarships@racf.org with any questions or concerns.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of four awards in four consecutive years.