Susan A. Cowell Scholarship

For academically talented and community-minded high school graduates continuing their education in college, graduate school, or a trade/technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum 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 students who identify as members of the LGBTQ community and:

• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (B average) or higher;
• Are pursuing post-secondary education at a qualifying academic institution — including accredited undergraduate or graduate colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and technical schools — in the eight-county area surrounding Rochester (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties);
• Are enrolled or plan to enroll in a program aligned with public health, nonprofit administration, or social justice activism, including social activism through the arts; and
• Demonstrate a proclivity for social justice activism and/or a desire to positively impact the LGBTQ community.

*Qualifying institutions include accredited undergraduate or graduate colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and technical schools.

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 comprised of Community Foundation staff and other community members reviews applications and selects the recipient(s).

Award Announcement and Payment

The Community Foundation emails an award notification with instructions for claiming the award to the recipient in April. Payment is mailed 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 scholarship payment, upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying enrollment to the Community Foundation’s online Consolidated Scholarship Application 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.