Joel Ayite Ajavon Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been established in memory of those young men and women in college who aspire to think “creatively and unconventionally” in the 21st century.

This need-based award provides tuition assistance for high school students with financial need who are residents of Monroe County, are of diverse ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds, and are planning to attend a two-year community college in Western New York.

Application Period

November 1 to February 1

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,500; paid in one-half the total award in both 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 graduating high school seniors in Monroe County who:

• Plan to attend a two-year community college in Western New York;
• Have a primary interest in studying science, technology, engineering, math, nursing, or trades;
• Will be enrolled full time;
• Have financial need; and
• Meet the school’s academic, citizen, and attendance policies.

Committee/Selection Process

The selection process is coordinated through the Community Foundation. A committee comprised of Community Foundation, community, and family representatives reviews applications and selects 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 two equal installments for the Fall and Spring semesters once required documentation is received.

To release the initial Fall semester payment, upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying full-time enrollment in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program to the Community Foundation’s online Consolidated Scholarship Application between July 1 and August 15.

To release the Spring semester payment, upload the requested and required information including your unofficial transcript, class schedule, tuition bill, and the Joel Ayite Ajavon Memorial Scholarship Academic Mid-Year Verification Form verifying continued full-time status, enrollment in at least one science, robotics, or engineering class, and a minimum 2.0 GPA to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Acceptance and Renewal Form between December 1 and February 15.

Scholarships not claimed within the assigned semester will be forfeited. Email scholarships@racf.org with any questions or concerns.