EDUCATION
2025
PoWeR! BOOK BAGS! VOLUNTEERS
37
PRESCHOOL AFGHANS KNITTED
1
FOR EVERY ENROLLED
PRESCHOOLER
Scholarship Opportunities Through Otsego County United Way
The Otsego County United Way is excited to announce three current scholarship opportunities for the 2026-2027 academic year: the Volunteer Center Scholarship, the Erin Mann JEDI Community Achievement Award Scholarship and the Bob Wright Memorial Scholarship.
These scholarships open for applications on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Applications and all support materials are due by 4 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Winners will be notified by June 1, 2026.
For questions regarding these scholarships, email Alice at rsvp@otsegounitedway.org or call 989.732.6232.
Otsego County United Way Volunteer Center Scholarship
This scholarship was founded to help an Otsego County student who is pursuing higher education at either an accredited vocational/technical school or academic institution. This scholarship is open to graduating seniors and/or fifth year, early college students in Otsego County. The OCUW Volunteer Center Scholarship is intended to promote volunteerism within the community. Priority will be given to those who have volunteered with Otsego County United Way or its partners-volunteering with tornado relief efforts, RSVP, Otsego County Food Pantry, Salvation Army, NMORC, and/or the Refuge. The award recipient will receive $500 for the 2026-2027 academic year ($250.00 a semester), with potential to be renewed for three additional years. Renewal will be granted based on completion of renewal application and progress made ($500 per year, for a maximum scholarship value of $2,000 over 4 years).
Erin Mann JEDI Community Achievement Award Scholarship
This scholarship was originally established by the OCUW Board to honor Erin Mann, former Executive Director of the Otsego County United Way, and her passionate commitment to JEDI Work - Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Mann has chosen to continue funding this scholarship in order to promote the ideals of JEDI. The award recipient will receive $1,500 for the 2026 - 2027 academic year ($750.00 a semester). Students applying for this scholarship should have demonstrated a commitment to the beliefs of JEDI or are pursuing a career that will foster the beliefs of JEDI. OCUW's Mission is "Uniting Resources to Build a Stronger Community". Must be a high school graduating senior or 5th year in Otsego County. Applicant must also be an Otsego County Resident.
NEW! Bob Wright Memorial Scholarship
The Bob Wright Memorial Scholarship was created by those who loved and worked alongside Bob Wright in his volunteer efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of Otsego County. He led by exemplifying the volunteer spirit. Bob worked in the culinary / hospitality industry throughout his life. This scholarship seeks to recognize both of those aspects of his life. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual who is pursuing a culinary or hospitality field who can also demonstrate 25 hours of volunteer work. This scholarship is open to residents of Otsego County who may be graduating seniors and/or fifth year, early college students in Otsego County or could be adults pursuing on-going training or needing supplies to enter the field. Recipient MUST have completed a minimum of 25 volunteer hours. Up to $1,500 could be awarded for the 2026-2027 school year. This could be spread across more than one recipient.