Scholarships

The Erie Community College Foundation, Inc. presents a diverse number of scholarship opportunities for SUNY Erie students made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters.

Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year will open in March 2025. Please check back here then to apply.

In the meantime, you can review the information below about which scholarships are available and their related criteria to begin your application planning.

We are pleased to offer more than 120 scholarships that are available only to SUNY Erie students thanks to our generous donors. When the application is live, you may apply for as many scholarships as you appear to be qualified for and some applicants receive more than one award. Read the “How to Apply” guidance below and then use the “Apply Now” button to navigate to the application form.

Please speak with us about Scholarships at any time by contacting the Foundation at (716) 851-1990 or emailing us at scholarship@ecc.edu.

HOW TO APPLY

BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Prepare two short answers of approximately 250 words each: 

  • One: Share your story of how a scholarship will impact you and why you are the best candidate.

  • Two: Please describe your educational goals and career aspirations.

It is best to create these documents using Microsoft Word or a similar word editing program, then cut and paste the essay into your application. You may use the English Skills Center to assist you in writing your answers.

Please note your FAFSA and HESC applications must be completed for Pell and TAP awards before scholarship applications will be considered.

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

1. Register at Foundation Scholarships by logging in with your SUNY Erie username and password.
2. Complete the general application.
3. Then select "Apply to" any scholarship opportunities for which you believe you qualify for. There is no maximum number of scholarships you can apply for. 

ACCEPT AWARDS AND WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS

Awards and denials will be posted on Foundation Scholarships early Fall. You must log on and choose to accept an award or it will be forfeited! To accept an award, log onto your account and select the appropriate action. Check your SUNY Erie email for updates.

POST ACCEPTANCE 

You will be prompted online and via email to fill out a virtual card and include a photo of yourself for our presentations. In the Fall, we will be holding a luncheon which we ask that you attend. More information will be given to you closer to the event. If you would like handwrite a thank you to your scholarship donor, we would love to help you with that. We can provide you with thank you cards, envelopes, and we are happy to put them in the mail as well. Please call ahead of your visit. Our office is at 6205 Main Street, Williamsville, NY in G-156.

Note: Many of your questions regarding the new Excelsior Scholarship can be answered at Excelsior Scholarship FAQs.