Scholarships for Seniors

Scholarships will be posted below as they become available and emails will be sent periodically via Naviance indicating the scholarship list has been updated.  Click on the scholarship name for instructions.  Students are responsible for meeting the deadlines of the scholarships.

Scholarship applications are also available through the Naviance website.  After signing in to Naviance, click on the "Colleges" tab, then scroll down and select "Scholarships."  All of the available scholarships are listed with links to their applications.

When supplemental materials such as transcripts and/or letters of recommendations are required, please submit these requests to the counseling office well in advance of the deadline to allow for processing.

Questions and/or concerns about scholarships can be directed to the Counseling Office or email scholarships@pearlriver.org. 

The New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence program provides scholarship assistance to outstanding New York State high school graduates.  Each year, 8,000 scholarships are awarded - up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 and 6,000 scholarships of $500 to top scholars from registered New York State high schools.  Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams.  Recipients can also receive other non-loan student aid, but the total cannot exceed the cost of attendance. 

Selection Criteria

Due to the cancellation of Regents exams in 2020 and a number of Regents exams that were not administered in June 2021, for this year and the next few subsequent years, Pearl River High School winners will be selected based on students' class rank at the end of their junior year.

(Links to additional scholarship resources are available below this list.) 

The American Legion John H. Secor Post 329 and Thomas A. Dexter Scholarships 2024:  Two scholarship opportunities available for high school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited college or university.  One is open to all seniors; the other is for members’ children or grandchildren.  Thomas A. Dexter Scholarship applicant must be a bona fide senior at Pearl River High School.  John H. Secor Post 329 Scholarship applicant must be the son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter of a current member of American Legion Post #329.  Official transcript, community service and a 300-word essay on the Bill of Rights required.  All materials must be received no later than May 15, 2024.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International: Alpha Eta Chapter 2024 Scholarship:  The Alpha Eta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a female high school senior graduating in June 2024 with plans to enter college in September 2024 to pursue a career in the field of education.  Candidates must have at least a B average, demonstrated good conduct, and performed community service.  A 500-word essay and two (2) letters of reference are mandatory.  For an overview of the organization please visit www.dkg.org.  Deadline for submission is April 17, 2024.   DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 19, 2024.

Dr. Susan G. Gordon Scholarship:  A scholarship in the amount of $5,000 per year for four years will be awarded to a graduating high school senior from the African diaspora residing in Rockland County. Applicants must have an 85% average or higher, and be enrolled in a 4-year college for Fall 2024 in a STEM field, or be pre-med. Following the legacy of Dr. Susan Gordon, the student must also be active in social justice activities or organizations supporting issues such as women’s rights, abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, civil rights, environmental justice, anti-war activism, health justice, child/youth advocacy, or abolitionist.  Interested students should provide a resume; a recommendation from a teacher, advisor, or community mentor; high school transcript; and a 500-word essay about their social activism and interest in a career in a STEM discipline.  Applications must be submitted by May 8, 2024.

Franklin Avenue PTA Scholarship:  Award offered to a graduate of Franklin Avenue Elementary School.  A 500- to 700-word essay describing how your experiences at Franklin Avenue have shaped who you are today, a list of community service/activities and two (2) letters of recommendation required.  Deadline to submit is May 6, 2024.

James H. Anderson American Legion Post 1199 Thomas P. Meyer Community Service Award:  The award is open to all Pearl River High School seniors who are planning to attend college, technical school or a recognized apprenticeship or union training program.  This is a non-academic award and is based solely on community service.  Proof of acceptance must be provided and validated prior to the award being granted. Do not include your academic achievements, transcripts, or grades as this will disqualify your application.  A 500-word (minimum) essay on pressing issues facing our country today and why you feel they are so important is required.  Applications must be received no later than April 30, 2024.

John G. Bellew Memorial Scholarship:  A $3,000 scholarship is available to a son/daughter of an active, deceased, or retired New York City firefighter.  Students must be planning to attend a college, university, or trade school in the fall. Applicants must be of good moral character and have demonstrated achievement in clubs and service.  An interview and a 500-word essay are required. Submit completed application, essay, transcript and two (2) letters of recommendation (if not using counselor or teacher letters) to the Counseling Office by May 9, 2024.

Lincoln Avenue PTA Audra Marinelli Memorial Scholarship:  One (1) $1,000 scholarship offered exclusively to a current Pearl River High School senior who graduated from Lincoln Avenue Elementary School.  Essay about your fondest memory at Lincoln Avenue, your plans for the future, and community service experience required.  Please complete the Google application form to apply.  Deadline to submit is April 26, 2024.

Marme Dolce Memorial Scholarship in Concert with Iona University: Order Sons of Italy in America Rockland Lodge 2176 brother Andrew Dolce established the Marme Dolce Memorial Scholarship to honor his mother.  The scholarship provides a grant of $5,000 to an incoming Iona University freshman of Italian descent.  Applicants must have a minimum average of 85% (up to and including the end of the first semester of senior year) to be considered.  Completed application form, essay, one letter of recommendation, high school transcript, and report card from the first semester of 12^th grade required.  Deadline to submit is April 22, 2024.

Martine Cadet Memorial Scholarship:  In memory of late member Martine Cadet, The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. has established a fund to benefit graduating seniors.  As an educator who worked within the East Ramapo Central School District for 20 years, Martine demonstrated a passion for youth development.  Applicants must be a U.S. citizen of African and/or Latino descent in Rockland or Orange County.  This award is for college-bound high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited college or university in the fall of 2024. Applicants must have a GPA of 88 or above to be considered.  Official transcript, an essay, two (2) letters of recommendation, community service, and a resumé or video introduction required.  All materials must be emailed by April 22, 2024.

NY529 Boulders University Scholarship:  The New York Boulders, along with NY 529, are offering six (6) scholarships to graduating seniors going into sports/business management or broadcast media-related fields of study as they head to college in the fall of 2024.  A completed application form with a written response to three (3) questions is required.  Applications must be emailed to Gail at teach@nyboulders.com.  Deadline for submission is June 9, 2024.

Pearl River Little League Scholarship:  Scholarship will be awarded to a Pearl River High School senior who has participated in the Pearl River Little League in the past.  An essay of no more than 200 words regarding the impact that the PRLL has had on you is required.  Deadline for submission is May 5, 2024.

Pearl River Lions Club High School Scholarship Essay Contest:  The Pearl River Lions Club will award $1,000 to a graduating PRHS senior planning on a career in the helping professions of human services, social work, or psychology (e.g. Teaching, Nursing, Mental Health, Public Health, Criminal Justice.) Community service and future education plans for a career serving others will be the most important considerations for this award. A 300-500-word essay is required. Please submit your essay to the Counseling Office or email the digital version to guidance@pearlriver.org no later than May 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm to be forwarded to the Pearl River Lions Club for judging.

Pearl River High School PTSA 2024 Scholarship:  Awards are available to graduating PRHS seniors who have contributed to the community. Please read directions very carefully and follow instructions exactly as written.  Three (3) $1,250 scholarships will be awarded.  A 300-500-word essay is required.  Please submit all applications to guidance@pearlriver.org with the subject “PTSA Scholarship” by 9:00am on May 3, 2024.

Pearl River Middle School (PRMS) PTA Senior Scholarship 2024:  A $500 non-academic scholarship is available to a Pearl River High School senior who has graduated from Pearl River Middle School.  The scholarship will be awarded based on commitment to the community and personal responses to the two questions detailed on the application form.  Deadline for submission is May 12, 2024.

Pearl River Middle School (PRMS) PTA Special Services Senior Scholarship 2024:  This $500 scholarship is offered to a former student of Pearl River Middle School who is receiving special services at the high school.  Candidates must complete the online form including two written responses in 500 words or less for each.  Deadline for submission is May 12, 2024.

Peter G. Bohan Memorial Scholarship:  In honor of Peter Bohan, Class of 1982, the Peter G. Bohan Memorial Scholarship will award $2,000 to two (2) PRHS graduating seniors who are well-rounded individuals with a strong foothold in the high school or town community.  Completed application form, one teacher recommendation and a short essay on the topic, “If you could do anything tomorrow, what would it be and why?” required.  Applications must be submitted to the Counseling Office by May 3, 2024.

Reverend Dr. Raymond C. and Linda Caliman Academic Scholarship:  Scholarship established in honor of Reverend Dr. Raymond C. and Linda Caliman and their service and contributions to the community as well as to their family and church.  A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to a college-bound high school senior who is a positive influence on his/her peers and engages in community service.  Completed application form, transcript, a 500-word essay, letters of recommendation, college acceptance letter, and verified activity profile required.  Please visit their website for more information and contact info@calimanscholarship.org with any questions.  Applications are due April 20, 2024.  

Rockland Community Foundation Scholarships:  There are a variety of scholarships available on the Rockland Community Foundation website. They vary from community service to financial need to volunteering in emergency management to students who demonstrate respect and tolerance. Criteria, award amounts, and deadlines also vary. 

Rockland County Bar Association DEI Juneteenth Essay Contest:  Contest is open to all junior and senior high school students who either reside in Rockland County or attend high school in Rockland County.  This year the student with the winning essay will be guaranteed a scholarship worth at least $750 and the second place winner will be guaranteed a scholarship worth at least $250.  The winners are required to attend RCBA's Awards and Installation Dinner on June 20, 2024 to accept the scholarship award.  Interested students must submit a 500-word essay about freedom.  Please see the application form for details.  Deadline for submission is May 13, 2024, at 11:59pm.

Rockland County Chapter of New York State Society of Professional Engineers Scholar Award:  The Rockland County Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is accepting scholarship applications from current high school seniors who live in Rockland County.  Applicants must be planning to pursue an education in engineering and to enroll in an Accredited Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) college or university. The online application is available through an Eventbrite page, so you must click on “Reserve a Spot” to access the application form.  Please note that the application form also requires the applicant’s social security number.  Questions may be directed to Scholarship@RocklandNSPE.com.  All application materials including supporting documents (transcripts and recommendation letters) are due April 22, 2024.

Rockland County Women’s Bar Association (RCWBA) Catherine M. Miklitsch Law Day Scholarship Contest:  Scholarship contest is open to all Rockland County High School seniors.  A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winning essay of no more than 500 words pertaining to voter turnout and increasing voter engagement.  Please see application for guideline and complete essay question.  All entries must be submitted via email to RCWBAEssayContest@gmail.com by April 25, 2024.

Rockland Road Runners Bruce Yang Memorial Scholarship:  Two recipients will each receive $2,000 and several smaller awards will also be given. Applicants must have participated in either a track or cross-country team while in high school and volunteered at a Rockland Road Runners event in the past four (4) years. A 300-word essay, one (1) letter of recommendation, and transcript required.  The selection process includes an interview session.  Questions can be directed to scholarship@rocklandroadrunners.org.  Application deadline is May 1, 2024.

Zimi Bagel/Demakis Scholarship:  Two (2) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to seniors who have demonstrated the ability to excel academically while pursuing and excelling in a passion within or outside of school (e.g. Debate, Music, Acting, Art, Sports, etc.)  A completed application form and transcript required.  Applicants must be planning to attend college and have a minimum average of 90.  A 350-word (maximum) essay is optional.  All applications and supporting materials must be submitted to the Counseling Office or emailed to guidance@pearlriver.org no later than May 1, 2024.