Utica Dollars for Scholars announcing 25 years, partnership expansion with The Community Foundation

Utica Dollars for Scholars (UDFS), announcing its 25th anniversary of distributing scholarship dollars to local students, also is broadening its partnership with The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, expanding the number of named awards supporting student scholarships at high schools to 25.

“For the past 25 years, UDFS has supported our young people by serving as a vehicle for donors to provide financial assistance, enabling students to attend various colleges or other post-secondary programs,” said Nadean Gleitsmann, UDFS president. “By awarding these scholarships, we’re one more group of people telling our students that we believe they can succeed and that their community wants to support their efforts.”

In November 1994, UDFS became affiliated with a national scholarship foundation, now known as Scholarship America. UDFS distributed its first awards in 1995, a total of $2,500 to 16 students. This past year, the organization managed selection and distribution of 128 awards totaling $217,260. Since 1994, 1,670 awards totaling $1,070,270 have been distributed (including direct and matching scholarship dollars).

In addition to partnering with The Community Foundation, UDFS maintains relationships with local businesses, families, service organizations, and individual donors that help establish annual awards and special funds to recognize excellence and future potential in students throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties.

This year, Scholarship America has a new theme – The Possible Starts Here. “We share the belief that with self-determination and generous support, anything is possible for all students,” said UDFS founding member and treasurer Bruce Brodsky.

Awards have been made in all areas of academic study, health care, music, construction, and sports, among others. Students also are recognized for commitment to an area of study or for extracurricular activities such as volunteer work or participation in community organizations or events. Many of awards are one-time awards, but several multi-year scholarships are also awarded.

The application deadline for 2019 scholarships is March 15, and students from high schools in Herkimer and Oneida counties are encouraged to apply.