Welcome to the Monticello High School Scholarships Page!
We are very proud of the accomplishments of our students and feel fortunate to live in a community which embraces and rewards our students’ achievements. We are grateful for the organizations and private donors for their generosity. There are many different types of scholarships so please don’t think you won’t qualify for something. Please review all that are posted and make a personal note of the ones you will be applying for. You can apply to as many as you believe you qualify for.
Please read the overview section listed below for more generalized information regarding scholarships. For further questions regarding scholarships please stop by the High School Guidance Office or contact your student’s school counselor.
Thank you,
The Monticello High School Guidance Department
Overview
Over the course of the academic year scholarships become available to our students. Some are local, some are regional, and some are national. Each scholarship has its own specific criteria and procedure for applying. Scholarship information can be obtained by contacting any one of the guidance counselors.
As scholarships become available, we will post them on the website scholarship page.
Students can obtain scholarship applications from a guidance counselor or download them from the websites listed below. It is important to follow the directions stated on the application. Some require students to submit them directly to the sponsor while others require that the application is submitted to the guidance office.
Due dates are firm and must be adhered to. Often the date due to the guidance office is different from the due date listed on the application. This is because guidance personnel need time to collect recommendations, transcripts and other required information.
March through May are the primary months for scholarship applications. It is suggested that students have their scholarship letters of recommendation and resumes on file in their guidance counselor’s office prior to March 1 to expedite the processing of scholarship applications.
It is also strongly recommended that scholarship recipients show their appreciation by sending a note of thanks to the donors.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE)
One scholarship program that is available to students is the Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE). The Scholarships for Academic Excellence provide high school students that are the top student(s) in their respective high school at the end of their junior year with a scholarship to attend an institution of higher education located in New York State. The primary method for nomination for this award is based off of each student’s Regents Examinations scores. The highest ranked student(s) graduating at the end of the 2025-2026 school year is/are eligible for nomination by the appropriate school building leader. The deadline for submission is February 27th, 2026. In order to comply with this award scholarship winners must attend a college or university in New York State. Please note that SAEs cannot be used for trade schools. Those who do not attend a college or university in New York State forfeit the award.
The full list of criteria for this scholarship program can be viewed at:
Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE) | New York State Education Department
The St. John Fisher University Scholarship Programs
This university offers unique scholarship programs to St. John Fisher students. If your student has been accepted and intends on attending St. John Fisher University please visit the St. John Fisher University scholarships website for more information.
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy – Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to offer the Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship to seniors who will be graduating in the spring of 2026. There will be one student selected from one of nine school districts located in the Upper Delaware River region. This scholarship is applicable to high school seniors who are planning to pursue a career in educational or environmental studies. Students who are interested will need to fill out the Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship Application and provide their transcript and 2 student assessment forms/2 letters of recommendation in order to be eligible for selection. Once completed, please return the scholarship application to your student’s school counselor. Your student’s school counselor will then send the application to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for review. If selected, the student will have an award of $2,500 sent directly to the chosen college upon proof of enrollment. The deadline for this scholarship application is March 20, 2026. Please return the application to the Monticello High School Guidance Department by Friday, March 13, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application is available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Scholarship Opportunities
This foundation provides Hudson Valley students with over 50 scholarships. The opening date for applications begins January 1st, 2026. The deadline for scholarship applications is March 15th, 2026. There is an on-site application that screens students on what scholarships they will qualify for, which helps streamline the application process. Each scholarship has different guidelines so please make sure to read each scholarship carefully. For more information, please visit the Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley Scholarships page.
The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland (CFOSR) Scholarships
The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland (CFOSR) are presenting several scholarships to graduating seniors or early grads in Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties. There is a wide variety of different scholarships available. Applicants who showcase academic achievement, artistic talent, athletic competence, leadership qualities, community service, tenacity, financial need, etc. will be sought out during the selection process. Applicants can apply for these scholarships electronically on the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland’s website. Applicants will be asked to create an account for the Scholarship Portal and then complete a Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application. This process will determine which scholarships each individual will qualify for. Completing the Universal Scholarship Eligibility Application will not automatically submit applications for the scholarships you qualify for. Applicants will need to apply to each individual scholarship. The deadline for these scholarships’ applications should be April 10th, 2026, but please make sure to carefully read each scholarship listing for specific details regarding deadlines and eligibility.
Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland Scholarships Overview
Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland Scholarship Portal
The Sullivan County Farm Bureau Scholarship
The Sullivan County Farm Bureau is offering two $500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are furthering their education in either college or trade school. Below you will find the website hyperlink that will redirect you to the eligibility, requirements, and the full guidelines for this scholarship. Applicants will be able to start the application process directly from the same website. This scholarship requires that the applicant submits his/her application and accompanying documents electronically. The deadline for this scholarship application is April 15th, 2026. If interested in a physical copy of this scholarship program’s guidelines there are copies available for pickup on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office in the Monticello High School.
The Sullivan County Farm Bureau Scholarship Guidelines and Online Application
The Grace Johansen Foundation – Grace Johansen Memorial Scholarship
The Grace Johansen Foundation is presenting their yearly Grace Johansen Memorial Scholarship again to graduating college-bound seniors in Sullivan County. Applicants are required to submit a 250-500 essay describing school or community involvement and how that has impacted both yourself and the wider community. This scholarship is completed via an online application. The deadline to apply for this scholarship application is before 11:59 PM EDT on May 1st, 2026.
Please find the scholarship application and guidelines at the following site:
The Grace Johansen Memorial Scholarship
The BigSun Scholarship
The BigSun Organization is offering their annual scholarship for deserving students who engage in athletic activities either in Monticello High School or in the community. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in or to what capacity. This scholarship awards $500 to those selected. The deadline to apply for this scholarship application is June 19th, 2026. Please visit the BigSun Scholarship website for more information on the application process.
The Sullivan County Veterans Coalition Scholarship
The Sullivan County Veterans Coalition is offering a scholarship program for local graduating high school seniors that are direct descendants to an honorable serving or discharged veteran. Applicants have the opportunity to qualify for one of three scholarship awards. Each scholarship awards $2000 to those selected. If selected, the monetary award is payable after the successful completion of the winner’s 1st semester and is enrolled for their second semester. Applicants must be a son, daughter, nephew, niece, or grandchild of the veteran to qualify. Applicants must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education (Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University). Applicants should hold an 80 GPA or better. Applicants will have to submit a minimum 200-word essay along with other information and documents attached to their application. The deadline for this scholarship application is April 1st, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy – Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to offer the Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship to seniors who will be graduating in the spring of 2026. There will be one student selected from one of nine school districts located in the Upper Delaware River region. This scholarship is applicable to high school seniors who are planning to pursue a career in educational or environmental studies. Students who are interested will need to fill out the Vanessa Joy Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship Application and provide their transcript and 2 student assessment forms/2 letters of recommendation in order to be eligible for selection. Once completed, please return the scholarship application to your student’s school counselor. Your student’s school counselor will then send the application to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for review. If selected, the student will have an award of $2,500 sent directly to the chosen college upon proof of enrollment. The deadline for this scholarship application is March 20, 2026. Please return the application to the Monticello High School Guidance Department by Friday, March 13, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s PBA Debra Hall Memorial Scholarship
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s PBA Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students who are currently residing in Sullivan County, New York. To be eligible for the Debra Hall Memorial Scholarship students must be a graduating senior currently residing in Sullivan County and pursuing a career in the veterinarian science field or a field associated with animal services. Academics, community service, and financial need are all factors that are considered during the selection process. The deadline for this scholarship application is March 27th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s PBA Robert Chemerys Memorial Scholarship
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s PBA Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students who are currently residing in Sullivan County, New York. To be eligible for the Robert Chemerys Memorial Scholarship students must be a graduating senior currently residing in Sullivan County and pursuing a career in the criminal justice field or any police-related field. Academics, community service, and financial need are all factors that are considered during the selection process. The deadline for this scholarship application is March 27th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal – The Cristin Ann Bambino Memorial Scholarship
The NYSIR (New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal) is offering the Cristin Ann Bambino Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will award nine college or technical school-bound special education students with an active IEP or 504 plan. These awards are to commemorate the selected students for his or her completion of high school and acceptance to college/university despite having to overcome special challenges. Seven recipients will receive a $3,000 scholarship on a regional basis, while the runner-up will receive a $4,000 scholarship and the overall winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Applicants will have to submit an essay alongside their application that answers several questions listed in the scholarship guidelines. Please make sure to read the guidelines in full as it may require providing supporting documents. The deadline for this scholarship application is April 2nd, 2026. Please send the fully completed application (and supporting documents if applicable) to Krystel Allen at kallen@nysir.org. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal – The Joseph Goncalves Student Humanitarian Scholarship
The NYSIR (New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal) is offering the Joseph Goncalves Student Humanitarian Scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to attend college in New York State. This scholarship is in honor of NYSIR’s former Executive Director, Joseph Goncalves. Students who plan on applying will have to demonstrate proof of involvement and work for a cause or organization that actively promotes social justice, equal opportunity, relief of human suffering, or similar aspiration(s) within the periphery of humanitarian activities. Applicants will have to provide an essay that describes their service during his or her high school career, how that service has benefitted others, what that experience has meant to the applicant, and the applicant may also give mention to any inspirational role models that have had a positive influence on the applicant. The applicant must also provide evidence of plans to attend college in New York. The applicant must provide a letter from either the applicant’s school counselor, a civic or religious leader or other non-family member who can vouch on behalf of the graduating senior’s worthiness as a student humanitarian. The deadline for this scholarship application is April 2nd, 2026. Please send the fully completed application (and supporting documents if applicable) to Krystel Allen at kallen@nysir.org. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal – The Paul Jensen Memorial Scholarship
The NYSIR (New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal) is offering the Paul Jensen Memorial Scholarship to a student who has demonstrated imagination and creative aesthetic in his or her school year and who is seeking an opportunity to attend college. This scholarship is in memory of Paul Jensen, a marketing representative from NYSIR, who excelled in innovation, woodworking, and craftsmanship. Students who are applying should be prepared to demonstrate how he or she has used their creativity and ingenuity to overcome an obstacle. Applicants who have altered or repurposed items to solve their problems will be potentially considered as strong candidates. Furthermore, applicants will have to submit an essay that explains how the student has designed or adapted an existing design for a different purpose, how that adaptation was accomplished, and what impact this altered design has had on the student or others. Blueprints, drawings, schematics, etc., are not required but they may be attached alongside the essay to help the selection committee better understand the adaptation or design. The deadline for this scholarship application is April 2nd, 2026. Please send the fully completed application (and supporting documents if applicable) to Krystel Allen at kallen@nysir.org. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Monticello Teachers’ Association Educational Scholarship
The Monticello Teachers’ Association is offering Monticello High School seniors with the opportunity to be selected for their yearly educational scholarship. The winning recipient(s) may collect this award after he/she finishes their first semester of their sophomore year and prove their enrollment with a certified transcript. The students who are selected as recipients must contact the current MTA President for scholarship payment processing at the end of the recipient’s first semester of their sophomore year. Parents or legal guardians of the recipients will not be allowed to collect the scholarship award or speak with the MTA regarding the award. Applicants must be a Monticello High School senior who has been accepted to an accredited pre-service teacher training program at a college or university. Applicants must check with the guidance department whether specialized or trade schools/academies will be accepted to qualify for this scholarship. A second scholarship may be given to an applicant who is not entering the teaching profession. Applicants who show leadership qualities, exhibit exemplary character, provide service to others, and are in need of financial need will be highly considered. Applicants must submit the following: 1) Student financial aid report 2) Official high school transcript 3) A written letter explaining why he or she has chosen teaching as their career path 4) Letter of recommendation from a Monticello Teachers’ Association member. The deadline for this scholarship application and all accompanying documents to be submitted to the Monticello High School Guidance Office is May 29th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines is available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Forestburgh Fire Company – The William J “Billy” Steinberg Grant
The Forestburgh Fire Company is offering Monticello High School students with the opportunity to be selected for their yearly William J “Bill” Steinberg Grant award. Applicants should be pursuing advanced training or pursuing a career in the vocational trades. During the selection process, priority shall be given to applicants in the following order: First priority will go to students who are an active member of the Forestburgh Fire Co. Second priority will go to students who are an immediate family member of a Forestburgh firefighter. Third priority will go to students who are firefighters within the Monticello Central School District. 4th priority will go to any student currently attending the Monticello Central School District. Alongside their application, applicants will have to submit a short essay providing information about themself, the college or trade school he/she is planning on attending, and any community-based activities that the student is involved with. The deadline for this scholarship application is May 15th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
Mu Chapter – Alpha Delta Kappa – The Beth A. Clark Memorial Scholarship
The Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators is presenting their yearly Beth A. Clark Memorial Scholarship to graduating seniors who are actively pursuing a profession in education. Applicants will need be accepted to an accredited college. Applicants who can showcase their interest in teachings, strong work ethics, and academic abilities will be sought out during the selection process. Applicants will have to submit an essay alongside their completed application. Applicants will need to provide a copy of his/her official transcript and two letters of reference. The deadline for this scholarship application is May 13th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship program’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office in the Monticello High School.
The Nellie Burnham Memorial Scholarship
The Nellie Burnham Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Nellie Burnham’s lifelong commitment to being a dedicated educator, a master weaver, and a mentor to both colleagues and students. She was a teacher from the Roscoe Central School District who is remembered for her love of teaching and fiber arts. Applicants for this scholarship should have plans to pursue higher education towards a career in teaching. It’s not required but applicants who have an interest in fiber arts will be given higher priority. An official copy of one’s student transcript, an essay, and two letters of reference are required to accompany this scholarship application. The deadline for this scholarship application is May 20th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office in the Monticello High School.
The Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Grants-In-Aid Awards
The Tau Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society is offering their yearly Grants-In-Aid Awards to senior girls who are planning to pursue a career in the teaching profession. Applicants should be in the upper half ranking of their class in order to qualify for this award. Applicants who display exemplary character, personality, academic achievement, and potential for teaching will be given higher priority. No girl is eligible for this award if she has not been accepted into a college. Please send a copy of the student’s picture, an official transcript, a letter of recommendation, and contact phone number and email address, alongside the completed application, to the Guidance Office. The Head Guidance Counselor will select one application from those that are submitted to then be sent over to the selection committee for review. The deadline to return this award application and accompanying materials to the Guidance Office is April 10th, 2026. The deadline for this award is April 15th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office in the Monticello High School.
The Rock Hill Fire Department Scholarship
The Rock Hill Fire Department is offering their yearly scholarship to high school seniors. The selection committee will give first priority to Rock Hill Fire Department members, then to an immediate family member of a Rock Hill firefighter, then to residents of the Rock Hill Fire District, and finally to members of the Boys Scout Troop 101. Applicants will be required to submit a short-typed essay about oneself, the college he/she is planning on attending and any community activities he/she has participated in. The deadline for this scholarship application is May 1st, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office in the Monticello High School.
The Kiwanis Club of Monticello Scholarships
The local Kiwanis Club of Monticello is again offering their yearly scholarships to graduating seniors and early grads. There are usually several applicants that are selected, so it’s highly recommended that students apply to this scholarship application. Applicants are required to provide a short-typed essay stating the reason for his/her choice of career, his/her future plans, and why he or she feels like they should be considered for this award. The deadline for this scholarship application is April 30th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship’s full guidelines and respective application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance – The Stanley J. Segal Scholarship for Visual Arts
The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, which is the arts council for Sullivan County, is once again offering their yearly Stanley J. Segal Scholarship to graduating seniors and early grads. This scholarship is designed to offer financial aid to students who are pursuing advanced studies in the visual arts, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, film, video, etc. Applicants are required to provide: a brief bio about themselves, a narrative of what they hope to achieve from pursuing a degree in fine arts, and to also provide work samples and artwork that showcases their creativity and talent. The deadline for this scholarship application is by midnight (12:00 AM) on Friday, April 3rd, 2026. Please see the scholarship’s full guidelines for more information. The scholarship application and accompanying materials has to be submitted electronically via submittable. Applicants will have to make an account and then find scholarship opportunities that are available through certain organizations. After selecting the scholarship, you will then have to complete and submit the corresponding form. If interested, a copy of the scholarship’s full guidelines is available for pickup on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office in the Monticello High School.
Submittable Website – The Stanley J. Segal Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Monticello Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Monticello is again offering their yearly scholarship to graduating seniors or early grads. This scholarship is dedicated to students who display exemplary qualities that are of commendable character. “The Monticello Rotary Scholarship seeks to provide financial aid to deserving students in the Monticello and Fallsburg School Districts who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.” The Rotary Club of Monticello prefers if all applications are sent electronically to MonticelloRotaryScholarship@gmail.com. If you have to fill this scholarship application via handwriting, please try to be as neat as possible. The deadline for this scholarship application was originally February 20, 2026, but Monticello High School received an extension until March 16th, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship’s full guidelines is available for pickup on the bulletin board outside Room 601 in the Monticello High School.
The Sullivan County Shields Scholarship
The Sullivan County Shield is an organization comprised of active and retired law enforcement officers and community supporters. This year they are pleased to offer a scholarship to a graduating senior or early grad who plans to actively pursue a career in law enforcement or a related field. Applicants will be asked to provide a completed questionnaire that provides basic personal and academic information, a handwritten essay approximately 250 words in length that explains the reasoning behind choosing a career in law enforcement, and a letter of character reference from a guidance counselor or teacher. If selected as a finalist in the selection process, the applicant will be asked to attend an interview. The deadline for this scholarship application is April 1st, 2026. If interested, a copy of the scholarship’s full guidelines and application are available for pickup on the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office in the Monticello High School.
Scholarship Websites
Please check the following websites regularly as they have multiple national scholarships with varying due dates. Updates could happen at any time so please check often.
Logon – Scholarship Lifecycle Manager (grantinterface.com)
Additional Resources
How to Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams | Consumer Advice