Scholarships Open at Elk County & McKean County Community Foundations
Scholarships Open at Both Elk County & McKean County Community Foundations
Applications for scholarships through both the McKean County and Elk County Community Foundations are now open for high school seniors as well as for non-traditional adult learners with a submission deadline of February 25, 2026. Through the almost 200 scholarship funds held at the two Community Foundations, over 300 scholarships are awarded each year to students of all ages who are furthering their education. All students are encouraged to review the Student Alert flyer and resource videos on the foundation websites for important instructions on how to apply.
In addition to the numerous scholarships offered to high school seniors, adult learners have a variety of scholarship opportunities available to them. There are 14 scholarship funds in McKean County and 25 scholarship funds in Elk County earmarked for college students, graduate level and non-traditional students. These adult learners may be pursuing general 2–4-year degrees, trade or vocational degrees or certificates, environmental studies, EMT or paramedic training, criminal justice, nursing, forestry and agriculture, military service, and more.
All scholarship applications are completed online through our scholarship portal. If interested in applying, go to the website for your area at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org or www.elkcountyfoundation.org. Click on the Scholarships tab, then Information for Students, to search for scholarships for a specific school or category. After creating an account, students should complete the eligibility quiz which will automatically match them to all the scholarships for which they may be eligible. The scholarships opened on January 15 and will close on February 25. For more information on the application process, contact the Community Foundation at 844-238-2289.
The Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation are non-profit organizations that are affiliates of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies.
Remembering Jordan Adams through his Swim/Dive team award at ECCF
Remembering Jordan Adams through his Swim/Dive team scholarship award
Jordan Adams was tragically killed in a car accident in January 2019 at the young age of nineteen. To honor his memory, Jordan’s family established the Jordan Adams Memorial Award Fund at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) to be given to a member of the SMAHS Swim and Dive Team.
The award is open to a graduating senior from any school who is a member of the St. Marys Area Swim and Dive Team. The applicant can be pursuing a post-secondary education program or entering the workforce. Applications will be accepted beginning January 15 with a submission deadline of February 25, 2026.
Jordan had struggled throughout his life with mental health issues, but one of his happiest times was when he was on the SMAHS Swim and Dive team. They were a special little family to him. He did not excel in the sport, but it did not matter as he was accepted and cheered for during his time on the team. This little swim/dive family saved his life! Jordan was always giving in any way he could, and his family knows he would want to try and help someone else who struggled and found their family in the SMAHS Swim and Dive team and needs help continuing on in life after high school.
Along with the Jordan Adams Fund, over 130 additional funds offer scholarship opportunities through the Elk County Community Foundation. Area students are encouraged to apply for this Jordan Adams fund award, as well as over 200 individual scholarships offered by ECCF funds. All scholarship applications are submitted through an online portal that can be accessed at the Foundation’s website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org.
The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grant making as it collaborates with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals.
