Adams County Dollars for Scholars

Overview:
A scholarship program operated through the Adams County Community Foundation and administered by Scholarship America, a national network of locally-based, volunteer-driven programs serving students in thousands of communities across the country.

Geographic Scope:

• Adams County, Pennsylvania

Eligibility:

• High school students from Adams County public school districts
• Students attending traditional four-year colleges/universities
• Students attending vocational/technical schools
• Students attending Pennsylvania institutions (may receive additional matching funds from PHEA awards)

Award Details:

• Approximately 70 scholarships awarded annually
• Total awards exceed $135,000 per year
• Pennsylvania institution attendees may receive additional matching funds from state-based PHEA awards (approximately $29,120+ in matching funds available)
• Scholarships support both traditional four-year programs and vocational/technical training

Funding Sources:

• Multiple donor-established scholarship funds through the Adams County Community Foundation
• Some scholarships honor the memory of loved ones or special persons
• Others recognize the importance of good education and specific training

Application Process:

• Confidential, online-based application process available on ACCF website
• Application scored electronically with select committee member review
• Two required essays (read anonymously, identified by student ID number only)
• Essays reviewed by volunteer selection committee members
• 210+ student applications received annually (2026 data)

Contact:

• Beverly Grazulewicz, ACCF Staff
• Phone: 717-337-0060
• Email: info@adamscountycf.org

Note on Establishing Scholarships:

• Minimum fund of $25,000 can yield a $1,000 scholarship annually
• Fund with $50,000 corpus can yield a $2,000 scholarship annually
• Scholarships can be offered in perpetuity through endowed funds

Application Process

1. Access the Application:
   • Online-based application available on Adams County Community Foundation website (adamscountycf.org)
   • Confidential application process
2. Complete Application Components:
   • Online application form (electronically scored)
   • Two required essays
   • Student identification number used instead of name (anonymous review)
3. Essay Requirements:
   • Two essays required
   • Essays reviewed anonymously by volunteer selection committee members
   • Selection committee uses essays to determine scholarship award winners
4. Review and Selection:
   • Electronic scoring of application materials
   • Select committee members review all components
   • Volunteer selection committee reads all essays
   • Committee evaluates student goals and ambitions
   • Approximately 70 scholarships awarded from 200+ applications
5. Winners Notification:
   • Winners announced (typically in spring/early summer based on historical timeline)
   • Scholarship amounts vary based on individual fund criteria

Required Materials:

• High school enrollment verification
• Two essays (specific topics/prompts available on application)
• Online application form completion