Scholarships

Career Pathways Through Scholarships

With a mission to strengthen the Barberton community for current and future generations, Barberton Community Foundation has emphasized funding scholarship programs to support education, career success, and economic mobility.

There’s a simple reason for this strategy: Research has shown that communities with higher levels of educational attainment experience stronger economic resilience, higher incomes, and greater career mobility. 

Over the past few decades of deindustrialization – especially in Ohio and other Midwestern states – Barberton has fallen behind on key data points that relate directly to educational attainment, including:

  • Preschool utilization: Fewer than 25% of Barberton’s enrolled kindergarten students are considered “kindergarten ready” based on a standardized state assessment, compared to 40% for all of Summit County.

  • Career path development: Barberton Community Foundation supports high school graduates who are entering the workforce by creating pathways to post-secondary education and training. From technical certifications to 4-year college degrees, we help young adults build the credentials that expand their career trajectory and long-term wage potential compared to those who do not pursue any type of post-secondary education.

  • Workforce development: With 18% of Barberton’s population living below the poverty line, many working adults face real barriers to advancing their careers. Barberton Community Foundation offers scholarship opportunities specifically for adult learners who are looking to upskill or change careers. These investments prioritize pathways into high-impact fields, including early learning and child development, helping individuals build credentials, increase their earning potential, and strengthen the community’s future workforce.

Our goal is to help remove barriers between Barberton residents and the education or training that leads to meaningful careers, strong families, and a thriving local economy. 

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Today, the Foundation offers a range of scholarship opportunities that support students and adult learners at different stages of life – from early childhood to high school and college to mid-career. Some scholarships recognize academic achievement among graduating seniors. Others help residents return to school, pursue technical training, or advance in their professions. Still others address strategic workforce priorities such as early childhood education and skilled trades.

Together, these programs reflect a simple idea: investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to invest in Barberton’s future.

BCF Endowment Post-Secondary Scholarships 

Several Foundation scholarships support Barberton students as they transition from high school into college, technical training, or other post-secondary education pathways.

 

BCF First Generation - Landon Davis, Alexa Guerrero Manzo, Aiden Macken, Kennedy Macko, Melora Shue, Brennah Valencia with Josh Gordon
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BCF Endowment Workforce and Adult Learning Scholarships

Education does not stop after high school. The Foundation offers scholarships for adults who want to expand their skills, change careers, or pursue professional development.

These programs help Barberton residents and employees of Barberton-based organizations access the education and training needed for career advancement.

 

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Donor-Established Scholarships

In addition to the programs listed above, Barberton Community Foundation administers more than 35 donor-designated scholarships that have been established by individuals and families who care deeply about the future of Barberton students.

Each scholarship reflects the priorities of its donor and may support specific fields of study, career interests, or student backgrounds. Scholarships are available for students pursuing two-year and four-year college degrees as well as those attending credential and technical programs, ensuring that every path forward is within reach. These opportunities are available through the Foundation's online application system and are awarded annually.

How to Apply 

Barberton Community Foundation accepts scholarship applications through the online GOapply system.  

Typical application timeline:

  • Most applications open in January with a deadline in early February
  • Scholarship decisions announced in March

When first using GOapply, applicants should register an individual account, which allows them to complete a single application that may qualify them for multiple scholarships.

Students and adult learners are encouraged to review eligibility requirements carefully and submit all required materials before the application deadline.

For help navigating Goapply, see the user guide “Applying for a BCF Scholarship” or call us at 330-745-5995.

Apply for a Scholarship.

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