Foundation Endowed Scholarships | Barberton Community Foundation

Each year, Barberton Community Foundation awards scholarships funded through its endowment to support Barberton students and residents pursuing education and career training. These programs recognize academic achievement, expand access to higher education and trade schools, and help individuals at different stages of life pursue learning and professional growth.

BCF Cum Laude Scholarship

The Barberton Community Foundation Cum Laude Scholarship celebrates the academic achievements of graduating seniors at Barberton High School who have demonstrated excellence through their GPA and class ranking. Rooted in traditional academic values, the scholarship recognizes the dedication, discipline, and commitment required to excel in the classroom over the course of a student’s high school career.

Each year, up to 20 graduating seniors receive the Cum Laude Scholarship as they begin their post-secondary education journey. The award is structured as a four-year scholarship, with payments that increase as students progress through their degree programs. Recipients receive $1,500 in their first year, $2,000 in their second year, $2,500 in their third year, and $3,000 in their fourth year, assuming continued enrollment toward their degree.

By recognizing academic achievement, the Cum Laude Scholarship honors the hard work of Barberton students while helping them take the next step toward their academic and professional goals, whether they are pursuing college or a trade school. Students who begin college early, take gap years, or complete coursework on a different timeline are encouraged to contact the Foundation to discuss their scholarship schedule.

How to apply: This scholarship is for Barberton High School students. The application process for graduating seniors begins in January. Students apply through the Foundation’s GOapply portal.

BCF First Generation Scholarship

The Barberton Community Foundation First Generation Scholarship recognizes students who are the first in their family to attend college, not including siblings. For many of these students, the path to higher education requires navigating new systems, expectations, and opportunities without the benefit of family members who have previously completed a college degree.

Each year, six graduating seniors receive this scholarship to attend a college or trade school. Like the Cum Laude program, the First-Generation Scholarship is a four-year award, with increasing support as the student progresses toward their degree. Recipients receive $1,500 in their first year, $2,000 in their second year, $2,500 in their third year, and $3,000 in their fourth year.

More than simply recognizing academic performance, the First-Generation Scholarship celebrates grit, perseverance, and the courage to blaze a new trail. These students often open doors not only for themselves, but for their families and future generations.

How to apply: This scholarship is for Barberton High School students. The application process for graduating seniors begins in January. Students apply through the Foundation’s GOapply portal.

NEW in 2026
BCF On-Campus Housing Scholarship

The Barberton Community Foundation On-Campus Housing Scholarship is a new scholarship program created in 2025. The scholarship provides up to $15,000 annually to help a Barberton student pursue higher education while living in on-campus housing with a meal plan.

This scholarship was developed in response to research showing students who live on campus are more likely to remain enrolled, engage with their college community, and successfully complete their degree. On-campus students often benefit from stronger academic networks, easier access to campus resources, and deeper involvement in campus life that opens them up to many opportunities.

In Barberton, many students commute to college rather than living on campus. This scholarship was created to help remove financial barriers that may prevent students from fully participating in the residential college experience. By supporting both tuition and housing, the Foundation hopes to give students the opportunity to build connections, engage with campus life, and strengthen their chances of long-term success.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Research shows that students who live on campus are more likely to stay consistently enrolled in school and complete their degrees.

First-year retention rates are about 10% higher for students living on campus compared to commuter students.
Six-year graduation rates are approximately 13% higher for residential students.

Residential students interact more frequently with faculty, participate in campus activities, and have easier access to academic resources and peer support. These connections often make a meaningful difference in persistence, confidence, and long-term success in college.

How to apply: This scholarship is for Barberton High School students. The application process for graduating seniors begins in January. Students apply through the Foundation’s GOapply portal.

BCF Resident Scholarship

Through the Resident Scholarship, the Foundation seeks to support Barberton residents who are committed to continuing their education and building successful futures while maintaining strong ties to the community.

This scholarship ensures that students pursuing post-secondary education have access to support regardless of whether they graduate from a public school, private school, or a homeschool program.

The Resident Scholarship currently awards two four-year renewable scholarships, each providing up to $1,000 per year. Awards may be used for college, trade, or technical education at an accredited nonprofit institution.

Eligibility requires applicants to demonstrate a strong connection to the Barberton community. Students must have lived in Barberton for at least four years, maintained at least a B average in high school, and meet additional application requirements. Applicants must also achieve a minimum ACT score of 21 or provide two letters of recommendation from non-family members, and participate in an in-person interview with the scholarship selection committee. Eligible students must not have used the EdChoice Scholarship during high school.

Financial need may be considered in the selection process.

How to apply: This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors who are also residents of Barberton. The application process for graduating seniors begins in January. Students apply through the Foundation’s GOapply portal.

Adult Back to School Scholarship
Open Year-Round

The Adult Back to School Scholarship supports workforce development and professional advancement for Barberton residents and employees of Barberton-based organizations. The program recognizes that learning and career development often happen at different stages of life and provides financial support to adults who are returning to education to finish a degree, gain new skills, or pursue professional certification.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and either live in Barberton or work for an organization located in Barberton. Scholarships may be applied toward college programs, technical training, trade schools, professional certification programs, or leadership development opportunities offered through accredited nonprofit institutions or recognized credentialing organizations.

Scholarships are awarded through the Foundation’s GOapply portal, and some awards may be renewed if recipients remain enrolled and continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Early Childhood Education Workforce Scholarship

This scholarship helps strengthen Barberton’s childcare and early learning workforce. Awards of up to $2,500 are available to individuals pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Applicants must be currently employed by an early childhood education provider located in Barberton. Recipients may renew the scholarship in future years if they remain enrolled and in good standing with their institution. Award recipients may be asked to commit to continue working for a Barberton early childhood provider for at least two years after completing their certification or degree.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Scholarship

This scholarship supports individuals pursuing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) certification through Stark State College or another accredited nonprofit provider. Awards of up to $2,500 may be provided to Barberton residents or employees of Barberton-based organizations. Applicants must secure employer sponsorship prior to receiving the award, and recipients commit to remaining employed with their sponsoring organization for at least two years after completing certification.

Leadership Development Scholarship

This scholarship supports professional growth through structured leadership training programs. The Foundation provides up to two matching awards of up to $2,500, covering 50 percent of the program cost, with the sponsoring employer providing the remaining 50 percent. Eligible programs currently include Leadership Akron and the Center for Immersive Leadership at United Way of Summit and Medina. Applicants must either live in Barberton or work for a Barberton-based employer, and employer sponsorship is required.

General Workforce Development Scholarship

This scholarship supports adult learners pursuing career advancement through education or credentialing programs. Four awards of up to $1,250 are available for qualified applicants pursuing college coursework, trade training, professional certification, or other credentialed learning opportunities. Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, materials, certification exam costs, or other approved educational expenses. Employer sponsorship is encouraged but not required, though priority may be given to applicants with employer support.

Recipients who are employed at the time of award may be asked to commit to remain with their employer for at least two years after completing their program. Barberton residents who are not employed at the time of award commit to seeking employment within Barberton or with a Barberton-based employer after completing their training.

Through these programs, the Foundation supports adult learners while helping strengthen Barberton’s workforce, leadership pipeline, and local economy.

Driver's Education Scholarship
Operated in Partnership with Barberton High School

The Driver's Education Scholarship helps Barberton High School students access driver education by reducing the financial barriers that can prevent families from enrolling their teens in the program. In partnership with Barberton High School, the Foundation provides partial scholarships to help offset the cost of driver education courses offered through Myers Driving School and its partnership with Barberton City School District.

Scholarship awards range from $125 to $325, based on financial need, and are available to students who are on track to graduate, maintain good school attendance, and hold a valid temporary driver’s permit. The goal of the program is to ensure that students have the opportunity to gain safe driving skills and independence while preparing for life after high school.

By helping students access driver education, this program supports an important milestone in young adulthood while promoting mobility for career exploration, safety, responsibility, and opportunity for Barberton students.

How to apply: Students interested in the scholarship must first speak with the Barberton High School Principal who helps guide them through the application process. Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s GOapply system and are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. This scholarship is closed for 2026 and will reopen April 1, 2027.

Foundation Scholarship Programs