Scholarship Opportunities Now Available
Stark Community Foundation has announced the opening of applications for its 2026-27 scholarship program, offering significant financial assistance to students in the region.
In the previous year, the foundation distributed more than $1 million in awards, setting a new record for annual scholarship funding. This support helps students from various backgrounds, including those from single-income families or aiming to be first-generation college graduates, to pursue their educational goals.
Emma Ellifritz, a beneficiary of the Chester A. and Ethel J. Seran Scholarship Fund, is currently studying at Ohio University. She is expected to complete her bachelor's degree in linguistics in 2027, along with minors in classical studies and Spanish, plus certificates in Chinese language studies and teaching English as a foreign language.
"I am honored that you’ve chosen to assist me with my education," Ellifritz said to the committee. "Because of the support, so many blessings have come into my life. There are so many amazing things that I’ve been able to do because of the gift you have given me."
The Seran Scholarship Fund was established in 1963 by community leader Chester Seran and his wife. Chester Seran stated that the fund aims to help applicants obtain a college education and, in his words, "thereby raising the intellectual and moral leadership of the community." The selection committee continues to honor this mission.
Students from Stark and Carroll counties can apply for nearly 100 scholarships through the foundation's online portal. A single application will match students with most relevant opportunities and suggest others needing extra details.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year must be submitted by April 1.
