Named scholarships & funds
When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.
For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.
Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.
If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to scholarships. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.
To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
This is not the page to apply for scholarships.
Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site. You can find the link for the online application here.
The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.
Search for a Named Scholarship
Waklatsi Foundation Endowed Scholarship
The Waklatsi Foundation Endowed Scholarship was established in 2024 by Mr. Kevin M. Waklatsi, President of The Waklatsi Foundation, to show his appreciation and love for The University of Akron.
Kevin received his B.A., magna cum laude, in 2011 from The University of Akron. He obtained his J.D. in 2014 from The University of Chicago Law School, where he was an Earl B. Dickerson Scholar and served as President of the Black Law Students Association. He also participated on the Student Advisory Board of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and served as Midwest Regional Chair of the National Black Law Students Association.
Currently, Kevin represents public and private companies, private equity funds, and portfolio companies in a variety of complex business transactions, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. His extensive corporate governance experience includes advising clients on responses to activist investors, a review of strategic alternatives, preparation of SEC filings, and SEC compliance. Kevin represents both domestic and international clients which span a broad range of industries and sectors.
The Waklatsi Foundation Endowed Scholarship supports deserving full- or part-time undergraduate students accepted into the Williams Honors College. Recipients will be selected by The University of Akron Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid with a preference given to students who have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and are involved in extracurricular activities. Special consideration should be given to students who are affiliated with the Office of Multicultural Development. The number of recipients and scholarship amounts may vary as funds are available.
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