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
Allen, Larry '70 and Susan Retention and Recruitment Scholarship
The Larry '70 and Susan Allen Retention and Recruitment Scholarship was established in 2023 by Larry and Susan Allen as part of We Rise Together, the Campaign for The University of Akron (°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ). The scholarship aims to provide support to students in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science who are at risk of having to leave °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ because of financial hardships, or those who desire to attend the University but require additional financial assistance.
Larry and Susan Allen are supporters of The University of Akron and substantive leaders in advancing the cause of the University. Their roots of service to °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ emanate from their love of Akron; their advocacy for the city is demonstrated through service and philanthropy that help the community flourish.
Larry Allen is a native of Akron and a graduate of both The University of Akron and Firestone High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ in 1970.
A man of deep conviction and concern for communities, Larry has dedicated his efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of others. His work with Family Answers, a nonprofit organization providing counseling and in-home care services for those in need in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, exemplifies his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by that community.
Also a native of Akron and an alumna of Firestone High School, Susan's commitment to Akron and those who serve its interests run deep. Her father was John S. Ballard, a 1943 °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ graduate who served as Akron mayor from 1966-1979. He also was a former adjunct associate professor of Public Administration and Urban Studies at °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ and former member of The University of Akron Board of Trustees.
The Allens' impact has touched families from a variety of economic strata, from community members facing financial hardships to assisting students with scholarship opportunities through The Larry W. Allen Scholarship for Engineering Excellence, and support of the College of Engineering, Zips on the Rise Scholarships, and The University of Akron Foundation. The Allens' professional lives and interests have taken them nearly 2,000 miles across the country, but their hearts and their service remain unwavering to Akron, as evidenced by their continued dedication to the University and the surrounding community.
The Allen's understand retention and recruitment are vital components of success for the College of Engineering & Polymer Science. Increasing the availability of immediate use and need-based scholarships are essential to this effort. This critically important initiative will help make sure promising °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ students can complete their academic journeys toward graduation and continue on to professional success, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Students eligible for The Larry '70 and Susan Allen Retention and Recruitment Scholarship must:
- Be an undergraduate student of any major offered by The University of Akron College of Engineering and Polymer Science,
- Be in good academic standing, and
- Have demonstrated financial need.
Eligible recipients of The Larry '70 and Susan Allen Retention and Recruitment Scholarship can be identified by the College of Engineering and Polymer Science Scholarship Committee for recruitment and retention purposes or by the Office of Student Financial Aid. In addition, students experiencing financial hardship can request scholarship assistance by contacting anyone in a leadership role in the college.
Students are not required to complete a scholarship application, and scholarship awards can be disbursed at any time during the academic year. Scholarship funds can be applied to any qualified educational expense.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Allen Recruitment and Retention Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
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