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
Farris, Darah Endowed Scholarship
Darah Farris attended King School, Our Lady of the Elms (2007) and The University of Akron. In celebration of her life and legacy, her parents George (°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ Classes of 1971, 1972, 1975 and 1981) and Debbie; and sister, D. Maureen (°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ Class of 2009) established The Darah Farris Scholarship Fund in July 2013. The description was revised in June 2021 and renamed The Darah Farris Endowed Scholarship.
Darah was admired by her family, friends, and peers for her ability to treat everyone equally with dignity and love. She was a loyal friend and classmate that could be relied upon with confidence.
Her passion was teaching inner-city children in the greater Akron area who she considered privileged. Darah touched many lives as a teacher, mentor and caregiver. Her students loved her unconditionally and she loved them. Because of her, these young lives will be enriched, and they will walk into the future as well-prepared leaders.
The Darah Farris Endowed Scholarship awards last dollar scholarships, prior to University awards, for tuition, fees, books, and/or room and board to students residing in the 44306 zip code where Darah taught. Students must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Second consideration will be given to PELL-eligible students in the greater Akron area. Additional consideration will be given to students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing college degrees as first-generation college students and/or based on the following factors: urban area residency; evidence of leadership ability; family income; involvement in extracurricular activities; achievement in spite of difficult personal or family situations; completion of special projects or programs that offer evidence of significant effort or accomplishment; and community involvement and volunteerism. Candidates for The Darah Farris Endowed Scholarship shall be selected by the University Scholarship Committee in consultation with members of the Farris family.
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