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
Cheng, Dean Stephen Z.D. Award in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
Dr. Stephen Z.D. Cheng, former dean of the College of Polymer Science & Engineering (PSPE), and in his academic role as The Frank C. Sullivan Distinguished Research Professor, Robert C. Musson Professor and Trustees’ Professor Emeritus, is a globally renowned research scholar in polymer science. As dean, he introduced new programs expanding how students could enroll, and elevated the reputation of the college and faculty through his personal interactions and academic reputation. He brought into the college a host of innovation practices, and supported students in their academic and research endeavors. It is in recognition of the tradition he so capably demonstrated in his own work that he now establishes The Dean Stephen Z.D. Cheng Award in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.
Annually, the chair of the Department of Polymer Science and the Chair of the Department of Polymer Engineering will accept nominations from faculty for the recipient of The Dean Stephen Z.D. Cheng Award in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.
Eligible students must be in their fourth or fifth year of doctoral studies and be in good academic standing. Student nominations may be made by faculty and should include short descriptions of the student’s area of interest, and why the nominee is worthy of the award. Nominations should be made prior to April 15, with department chairs determining and announcing the recipient in each department by the end of that same month.
The award amount will be determined by Dr. Cheng’s gift each year, with an equal amount going to each recipient. The award may be used in whatever manner the recipient chooses.
Each recipient is required to communicate with Dr. Cheng on receiving the award within three weeks by email or manner preferred by Dr. Cheng. Each recipient may, at their option, list the receipt of this award in their curriculum vitae.
The recipient will allow the college and The University of Akron to acknowledge the award distribution via appropriate publicity and media channels.
Each recipient will be responsible for any taxable consequences associated with the award.
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