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
McKinney, Cheryl A. Women in Engineering Scholarship Endowment
The Cheryl A. McKinney Women in Engineering Scholarship Endowment was established in 2015 by alumna Cheryl A. McKinney, who has a passion to support women pursuing engineering degrees. The scholarship was revised in 2024 to update the candidate requirements and selection process.
Mrs. McKinney received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a minor in chemistry from The University of Akron in 1986. During her education, Cheryl participated in the co-op program, working for Sohio. Upon graduation, Mrs. McKinney joined Sohio then BP where she held various process engineering, optimization, and leadership roles. She retired at the end of 2020 from the role of Vice President of Strategy and Portfolio. Since retiring, she has worked in consulting in both the heritage oil and gas arena, as well as new forms of energy. She has remained active in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) as a mentor. Mrs. McKinney is a member of The University of Akron's Presidential Advisory Committee and the Women in Engineering Advisory Council.
The Cheryl A. McKinney Women in Engineering Scholarship Endowment shall be awarded annually to an undergraduate student pursing a degree in Engineering at The University of Akron. Eligible candidates will be members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and/or active in Women in Engineering programming at The University of Akron.
The College of Engineering and Polymer Science Scholarship Committee will identify eligible recipients and provide the list to The University of Akron Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid, which will make the final selection.
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 “McKinney WIE Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
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