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
Taylor, Donald Scholarship
The Donald Taylor Scholarship was originally established in February 2015 with a gift made by The University of Akron Developmental Programs faculty in honor of Donald Taylors's legacy and pride in his alma mater (°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ). The scholarship was revised in 2024 to update the candidate requirements and selection process of the scholarship.
Mr. Taylor joined the University in 1987 and held several part-time teaching titles before becoming a full-time college lecturer in 2001 in the Department of Developmental Programs. In 2003, he received special recognition from the Office of Accessibility, determined by student recommendation, for his affirmation and support of students with disabilities in the classroom. In 2004, Mr. Taylor also was honored with the Diversity Award by the Office of Multicultural Development for his contributions to an improved campus climate. He retired in 2011, but he continued as a part-time senior college lecturer and tutor in both Developmental Programs and the Division of Student Success.
Mr. Taylor's career-long commitment to education reflects his dedication to student success on a personal and academic level. The establishment of The Donald Taylor Scholarship is a fitting tribute to his commitment to student achievement.
To qualify for The Donald Taylor Scholarship, potential recipients must satisfy one of two specified sets of criteria.
First preference shall be given to students who have completed what is currently known as a developmental course, which is a non-credit preparatory course. The student must maintain good academic standing both overall and specifically in their developmental course(s). In addition, the applicant must furnish a letter of recommendation from staff in °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ's Adult Focus, a Developmental Program instructor, or any office at The University of Akron that provides service to adult students. Alternatively, the student may be nominated by one of these groups.
If no student qualifies based on the above criteria, then a first-generation college student who is in good academic standing or a student with a documented disability who is in good academic standing may be considered for the scholarship.
The selection process for scholarship recipients will be conducted by the staff of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s Adult Focus. The number of scholarships awarded and their respective amounts may vary based on the availability of funds.
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 “Donald Taylor Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
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