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
Swope, Craig Alan Memorial Scholarship
The Craig Alan Swope Memorial Scholarship was originally established by Philip and Karen Swope in 2007 in loving memory of their son, Craig Alan Swope. Craig was a high school junior at the time of his death from an auto accident. This scholarship description was revised in 2019.
This scholarship is both a memorial to their son and a commitment to help children with learning disabilities. Resulting from a family experience, Philip and his late wife, Karen, shared a genuine interest in seeing that children with special needs in the classroom receive the necessary assistance to which they are entitled. As a result, this scholarship will financially assist students in the Wayne College Early Childhood Inclusive Teacher Preparation Program. This four-year degree program includes licensure for intervention specialists in the schools. Through this scholarship, future teachers will be prepared to bring about interventions to detect disabilities earlier and provide essential additional help.
Scholarship eligibility is open to students enrolled full-time at Wayne College and demonstrating financial need. The scholarship may be renewable. It is Philip Swope’s preference to help students through the four years of the degree program. Scholarship selection will be determined by the designated Wayne College representative or committee.
​