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
Purnell, Janet B. Self-Sufficiency Scholarship
The Janet B. Purnell Self-Sufficiency Scholarship was established in 1988 by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Theta Omega Chapter (alumnae chapter) of Akron, Ohio, in honor of its distinguished member, Janet Purnell. Janet concluded her nine years as President of The University of Akron Board of Trustees in 1986-1987. The scholarship was revised in 2024.
The Janet B. Purnell Self-Sufficiency Scholarship seeks to provide scholarship assistance to a single parent, head-of-household University of Akron (°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ) student who has significant financial need.
Eligible recipients also must:
- Be a Summit County, Ohio, resident for a minimum of one year,
- Have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in a degree granting program,
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.4 or greater, and
- Be currently enrolled at °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ and registered for a minimum of six credit hours or a maximum of 11 credit hours.
The Janet B. Purnell Self-Sufficiency Scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books, and/or childcare expenses. Funds used for purposes other than qualified educational expenses are reportable and may be taxable to the recipient.
The chapter's scholarship committee will choose recipients based on recommendations either provided by The University Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid or by the chapter's scholarship committee. The latter recommendations must have their scholarship criteria verified by the Office of Financial Aid.
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 “Janet Purnell Self-Sufficiency Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
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