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
Bittle, Edward L. and Francis Yates Scholarship
The Edward L. and Francis Yates Bittle Scholarship was established in 2010 by University of Akron Trustee Edward L. Bittle (B.A. 1968) and his wife, Frances Yates Bittle (B.S. 1982 and J.D. 1988), to provide student scholarship assistance. It is the Bittle’s intention that a first-generation college student be selected to receive this award. The students will continue receiving the award provided they are making acceptable progress toward their undergraduate degree. The scholarship recognizes Ed Bittle’s determination to realize his education over a nine-year period while working full time at the BFGoodrich Company.
After receiving his degree, Ed pursued his entrepreneurial interests on the East Coast, before returning to Akron in 1991. After returning to Akron, he established two successful companies, Seal Master and Elbex Corporation, in the inflatable seals and custom rubber extrusion businesses respectively.
Ed and Fran have each been actively involved in support of their University. Fran has served on The University of Akron Foundation Board of Directors and chaired the Foundation’s College Centered Committee. Ed has served on the University’s Board of Trustees and has received the Alumni Honor Award and the Red Cochrane Award for Meritorious Service from the Zips Department of Athletics. The Cochrane Award is a most fitting tribute, recognizing Ed’s deep and abiding enjoyment of sports.
​