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
Elliott, Rick Endowed Fund for Steel Drum Band Directors
The Steel Drum, or “pan,” is a unique instrument, holding a special place in the history of music. The drums were developed on the Caribbean island of Trinidad during the early years of the 20th century. The University of Akron Steel Drum Band, with more than 20 percussion majors, is dedicated to performing the musical art form of Trinidad, and to educating people about the history of pan.
The Rick Elliott Endowed Fund for Steel Drum Band Directors provides financial support for the faculty leaders of the °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ Steel Drum program. Dr. Larry Snider founded the University of Akron Steel Drum Band in 1980. At the time, °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ was one of only three colleges in the U.S. to have a steel drum ensemble. It remains one of the nation's oldest collegiate panorama-style steel bands and a beloved Akron institution.
This fund was established by Richard (“Rick”) J. Elliott in 2020 in recognition of The University of Akron’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary. Mr. Elliott (’84), is a long-time supporter of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s Steel Drum program and established this fund as an investment in its continued success. He is the owner of CTTK Communication, LLC in Barberton, Ohio.
Funds may be allocated at the discretion of the Director of the School of Music in consultation with the Director of the Steel Drum program.
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