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
ArtSparks Fund for The °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ School of Dance
The ArtSparks Dance Fund was established In February 2023 as part of We Rise Together, the Campaign for The University of Akron and was revised ln August 2023 to become the The ArtSparks Fund for The °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ School of Dance. The revised fund allows the °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ School of Dance to utilize funds for dance scholarships or as extra funding for the needs of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ's Dance Program.
Founded on the belief that arts play a vital role in fostering the creativity and self-confidence necessary to be productive citizens, ArtSparks classrooms encourage children to develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and a belief in themselves. These traits carry over into all aspects of their lives. Through in-school partnerships, residencies, workshops, and public performances, ArtSparks brings joyful dance and music programming to students with exceptional abilities and to students experiencing the art of dance for the first time.
ArtSparks provides access to high-quality dance programming and promotes the understanding of dance as an art form. Additionally, it challenges students of all ages and abilities to discover new heights of individual excellence through focused attention, creative exploration, and a sense of community.
The ArtSparks Fund for The °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ School of Dance may be used to provide scholarship support to students enrolled In The University of Akron School of Dance or to support operational and production costs of the °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ School of Dance. When funds are used to provide scholarships, they may support one or more students enrolled in good standing in the °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ School of Dance. Fund distributions and recipient selection will be made by the Director of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration and dance faculty. Funds used to support the needs of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ's School of Dance will be at the discretion of the school's director.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “ArtSparks School of Dance Fund” in the text box. Thank you!
​