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
Puder, Barb and Family Scholarship for Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Barb Puder and Family Scholarship for Clinical Mental Health Counseling was established in May 2021 by Barb Puder, class of 1996, in recognition of The University of Akron's 150th Anniversary. In 1993, Barb decided to return to school after the devastating news of her husband Eric's brain cancer diagnosis. She handled the challenges of new, life-altering changes thrown at her; caring for him and her two young children while also working to support her family. After graduating from The University of Akron with a bachelors degree in Biology, Barb continued her education. She earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from NEOUCOM, now known as Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Kent State University. She teaches medical neuroscience courses at Samuel Merritt University in California and runs neuroscience community outreach programs designed for grades K-12 entitled "Get to Know Your Brain!"
A proud °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ alumna, Barb is a strong believer in the importance of higher education. Through her generosity she hopes to help students focus on their studies, give back to their communities, and help to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Scholarship recipients may be enrolled full-time or part-time in The University of Akron's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program. Students must be in good academic standing and have financial need. Selection will be determined by the University Scholarship Committee.
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