Canton Dollars for Scholars Helps with Higher Education Costs

Canton graduates, do you need help paying the cost for higher education? Of course you do. Canton Dollars for Scholars (CDFS), a chapter of Scholarship America, has been doing just that since 1986.

CDFS offers a broad range of scholarships for post-secondary programs including vocational and technical schools as well as two-year and four-year college degrees. There are many sponsored and memorial scholarships, including five new scholarships this year. The requirements for these scholarships vary. Depending on the field you plan to pursue or activities you have been involved with, you may be eligible for one or more of these scholarships. In addition, CDFS offers a number of general scholarships with broader eligibility requirements.

Canton Dollars for Scholars seeks the well-rounded student who is achieving his or her personal best grades while serving the school, community and the greater good. CDFS focuses on school involvement, work and community commitments.

At this point, only one scholarship is need-based, so financial information will not be required for most applicants. Teacher recommendations are not considered or required, however, the student may provide this info if they want to pursue certain national scholarships through our parent organization, Scholarship America.

For the 2019 scholarship season, online applications will be accepted starting Friday, March 1 and ending on Sunday, March 31. Though, we encourage you to start your on-line profile early to gather information needed. High school seniors residing in Canton may apply regardless of whether they attend Canton High School or a private, parochial or homeschool program. Non-residents graduating from Canton are welcome to apply, though some scholarships are limited to Canton residents only.

CDFS relies on donations to fund the scholarships offered. The number of general scholarships offered is dependent on our fundraising in the past year. Our two primary fundraising efforts are a letter campaign, and the annual Trick or Trot 5K. In 2018, the weather worked against us for the Trick or Trot, so attendance and revenue were down. So we are hoping that as you read this, you will consider a donation to help our Canton students.

CDFS is offering an exciting new opportunity for donors this year. Anyone making a donation of $500 or more has the opportunity to create a scholarship in the name of your company, organization or loved one. You may set the eligibility requirements and Canton Dollars for Scholars will administer all aspects of the process, including promoting the scholarship in the community and selecting a recipient who meets your requirements. This can be one time, or recurring at your choice. If you are interested, please email us at Canton@dollarsforscholars.org and we will work with you to design your scholarship.

For information on scholarship applications, or to make a donation, visit our website at www.canton.dollarsforscholars.org. Also, donations can be mailed to Canton Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 671, Canton, CT 06019.