The following questions pertain to the Universal Scholarship Application for individuals seeking to complete either a two- or four-year degree or medical degree. For scholarship information pertaining to a shorter term (less than two year) degree or certificate program, please see the Career and Technical Education Scholarship page.

Scholarship Names and Descriptions (PDF document)

Who is eligible to apply?

In general, scholarships are available to residents of Knox County who are, or will, attend an accredited university as a full-time student.

*There are a few scholarships available to non-Knox County residents such as the Carlos E. & Celestine A. Watkins Scholarship, the Utica Class of 1956, and the Harold Smith Utica High School Scholarships. Please contact Kara Ernsberger, Program Coordinator, at 740-392-3270 or [email protected] if you are not a Knox County resident to determine eligibility.

Do I need to submit my FAFSA to be considered for a scholarship?

No. Although there are many scholarships with financial need as a criterion, there are also scholarships available that do not require you to submit your FAFSA Submission Summary. In order to be considered for the maximum number of scholarships, students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA Submission Summary, being sure to include the Student Aid Index (SAI).

What is the timeframe for applying for a scholarship?

The scholarship application opens on or around January 15 and closes at midnight on March 1 each year.

What happens if I forget my username or password?

You can reset your password on the homepage of the application site or e-mail Kara Ernsberger, Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

What should I do if I cannot upload a current college transcript?

Transcripts can be scanned or printed as a PDF or JPEG file and uploaded to your application. If you are unable to do so, please e-mail a copy to or contact Kara Ernsberger ([email protected]) to find an alternative method of submitting your transcript.

What should I write for my Personal Statement?

The personal statement is used for the Scholarship Committee to learn more about you and your goals and interests. It is your decision on what to write, but some ideas are as follows:

  • A challenge you have overcome or a major accomplishment
  • Your plans both during and after college
  • How a scholarship will help you meet your goals
  • Current and future plans for community involvement

How will I know if my application is complete?

Your application will automatically save as you complete each section. Once all sections are marked as Complete, you will be able to click on the Submit button at the bottom of the screen. You will not be able to submit your application until all sections are Complete. As long as the only section left to complete is uploading your transcript, your application will be considered complete (although you will not be able to submit it) as long as you have requested or sent your transcript by midnight on March 1.

How will I know if I have been accepted for an award?

The Foundation will notify all current college award recipients via mail on or around May 1. Current High School Seniors will receive their award at their respective high school awards ceremony. Students not chosen for an award will receive an e-mail notification in May.

What do I need to do after being awarded?

You will receive instructions with your award letter instructing you to complete any Follow-Ups on your Dashboard. These include information such as any change in contact information, college attending, major, and other information. All Follow-Ups are required to be completed no later than June 15 each year.

When will my college receive my scholarship payment?

Scholarship checks are sent to colleges in the middle of July each year. Please allow a few weeks for colleges to process the checks upon receipt.

Colleges will split your scholarship(s) into equal payments over your semesters/quarters for the school year.

I still have more questions. Where can I get more information?

Please review the Applicant Guide to review how to apply through AwardSpring as well as the Requirements & Instructions. If you have further questions, e-mail or call Kara Ernsberger, Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 740-392-3270.