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 ¹ú²úÂ×Àí 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.

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Thornton, Colonel Clark O. Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship

The Colonel Clark O. Thornton, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship was established in August 2017 by his wife, Orlena “Klickie” Thornton, M.Ed.

Col. Clark O. Thornton was born in Stow, Ohio and raised in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from The University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in education, and then spent more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. He also spent several years at M. O’Neil Co. employed as the Director of Veterans Affairs and Training. Once retired from the military, Col. Thornton went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.

Growing up during the Great Depression did not allow Col. Thornton much opportunity aside from learning and education. Eventually, both he and Klickie became high school educators. The role education had in their lives is the reason they consider it such a high priority to assist people in need with higher education opportunities.

This scholarship was established in Col. Thornton’s memory and honor, and will serve as a lasting tribute to his commitment to education within a local community.  It will assist young people from Ohio with financial need who are pursuing an education degree at The University of Akron.

Undergraduate, full-time students within The LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education at The University of Akron are eligible for this scholarship. Selection of deserving candidates will be based on need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid, and with first preference given to Ohio students who have participated in non-athletic, extracurricular activities at school or within the local community.

Award recipients will be selected by the LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education Scholarship Committee in consultation with The University of Akron Office of Student Financial Aid. 

 


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