Poughkeepsie High School seniors have the opportunity to apply for 12 Board of Education scholarships created during the 2023-24 school year following Board of Education discussions into expanding its support of graduating seniors pursuing a postsecondary education. Each scholarship is $750 and made possible by the George A. Strba Charitable Trust and through district-wide fundraising.

Students and parents throughout the year are kept aware of scholarship opportunities and encouraged to apply through reminders from Kelly Semexant, college and workforce readiness counselor, who maintains a list with requirements and deadlines.

The deadline for applications for the BOE scholarships is April 30. They are:

• Pioneer Excellence Scholarship: Two academic scholarships will be available for any graduating senior who has maintained an exemplary academic record over four years.
• Poughkeepsie Creator and Dreamer Scholarship: Two arts education scholarships will be available for any graduating senior who participates in a Poughkeepsie High School arts or music club or is a member of a PHS band, choral, or theatrical collective.
• Poughkeepsie Champion Scholarship: Two athletic scholarships will be available for any graduating senior who participates on a Poughkeepsie High School athletic team.
• Poughkeepsie Leaders of the Future Scholarship: Two student leadership scholarships will be available for any graduating senior who has demonstrated school-based or district-level leadership responsibility while in high school. The student liaison to the Board of Education will automatically receive this scholarship as long as they meet all criteria.
• Poughkeepsie Dreamers Scholarship: This scholarship will be available for any graduating senior who has arrived to the United States within the past two years.
• Tykeem Catts Scholarship: Two scholarships are intended to provide students with exceptionalities with additional opportunities to attend the postsecondary school of their choice. The scholarship is available to any graduating senior who is currently classified by the Poughkeepsie City School District Committee of Special Education as a student with an exceptionality or has a 504 plan.
• The Dr. Ronel E. Cook Scholarship: This scholarship is available for any senior who has demonstrated civic engagement in the community.

Click here to apply for a Board of Education Scholarship. For more information about scholarships, contact Semexant at ksemexant@poughkeepsieschools.org or by phone at 845-451-4850 ext. 6477.