Scholarships
Erie Scottish Rite members may sponsor students attending college for two different Scholarship programs with uniquely different applications and criteria. They are: the Scholarship Foundation of Erie Scottish Rite Bodies Scholarships and the Supreme Council Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Leon Abbott Scholarships.
There are several other scholarship opportunities that Scottish Rite members, Master Masons, and members of Masonic Youth organizations may qualify for.
​
Links to all sites are listed below.
​
2022-23 Scholarship Foundation of Erie Scottish Rite Bodies - Send email request to: eriescottishrite@gmail.com
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation
Comprehensive list of other Masonic related Scholarships available in Pennsylvania
​
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION OF ERIE SCOTTISH RITE BODIES
PO BOX 1364
ERIE, PA 16512-1364
The Scholarship Foundation of Erie Scottish Rite Bodies, a non-profit corporation, was established through the generous patronage of members and friends of the Valley of Erie Scottish Rite Fraternity. This foundation has granted hundreds of awards to young men and women to assist and encourage their pursuit of bachelor or graduate degrees.
Founding members and generous donors in 1980 were Edward Coon, Ralph Connors, Harold Durst, Herbert Johnson, Thomas Rodgers, and Robert Scarlett.
Past Presidents were: R. Perrin Baker, Donald Davison, Harold Durst, Kim Jeffreys, Robert Lawson and John Rouse.
Current officers are: Paul Gornall, President, William Cunningham, Vice President, John Daneri, Secretary, Bernard Hanmore, Treasurer, Trustees: Richard Elberfeld, Jr., Roger Kuntz, Eric Marshall and James Richardson, Jr.
​
Who May Apply?
-
Applicants must be high school graduates by the end of the current school year, or already in college.
-
Applicants must normally reside in Erie or Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
-
Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university. (Associate or similar programs are not eligible)
-
Completed applications must: be submitted on or before the deadline, signed by the applicant and the sponsor, include an essay, grade transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and a FAFSA EFC report.
-
Each member of the Valley of Erie Scottish Rite may sponsor up to three students each year. Sponsorship requires a review and signature endorsing the application. Students who do not know a Scottish Rite member may request assistance with finding a sponsor.
-
Note: Applicants do not need to be related to members, or in any other way connected with Scottish Rite or Freemasonry.
How are Applications Evaluated?
Completed, on-time applications are evaluated on the following criteria:
Academic achievement – High school, Undergraduate & Graduate
Financial need
Essay explaining “why you should receive an award”
Work and community activities
Educational/career objectives
​
What is the time frame for Applications and Awards?
Generally, applications are available by emailing eriescottishrite@gmail.com or at the Scottish Rite Building beginning in January through the end of March each year. Fully completed applications with all attachments must be postmarked or hand delivered by the deadline on the application, which is usually on or about April 1st of the same year. Scholarship Awards, typically ranging in amount from $500 to $2,000, are presented to the scholars in early June at an awards ceremony, with students being notified by mail in late May. Scholarship checks are made out to the colleges who then generally apply half of the amount to each of the two semesters of the upcoming school year.
January 1st - Applications available
April 1 - Application deadline
Early June - Scholarships awarded
August - School year begins
Scholarship Application & Brochure may be requested by emailing: eriescottishrite@gmail.com