Scholarships & Awards
Penn State Altoona Scholarships
All incoming and continuing students are considered for Penn State Altoona scholarships. Certain academic colleges require a separate scholarship application. Additional information on academic college scholarships can be obtained in the Student Aid Office, W113 Smith Building. It is recommended that all students interested in scholarship consideration complete the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid by February 15 for freshmen and
April 1 for continuing students.
Application and program
participation required.
S-STEM Scholarship
Eligibility determined by S-STEM faculty. Information available at -
www.altoona.psu.edu/s-stem/
Scholarships listed below DO
NOT require a scholarship application - consideration is automatically given to
all students.
Adult Students:
Ted and Esther Holtzinger Memorial Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to
adult students who have been out of high school for four
or more years and who are enrolled in a degree or non-degree program. This
scholarship is awarded to part-time or full-time students.
Harry E. Slep Memorial Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is given to all part-time degree or non-degree students who are
planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona, including those attending on a “less than half-time” basis.
Preference will be given to individuals who have not previously received a Ted and Ester Holtzinger
Scholarship or a Harry E. Slep Scholarship and who have not recently attended high school or college.
Norma Gardner Wyerman Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all adult students enrolled
or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona with demonstrated financial need.
ALL Students:
Each year, students receive private-donor and campus scholarships and awards. A scholarship committee selects appropriate students to receive the following:
Cablan Joseph Azar Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is given to full-time freshmen students
enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona with a high school grade
average of B+ or B. This scholarship is based on financial need.
Julia Matry Azar Endowed Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is given to students who are current residents of Blair
County. High school achievement or achievement at Penn State Altoona is considered when awarding this scholarship to students with financial need.
Blair County Branch of the American Association of University Women Endowed Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is given to full-time freshmen and sophomore female students enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona who reside in Blair
County.
Anne Sloan Borland Scholarship
Consideration
for this scholarship is given to students who are pursuing a course of study in
the arts.
Edward R. and Doris Brown Scholarship
This is awarded to a student enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program, who is a resident of Blair, Centre, Clearfield, or Huntingdon
Counties. This scholarship is based on financial need.
John E. Boyd and Bernard G. Monahan Award for Penn State Altoona
This award shall honor and recognize outstanding achievement by juniors and
seniors enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program.
William J. Castle Trustee Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of William J. Castle
and matching University funds committed by Penn State's Board of Trustees.
Mary Charlesworth Scholarship
This award is given to a freshman who is a graduate of a Blair County high school, and is academically superior, shows leadership and good citizenship. This award is not based on financial need.
William H. & M. Jean Coleman Endowed Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all full time undergraduate students of sophomore standing enrolled at Penn State Altoona who are pursuing studies in agriculture; who have achieved a minimum 3.2 grade point average.
H. Marjorie Downes Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded based on a superior academic record and on financial need.
Deborah Newell Duffield '73 Endowed Scholarship
First preference for this scholarship shall be given to students who are pursuing a degree in Special
Education. The second preference for this scholarship shall be given to students pursuing a degree in
Elementary Education who are in their second or third year of study. Consideration shall be given to
residents of Blair County with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average with demonstrated financial
need.
Deborah Newell Duffield '73 Trustee Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of Deborah Newell
Duffield and matching University funds committed by Penn State's Board of
Trustees.
Robin M. Eiche Trustee Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of Robin M. Eiche
and matching funds committed by Penn State's Board of Trustees.
Espy Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a Baccalaureate degree program in
Business Administration,
Education, Engineering, Home Economics, Mineral Industries, or Science. The award is based
on financial need.
Edith Davis Eve Scholarship
This award is given to a resident of Blair County who exhibits high academic standing and has financial
need.
Herman A. and Mary E. Friedman Scholarship of the Kiwanis Club of Altoona
Awarded to Blair County students who will be attending Penn State Altoona. Chosen by Friedman
Scholarship Committee of the Kiwanis Foundation of Altoona in conjunction with the Penn State Altoona
Scholarship Committee.
Mary Lowey Friedman Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to residents of Blair County with financial need planning to enroll or
enrolled at Penn State Altoona.
Virginia L. Gates Endowed Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is given to all full-time junior or senior undergraduate students who
have achieved superior academic records or who manifest promise of outstanding academic success,
and who have demonstrated financial need.
The Cameron John Griffith Memorial (Class of 1931) Award
This is awarded to a graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School with superior academic record, character,
and financial need.
John E. Hatch, Jr. Trustee Matching Scholarship
The John E. Hatch, Jr. Trustee Matching Scholarship was created by the The Hite
Company to honor Mr. Hatch's fifty years of service to the company. The Trustee
Matching Scholarship benefits students at Penn State Altoona majoring in
engineering.
Robert L. Hite Scholarship
This award is given to a first time freshman, who is a graduate of Altoona Area High School, and is
academically superior, shows leadership and good citizenship. This award is not based on financial
need.
Ted and Esther Holtzinger Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to students who have been out
of high school for four or more years and who are enrolled in a degree or
non-degree program. Students may be enrolled either full or part-time.
John R. Hoover Scholarship
Students majoring in one of the sciences who manifest promise of academic success with demonstrated
financial need are considered for this scholarship. Students shall be of at least sophomore standing.
John R. Hoover Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all undergraduate students
enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona, majoring or planning to
major in Business, with demonstrated financial need.
Investment Savings Bank Scholarship
This award is given to a resident of Blair County or contiguous counties who has financial need.
Bayard D. and Ethel M. Kunkle Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded based on a superior academic record, good citizenship, leadership, community
service, and on financial need.
Miriam Ruth Lee Memorial Scholarship (W.S. Lee)
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to employees or children of employees of W.S. Lee &
Sons, Inc. Additionally, any Penn State Altoona student planning to enroll or enrolled in the Hotel and
Restaurant Management Program who have achieved a minimum of 3.0 may be considered with this
scholarship with a preference to Blair County residents.
Edgar Wayne Leighty Scholarship
This award is based on financial need.
Logan Lodge #490, Free and Accepted Mason of Pennsylvania Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students who will be attending Penn State
Altoona. Scholarships are awarded on a basis of leadership activities,
involvement in extracurricular activities, grade-point average, and financial
need. Recipients are chosen by the Logan Lodge #490 Scholarship Committee.
Grace D. Long Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate who is a Blair County high school graduate and planning
to enroll at Penn State Altoona. The student must also have a superior academic record.
Jane Patterson Kazmaier Lower Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to full-time female undergraduate students who have financial need and graduated from a
Blair County, Pennsylvania high school. First consideration shall be given to qualified students who
graduated from high school two academic years or more prior to receiving this scholarship.
March Forth Trustee Scholarship
This scholarship was established through the generosity of Edith Hertzog and
Patricia E. Hass-Gadbaw with matching university funds committed by Penn State's Board of
Trustees.
McLanahan Corporation Endowed Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship shall be graduates of a Blair County or a
county contiguous to Blair County. Students shall have achieved a minimum of B+
grade point average in high school and be majoring in engineering or business at Penn State Altoona.
Bobbi Ann ands David G. Miller Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to residents of Blair
County that are enrolled at Penn State Altoona with demonstrated financial need.
James P. Myers Endowed Scholarship
Students enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in the College of Liberal Arts at Penn State Altoona
with financial need shall be considered for this scholarship.
North American Communications, Inc. Endowed Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is given to full-time student who
demonstrate superior academic achievement.
PACE Scholarship
Incoming freshmen who have enrolled in college courses through the
Preparatory Academic Collegiate
Experience at Penn State Altoona are eligible to be considered for this one-time scholarship.
Fred A. Pechter Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to students enrolled or planning to enroll
at Penn State Altoona in the engineering curriculum who have demonstrated financial need.
Penn State Altoona Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student with a superior academic record, extracurricular involvement
and service, and financial need.
Penn State Altoona Advisory Board Endowed Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all full-time undergraduate students enrolled or
planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona.
Penn State Altoona Alumni Society Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established to provide recognition and financial assistance to undergraduate students
enrolled or planning to enroll full-time at Penn State Altoona. The number of scholarships awarded
and the amount of each are determined by the Scholarship Selection Committee. Each scholarship is
awarded for one academic year and may be renewed for subsequent years providing the recipient continues
to meet the conditions of eligibility and funds are available.
Penn State Altoona Chancellor's Scholarship
A $1000 Penn State Altoona Chancellor's Scholarship shall be awarded to high school seniors that graduate
in the top 5% of their class. The
scholarship is renewable by obtaining a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point
average and continued enrollment at Penn State Altoona.
Penn State Altoona Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is available to any full-time undergraduate student who has achieved academic excellence
and is enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona.
Penn State Altoona Honors Scholarship
Eligibility for this scholarship determined by the Honors Program
Coordinator for Penn State Altoona.
Penn State Altoona Pioneer Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is provided to all incoming and
continuing students meeting the qualifications established for the trustee scholarship.
Penn State Altoona Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is provided to all incoming and
continuing students meeting the qualifications established for the trustee scholarship.
Pennsylvania Cooperative Education Association Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to active members of the
Cooperative Education Program. Students must be recommended by a
teacher-coordinator or supervisor. Scholarship is renewable with a 3.30 gpa
enrolled in 4 year majors.
Pollock Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all students enrolled
or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona.
John R. Powley and Family Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all students enrolled
or planning to enroll in a Communications Major that meet the Trustee Awarding
Scholarship Guidelines.
Presidential Scholarship
Awarded to students enrolled at Penn State Altoona with an 1100 or greater SAT score, 3.0 or
better high school GPA, and who are eligible for the Honors program.
Robert J. Prindle and Doris P. Prindle Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship shall be to provide recognition and financial
assistance to worthy students pursuing a course of study in the field of art who
are enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona.
Lisa Belsey Pufka Scholarship
This is awarded to a sophomore enrolled at Penn State Altoona in the College of Business Administration,
majoring in accounting or economics, and with a 3.0 GPA. This is a non-need scholarship.
William J. Rossman Renaissance Scholarship
The William J. Rossman Renaissance Scholarship is named in honor of a faithful
benefactor, volunteer and advocate for Penn State Altoona and the University.
Mr. Rossman was recognized as an Honorary Alumnus of Penn State in 2005. The
scholarship is awarded University-wide to academically talented Penn State
students.
James F. Saleme Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduates who are graduates of a Blair
County high school.
Preference is given to students in a science curriculum (preferably pre-med) with demonstrated financial
need.
Sheetz Family Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship shall be awarded to full-time undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll in the
business program at Penn State Altoona who have superior academic records or who manifest promise
of academic success.
Harry E. Slep Memorial Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship is given to all part-time degree or non-degree students who are
planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona, including those attending on a “less than half-time” basis.
Preference will be given to individuals who have not previously received a Ted and Ester Holtzinger
Scholarship or a Harry E. Slep Scholarship and who have not recently attended high school or college.
Robert W. St. Clair Scholarship
This award is given to a freshman who is a graduate of a Blair County high school and is academically
superior, shows leadership and good citizenship. This award is not based on financial need.
Minnie Patton Stayman Scholarship
This award is given to a resident of Altoona who exhibits high academic standing and has financial
need.
Dr. Athleen J. Stere Trustee Matching Scholarship
The Dr. Athleen J. Stere Trustee Matching Scholarship was created through the
generous philanthropic support of colleagues, family and friends of the
distinguished Penn State Altoona faculty member. The Trustee Matching
Scholarship benefits students at Penn State Altoona majoring in biology.
Francis P. and Sandra Strassman Endowed Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship shall be to provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding
undergraduate students enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona who have a learning disability
and who have demonstrated need for funds to meet their necessary college expenses.
Dr. Valerie Newby Stratton Trustee Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all students enrolled
or planning to enroll at Penn State Altoona with demonstrated financial need.
Margaret Schneider Stratton Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student who is an Altoona area resident and
has financial need.
Evelyn M. Thomas Scholarship
Consideration for this scholarship shall be given to all full-time undergraduate students enrolled or
planning to enroll in the curricula of music or education at Penn State Altoona who have achieved
positive academic records or manifest promise of academic success.
Academic/Student Life Awards
Penn State Altoona acknowledges academic excellence and achievement as well as service to the campus
and community. Criteria have been established to emphasize excellence in scholarship, with leadership
and citizenship also considered for some awards. Recipients are nominated by campus faculty
and staff or in the case of some awards, by members of the local community. The campus-wide effort
to select the outstanding student for each award underscores the college mission of providing students
with opportunities to increase their knowledge and individual growth in analyzing, creating, and communicating.
Alpha Lambda Delta Unsung Hero Award
This award recognizes any student, faculty, or staff member who has unselflessly provided outstanding
service and contributions to students and student life, often with limited recognition.
Alumni Society Student Award
This award recognizes any student who has significantly contributed to Penn State Altoona by volunteering
his or her talent, time, and resources on behalf of the institution.
Altoona Collegiate Review Student Excellence Award
Selected by award committee to students who have 1 semester of work on the
student newspaper. Students are selected based on academic merit and a review of
writing samples, published photos or a one-page portfolio of their work.
Associate Degree Awards
(Electrical Engineering Technology; Mechanical Engineering Technology; Business Administration;
Science; Nursing; Letters, Arts & Sciences, Information Science and Technology; Criminal Justice;
and Human Development and Family Studies)
These awards are given to the graduating sophomore student who has earned a high level of academic
achievement in a specific area, with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade-point average. The recipients are
nominated and selected by the faculty of the appropriate discipline.
Baccalaureate Degree Award
This award, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Altoona, is given to the baccalaureate degree student
with the highest cumulative grade-point average, with the most credit hours in
the most disciplines. The
recipient is nominated and selected by the faculty.
Lauren M. Becker Memorial Award in Creative Arts
Established by Danielle Lykens, President and Russell Lykens, Vice President
of Star Performance Dance Academy, in memory of Lauren M. Becker and her
enthusiasm in dance and the arts. Consideration for this award for
scholarship support shall be given to a student with a minor in dance or
participating in Ivyside Pride!
Jacob Davidson Memorial Award
This endowed award, established by Jacob Davidson prior to his death in 1989, recognizes a student in
the Associate Degree program in Nursing who has a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, has completed
Nursing 101, has demonstrated a need for financial assistance, and has served as a volunteer for community
agencies.
The Freshman Year
Scholars Award
This $1000 award is given to students who graduate in the top 5% of their class
who have been referred to Penn State Altoona through the University’s admission
process. This scholarship is non-renewable.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award
This award recognizes a student, student organization, faculty, or staff member who has demonstrated,
through deed and activities, their commitment to perpetuate the goals and ideals communicated by Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Allen T. Kline Memorial Award
This award recognizes graduates of Northern Cambria High School that are now
entering their senior year at Penn State Altoona enrolled in the
Electro/Mechanical Engineering Technology baccalaureate program.
Kenneth M. Kuhn Memorial Award for Music
This endowed award, established by Mrs. Shirley Kuhn and friends of Kenneth Kuhn, a former faculty
member in visual arts, recognizes a student who is enrolled in music classes and has demonstrated
outstanding academic achievement at Penn State Altoona.
Kenneth M. Kuhn Memorial Award for Visual Arts
This endowed award, established by Mrs. Shirley Kuhn and friends of Kenneth Kuhn, recognizes a
student who is a visual arts major and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement at Penn
State Altoona.
General W. A. Morgan Award
This award, sponsored by Mrs. Mimi Coppersmith Fredman, is given to the freshman ROTC Cadet
who has demonstrated leadership qualities and good character, and has earned a minimum 3.0 grade point
average. The recipient is nominated and selected by the ROTC faculty.
Most Creative Program Award
This award recognizes a student organization that has sponsored the most creative and successful program
during the fall and/or spring semester.
Outstanding Athlete Award
These awards are given to a full-time male and female student who has completed at least two years, and
has demonstrated a distinguished athletic career in the varsity athletic program, earned a minimum 3.0
cumulative GPA, and exemplified high morale, leadership, and outstanding character. The recipients
are nominated and selected by the varsity athletic coaches.
Outstanding International Student Award
This award recognizes an international student with a 3.00 GPA or above. This student shows a commitment
to global awareness and cultural appreciation.
Outstanding Organization Service Award
This award recognizes a student organization that has provided outstanding community service.
Outstanding Student Service Award
This award recognizes a student who has provided outstanding community service.
Penn State Altoona Fine Arts Award
This award, sponsored by Ms. Margaret Sheridan, is given to the freshman or sophomore who has
demonstrated excellence in all course work, with a minimum 3.5 grade-point average in Fine Arts. The
recipient is nominated by members of the art, music, English, speech, and theatre faculty.
President’s Freshman Award
This award is presented to those full-time undergraduate students who have earned a perfect 4.0 cumulative
grade-point average in the first semester of the freshman year.
President Sparks Award
This award is presented annually to the undergraduate sophomores who have achieved a 4.0 grade point
average for each of the first three semesters of full-time study.
Evan Pugh Scholar Award
This award honors those juniors and seniors who were in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective
classes at the end of the fall semester of each academic year.
Resident Assistant of the Year Award
This award recognizes a resident assistant (RA) from Penn State Altoona who provided outstanding
service to the students of Penn State Altoona and Penn State Altoona’s Office of Residence Life.
Vicky Rogers Memorial Award
Initiated by Vicky Rogers’ family in cooperation with the Altoona Hospital, the Vicky Rogers Award
Committee, and the OB/GYN Department of Altoona Hospital, this awards is presented to a graduating
student from the Associate Degree program in Nursing.
Richard Russo Awards for English
Writings submitted for credit in an English class at the 200 level or higher may be considered for this
award based on a nomination from the faculty. One award is given for a work or body of work of
creative writing. The other award is for a submission of literary criticism or editorial work.
David P. Shields, Jr. Leadership Award
Established by the Student Affairs Staff at Penn State Altoona in honor of
David Shields, this award shall honor and recognize a student who has
demonstrated superior leadership and service to Penn State Altoona through
involvement in student organizations, club, community service, or special
events.
Bud Shuster Achievement Award
This award, sponsored by Crown American Enterprises, recognizes students enrolled in Civil Engineering
who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and reside in the United States
Ninth Congressional District.
Marshall Ray
Spayd Memorial Award
This award
recognizes full-time or part-time undergraduate returning adult students of at
least third semester standing enrolled at either Penn State Altoona or
University Park who have exhibited some exemplary achievement.
Student Activities Leadership Award
This award recognizes the students and/or organizations who/which have
demonstrated outstanding leadership in student activities programming. The
recipient of this award displays dedication to
student life through effective involvement in co-curricular programs and services to Penn State Altoona.
William and Lydia Twardon Memorial Award in Creative Arts
Consideration for this award for scholarship support shall be given to a
student with a minor in dance or participating in Ivyside Pride!
Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award
This award recognizes students from throughout the entire University whose outstanding qualities of
character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship have been directed into student programs and services.
All Penn State Altoona students of sophomore standing and above are eligible. Scholarship is a
primary criterion for selection in tandem with a record of outstanding service to the college.
Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
This distinction recognizes on a national level those students whose academic standing, participation in
co-curricular activities, and community service are decidedly noteworthy. Penn State Altoona recipients
are chosen by a committee of faculty and staff.
Zoller Art Award
This award, sponsored by the late Mrs. Lucille Zoller, is given to the freshman who has achieved
excellence in all course work and demonstrated potential in the art field with a minimum 3.5 grade point
average earned in all art courses. The recipient is nominated and selected by the art faculty.
