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Northern Vermont University is now part of Vermont State University! Please visit VermontState.edu for accurate information.

Current Student Scholarships at NVU-Johnson

Applications are now closed.

Full-time Current Undergraduate Students Eligibility Requirements:
  • You will be a full-time student returning for the 2023-2024 academic year (full-time for at least the fall semester).
  • Not all scholarships are tied to academic performance.

To apply, complete the Current Student Scholarship Application and upload any required supporting documentation, such as essays and letters of recommendation.

Online Distance Learning Students Eligibility Requirements:

  • Returning for at least one semester in 2023-2024
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better

To apply, complete the Distance-Learning Scholarship Application​ and upload required supporting documentation, such as essays and letters of recommendation.

Graduate Students Eligibility Requirements:

Studying for your Master’s Degree in Education?

  • Endowed Education Scholarships are available for you
  • Returning for at least one semester in 2023-2024
  • Must be enrolled in at least 3 credits
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better

To apply, complete the Current Student Scholarship Application and upload any required supporting documentation, such as essays and letters of recommendation.

Applications are now closed.

All scholarships require an essay and a letter of recommendation. Your letter of recommendation must be no more than one page in length and should address how the person knows you, why you are a good candidate to receive scholarship support, and what your strengths are, etc.

NOTE: If you are graduating in May of 2023 or summer of 2023, you are not eligible for these scholarships. They are for students enrolling for the 2023-2024 academic year.

QUESTIONS: Student Administrative Services, 802.635.1671. Or email Kim.Goodell@NorthernVermont.edu.

 

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Northern Vermont University will join with Castleton University and Vermont Technical College to become Vermont State University on July 1, 2023. Learn more and apply for fall 2023.

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In an effort to make a college degree as affordable as possible, Northern Vermont University-Johnson is pleased to be able to offer current students the scholarships summarized here. In addition to meeting any specific criteria noted for an award, to be considered you must meet all of the qualifications below:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at NVU-Johnson
  • You must be a returning full-time student (12 credits or more) for the upcoming academic year
  • You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • You are not eligible if you are graduating in May or summer of the current academic year; you must be a returning student for at least the upcoming fall semester.
(Note: Graduate students in education are eligible to apply only for the Endowed Scholarships for Education. Graduate applicants must be enrolled in at least 3 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.)

How to Apply

Apply for scholarships at NorthernVermont.edu/JohnsonScholarshipApp.

AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

Academic-Based Scholarships

Endowed Scholarships for Business

Sarah E. Lizotte Memorial Endowment Scholarship
Given in memory of Sarah Lizotte (1975-2001), Class of 2002, and awarded to one or more outstanding students studying hospitality and tourism management.
Kerry Sedutto Scholarship
The Kerry Sedutto Scholarship will be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student attending classes on the Johnson and/or Lyndon campus, who is either employed or has been employed by The Sugarman of Vermont, Inc. or to students enrolled in a business or accounting degree program who aspire to work in a business, agriculture, or manufacturing setting, or have experience in those fields. Preference will be given to women and to those who demonstrate leadership skills, participate in community service, and enjoy the outdoors.

Endowed Scholarships for Education

Doris U. Spencer Scholarship
Funded by an endowment established by Doris U. Spencer — Johnson faculty member from 1943 until her death in 1973, chair of the Education Department, distinguished author, educator and “teacher of teachers” — and awarded to outstanding education majors, some of whom are graduate students.
Alice Whiting Scholarship
An endowed scholarship in honor of Professor Emeritus Alice Whiting, Class of 1956, who taught at JSC from 1965 to 2007 and chaired the Education Department from 1972 to 2004; awarded to a Vermont junior or senior majoring in elementary education with a strong academic record and the potential to become an outstanding elementary teacher.
Donald and Susan Collins Education Major Scholarship
One of two annual scholarships endowed by Donald and Susan Collins (classes of 1964 and 1970,  respectively), outstanding educators and community leaders; awarded to a Vermont student who shows the promise of becoming a dedicated teaching professional.
Collins Student Teaching Scholarship
The second of two annual scholarships endowed by Donald and Susan Collins; awarded to a promising education student in their practicum semester.
Graves/Story Scholarship
Established by Dr. Carol Story, Classes of 1969 and 1974 (M.A.), the third generation of her family to graduate from Johnson State College (preceded by her mother, Barbara Graves Story, Classes of 1942 and 1981 [B.A.], and grandmother Carolyn Bover Graves, Class of 1915), an expert in the field of education for gifted and talented children, and a professor at NVU from 1987 to 2004; awarded to a student majoring in elementary or early childhood education, with preference to students specializing in education for the gifted and talented.
Mark and Star Heinrich Scholarship
Endowed by Mark and Starleen (Sweeney) Heinrich, both Class of 1969, and awarded to an outstanding student with financial need who is majoring in education.
Robert DiGiulio Scholarship
Given in memory of Robert C. DiGiulio, Ph.D., education professor for 16 years until his death in January 2009; for an outstanding student in elementary education.

Endowed Scholarships for Environmental Science

Dr. Phillip Chiaravalle Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded in memory of former professor Phil Chiaravalle to an undergraduate student who is majoring in biology and has demonstrated financial need.
Dr. Richard Daum Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in environmental studies, wellness and alternative medicine or health sciences; is in need of financial support; and who shows promise of success in their life.
Margaret G. Ottum Memorial Scholarship
The Professor Margaret G. Ottum Environmental Scholarship will be awarded to a student majoring in the sciences who will be entering their junior or senior year in the fall. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to the university or community and display leadership potential.
Daniel Holmes Memorial Scholarship
This award is available to a returning NVU-Johnson student who next fall will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and who is majoring in natural resources or environmental science, working to improve or preserve the environment.  Eligible recipients must be taking at least 12 credits per semester. 
Cyrus B. McQueen Memorial Research Scholarship
This award will be given by the Environmental Sciences faculty to a student who next fall will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and have conducted outstanding research. Eligible recipients must be taking at least 12 credits per semester.
Martha DePecol Memorial Scholarship
Endowed in memory of Martha DePecol (1952-2002), class of 1977, a well-known educator and author of CD-ROM textbooks and lab manuals, and awarded to science students who show promise of making a difference in the world.
Justin Clayton “Keep Climbing” Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an outdoor education major with financial need who demonstrates Justin’s passion for the outdoors and playful spirit; his love of travel, family, friends and soccer; and his commitment to the environment.
Elizabeth Dolci Scholarship
The Elizabeth Dolci Scholarship in Science is awarded to a hard working science major with financial need. Preference will be given to students who are hardworking and show grit, but GPA will not be a consideration when awarding this scholarship.

Endowed Scholarships for Fine and Performing Arts

George Doey Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a Vermont native (at the least a resident of Vermont since high-school, preferably a life-long Vermonter) who is majoring in the studio arts (preferred) or fine arts. George Doey, who left this bequest in 1989, was a master stonemason and world traveler who got his degree from Johnson when he was in his 60s, through the External Degree Program.
Mary Parizo Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a hard-working student in the Fine Arts Department who demonstrates Mary’s spirit and love of life.
Lucette A. Senesac Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time student majoring in visual arts.
Milton J. Rettenberg Scholarship
Established by a friend of NVU-Johnson to recognize an outstanding music major, with preference given to a student studying piano.
Albert and Elisabeth Swinchoski Scholarship in Music
An endowed scholarship established by Professor Emeritus Albert Swinchoski (JSC faculty 1966-1987) and his wife, Elisabeth, to encourage the study of traditional orchestral instruments; awarded to a full-time student majoring in music education.

Endowed Scholarships for Humanities

Bill Doyle Political Science Scholarship
Endowed by Professor William Doyle, Johnson professor from 1958-2018 and a Vermont state senator from 1969 to 2017, to support students majoring in political science.
Ellsworth Trust Scholarship
For undergraduates majoring in political science or history and must have completed 30 credits or more, i.e. sophomore standing or above. Awardees are called Ellsworth Scholars. Include in your essay how your major will enhance your professional and personal life.
Robert J. Harris Political Science Scholarship
An endowed scholarship awarded in memory of Robert Harris (1950-1998), Class of 1976 – a Vermont representative for 20 years, a Windsor town selectman, and a member of the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees—to support a student in the study of the political sciences.
Eugene Sapadin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded in memory of the former NVU-Johnson philosophy professor to undergraduate students who are majoring in the humanities and have taken at least one philosophy or ethics course and have demonstrated financial need. An additional essay is required for this scholarship. Please respond to the following prompt. “Can the ends justify the means?”

Endowed Scholarships for Math

Roger H. Allen Memorial Math Scholarship
An endowed scholarship established by Dr. Irene Amilhat Allen Ph.D., Class of 1957—in memory of her late husband, Roger H. Allen, to support students in their study of mathematics.
Safford Math Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to students majoring in math, with a preference given to Vermont residents. Recipients must be taking at least 12 credits per semester.
Sargent Math Scholarship
Endowed by Stella Bialecki Sargent, JSC math professor from 1966-1885, this scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in mathematics or studying to teach math.

Endowed Scholarships for Writing and Literature

Kelly Writing Prize
Awarded to the student judged to have written the best paper for an undergraduate course at NVU-Johnson within the last year. Submit an essay written for a class at NVU-Johnson, including the date written, and the course and professor for whom it was submitted. This scholarship requires a separate essay.
Mark Canavan Creative Writing Award
Established in memory of Mark Canavan ‘81 (student editor of Green Mountains Review) and awarded to the student judged to be the best writer in the B.F.A. program.
Roger Rath Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an aspiring writer in honor and memory of Professor Roger Rath.
William J. Kelly Scholarship
Endowed by Professor Emeritus John Duffy and his wife, Barbara Kelly Duffy, in honor of her father, William J. Kelly, a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism who enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a reporter, writer and editor; awarded to the student editor of Basement Medicine, the NVU-Johnson student newspaper.
Lisa M. Korth Memorial Scholarship
Awarded in memory of Lisa Korth, Class of 2012, to a writing and literature major who aspires to teach high school English and who reflects Lisa’s spirit of creativity, generosity, enthusiasm, and concern for others.

Non-Academic Based Scholarships

Scholarships with a GPA requirement of a 3.0 or higher will be marked with *.
Alumni Association Scholarship*
These grants are made possible by annual donations from alumni and awarded to top students with strong academic records who also demonstrate evidence of community and campus leadership and service, and exceptional talent and ability, with preference to those whose parents or relatives are Johnson alumni. In your essay, please address any financial hardship you are experiencing and how receiving a scholarship will benefit you.
Alumni Association EDP/Distance Learning Scholarship*
Funded by donations from EDP alumni and presented by the Alumni Association to help part-time adult students obtain a degree through the NVU Online program.
Alyson Finn Memorial Rugby Scholarship*
Friends and family have come together to create a scholarship in memory of Alyson Finn ’13, a young alumna who died prematurely in October 2014. While at Johnson, Alyson restarted the women’s rugby club and served as their captain, leading them to victory as national champions in 2011. After graduation, she continued to serve her team as a mentor and assistant coach. This scholarship is to be awarded to a returning student who is a member of NVU-Johnson’s Rugby Club and shows the same spirit and dedication to the sport as Aly did. Due to NCAA regulations, varsity athletes are not eligible for this scholarship award.
Carrie Hubbard Stewart Scholarship*
Endowed scholarships established by George Stewart in memory of his mother, Carrie Hubbard Stewart, Class of 1914, who graduated from the Johnson Normal School, worked until age 83 and passed away at age 96; awarded to women who are working their way through college.
Charlotte Hulburt Bullock and Carolyn B. Fisher Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to returning undergraduate students who have demonstrated financial need.
Community Service Scholarship*
Given to a returning or graduating student who has contributed to the quality of life at NVU-Johnson through their volunteer efforts and their commitment to leadership, service & social action contributions to the global community.
Follett College Stores Scholarship*
Awarded annually by the Follett College Stores to a student with an outstanding academic record.
George Tormey Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a student with a passion for skiing and preference is given to a student who participates in Alpine club racing. However, students who do Nordic ski racing will also be considered. In your essay, please tell us a little bit about your racing career and passion for skiing. Due to NCAA regulations, varsity athletes are not eligible for this scholarship award.
Harold Sylvester Scholarship*
Funded by the Sylvester-Hulburt Endowment and awarded to a junior or senior with public and community-service career goals.
Helen Braley Stearns Memorial Scholarship*
Endowed by Prescott Stearns in memory of his mother, Helen Braley Stearns, Class of 1913, a dedicated educator in the Vermont and New Jersey school systems; awarded to outstanding students with financial need.
James B. Keesling Veteran Scholarship*
Funded by his brother, Garland, and awarded in memory of his brother, James, class of 1975, to a student of at least junior class standing, who is a veteran enrolled full-time at NVU-Johnson and has demonstrated solid academic promise.
Jane Stearns Memorial Scholarship*
Endowed in memory of Jane Stearns, who had a lifelong interest in athletics and education and coached girls basketball at the high school level for many years; awarded to a junior or senior with a good academic record who is involved in athletics.
John Lord Scholarship*
Funded by an endowment created by John Lord, who retired in 2004 after 27 years of distinguished service as registrar; awarded to an outstanding student with an excellent academic record, and a demonstrated commitment to NVU-Johnson.
Julia V. and Ervin L. Willey Scholarship*
Endowed by Richard E. Willey, Class of 1971, and his wife, Rosalind Weiss, in honor of his parents, Julia V. (Coolbeth) and Ervin Willey, who grew up in the Northeast Kingdom in the early 1900s; awarded to deserving students with good academic records.
Karii Cloud Memorial Scholarship
The Karii Cloud Memorial Scholarship honors the life of Johnson alumna Karii Cloud by assisting transgender students at NVU-Johnson. It is awarded to students who identify as transgender and address this topic in their essay; who are enrolled at NVU-Johnson or NVU-Lyndon (with preference given to NVU-Johnson students); and who demonstrate Karii’s inquisitive curiosity and spirit of adventure. Financial need and GPA will not be considerations when awarding this scholarship.
Luella Eldridge Scholarship*
Endowed by Luella Eldridge (1912-2005), who never attended Johnson but grew up on a Vermont farm and worked her way through college. Her mother, aunt, and several nieces and nephews attended Johnson State. Awarded to a worthy student with high potential.
Luella and J.H. Griffin Scholarship
Endowed by prolific writer J.H. Griffin and his wife, Luella, both of whom served on the Johnson staff and faculty from 1969 to 1970. The scholarship is available to returning NVU-Johnson students entering their sophomore, junior or senior years who are taking at least 12 credits per semester and awarded to the student deemed to have written the best essay on the topic “Why I Came to NVU-Johnson.” This scholarship requires a separate essay.
NVU-Johnson Faculty Federation Scholarship*
Awarded based on service to the college and community. Financial need is also a consideration.
NVU-Johnson Staff and Faculty Scholarship*
NVU-Johnson scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, community service, leadership, extracurricular activities, and financial need.
NVU-Johnson Student Government Association Memorial Scholarship*
Awarded with funds allocated in the Student Association’s budget, in memory of NVU-Johnson students, staff and faculty.
Presidential Leadership Scholarship*
Awarded to outstanding students who have demonstrated their ability in academics, leadership, community involvement, and in making an overall contribution to NVU-Johnson. Minimum GPA of 3.5 required.
Samantha L. Gorton Scholarship
Students applying for this scholarship should address how they have demonstrated personal resiliency in overcoming difficult circumstances such as family dynamics and/or unstable living situations, multiple school placements, difficult situations related to personal mental or physical health and discuss how they need financial assistance to complete their post-secondary educational goals. This scholarship is awarded to a student that “defies the odds,” so to speak, as Sammie did and who pursues educational dreams and goals and utilizes the support of Academic Support Services and/or TRIO. Minimum GPA of 2.25.
Stowe Rotary Scholarship
The Stowe Rotary Endowment Scholarship is awarded to a single parent who graduated from high school in, and is a current resident of, Lamoille County. Include how long you have lived in Lamoille County in the essay.
Thompson-Desmarais Scholarship*
Endowed by Emma Thompson (Johnson staff member for 40 years, from 1969 to 2009) and George Desmarais; for a graduate of a Lamoille County high school with a good academic record, and a record of community service.
Trio Scholarship
Established by alumnus David Faile, Class of 1968, and awarded to a student who works hard to achieve success in their studies.
Union Bank Scholarship*
The Union Bank Scholarship is awarded to students from the Union Bank’s service area. You must be a current resident of Lamoille, Caledonia or Franklin County and have graduated from a high school within one of these VT counties. Include how long you have lived in one of these counties in your essay and career goals if you intend to stay in this region.

Part-time NVU distance-learning students who are currently enrolled and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 are invited to apply for scholarships to help fund their efforts to complete their undergraduate degree.

•    To apply you must be part-time (less than 12 credits) in the NVU Distance Learning/NVU Online program. Only one essay is required even if you are eligible to apply for both scholarships.
•    Your cumulative GPA must be a 3.0 or higher to apply.
•    You will attach your essay and recommendation with the application
•    If there are errors on your application you will be informed what is wrong; return to the application to make the corrections and then submit.

Available Scholarships

Union Bank’s EDP Scholarships
To be eligible for this scholarship you must live within the Union Bank’s service areas of Lamoille, Caledonia or Franklin Counties. Awards are given based on academic achievement, career goals, leadership potential and financial need.

Alumni Association Part-Time EDP Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded annually by the Johnson Alumni Association. Awards are given based on academic achievement, evidence of leadership and/or community service and financial need.

The following scholarships are available to outstanding Northern Vermont University graduate students in the Education Department. Graduate applicants must be enrolled in at least 3 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to be eligible to apply.

•    Doris Spencer Scholarships
•    Graves/Story Scholarships