2026 Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship
Ethel Strickarz was a longtime associate of The Arc of Steuben. She served as Director of Development prior to her death in 2014. This education fund is a fitting tribute to her commitment to The Arc.
Eligibility Requirements
The recipient must be a graduating senior from a public or private school in Steuben County, a homeschooled student who resides in Steuben County and is completing their senior year or an adult learner who resides in Steuben County.
1. The recipient must plan to pursue their education in the field of special education, human services, or a related clinical area such as nursing, psychology, speech pathology, or physical/occupational therapy.
2. The scholarship application must be completed in its entirety and submitted with all requested attachments.
3. Completed applications must be received on or before March 31. Students can return their completed applications to the high school guidance office. Students pursing education elsewhere should return their completed applications to The Arc Allegany-Steuben’s Development Office, 1 Arc Way, Bath, New York 14810.
Method of Selection of Scholarship Winners/Rules
1. Candidates will be screened and selected by a scholarship committee.
2. Candidates will be evaluated in the following areas:
• Educational and career goals
• Academic, including academic improvement and/or maintenance of high average through high school
• Extra-curricular activities
3. The recipient is eligible to receive the award upon returning to college for the second school semester of his/her first year. A copy of the student’s tuition bill and copies of college transcripts will be required at that time.
4. The recipient must be willing to provide his/her current photo to The Arc Allegany-Steuben to be used in internal/external communications promoting the Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship upon being chosen as a recipient.
Application forms may be reproduced. Questions about the Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship should be directed to the Foundation Office at cmm@communityfund.org or 607-739-3900.
CLICK HERE – Download the 2026 Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship Application (PDF)
2026 Joseph Damiano Memorial
Direct Support Professional of the Year Award
This award is presented in memory of Joseph Damiano, whose Direct Support Professionals enriched both his life, as well as his family’s, by demonstrating an exemplary level of performance over the course of their relationship and consistently demonstrating commitment to improving the quality of Joseph’s life.
About the Award
Through this award, we acknowledge the invaluable work of a direct support professional who provides services within Allegany or Steuben County, New York, and consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment in providing supports to people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Awarded to an individual who provides direct support, supervision and assistance to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability living in Allegany or Steuben County, New York, and served by The Arc Allegany-Steuben.
2. Applicant must be a current Member of The Arc Allegany-Steuben.
3. Nominee must have been employed by The Arc Allegany-Steuben for a minimum of five years at the time of nomination.
4. Nominations previously submitted for individuals who have not received the award, may be updated and resubmitted for consideration.
Amount
One award will be presented annually. The award is in the amount of $1,000.00.
Application Information/Deadline
The name of one individual must be submitted on the appropriate Nomination Form along with the additional information requested in the form. The completed nomination packet must be mailed to The Arc Allegany-Steuben’s Wellsville office by Monday, March 30, 2026.
2026 Friends of Allegany Arc Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship opportunity is open to Allegany County high school seniors and Arc Allegany-Steuben associates who are entering college and pursuing a degree in a related field. Eligible areas of study include Human Services, Special Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), and Speech Therapy.
Eligibility Requirements
The recipient must be a Allegany County high school graduating senior or an Arc Allegany-Steuben associate.
1. The recipient must plan to pursue their education in the field of human services, special education, nursing, occupational therapy, certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), physical therapy, physical therapy assistant (PTA), and speech therapy.
2. The scholarship application must be conpleted in its entirety and submitted with all requested attachments.
3. Completed applications must be received before May 6. Completed applications should be mailed to Friends Foundation, 50 Farnum Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.
Amount
One award will be presented annually. The award is in the amount of $2,000.00.
Application forms may be reproduced. Questions about the Friends Foundation Scholarship should be directed to carrie.redman@thearcas.org.
CLICK HERE – Download the 2026 Friends Foundation Scholarship Application (PDF)
