Witamy! All over the United States, there are numerous Polish heritage societies that are dedicated to furthering their culture through supplying scholarships for Polish students to advance into post-secondary education. As the largest European ethic group in America of Slavic origin and the eighth largest group overall, it is estimated that there are around 10 million Polish Americans. In fact, about 3.2% of our nation’s total population is of total or partial Polish descent. If you identify yourself by your Polish heritage and have close ties with the Polish-American community, here we will present 25 of the greatest scholarships that have been designed to specifically help Polish students on financing their educational journey into college.
1. Anthony and Josephine Chmura Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: November 30th
Established by the Marie Sklodowska Curie Professional Women’s Association in Brooklyn, the Anthony and Josephine Chmura Memorial Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to two outstanding matriculated college students or adult learners in post-secondary education who are of Polish descent. Along with the completed application, candidates must submit an official transcript, two recent letters of reference, a small application fee, and a short autobiography.
Contact
Anthony and Josephine Chmura Memorial Scholarship
155 Noble Street
P.O. Box 22-9006
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 389-4704
Scholarship Link
2. Arthur and Genevieve Roth Scholarship
Deadline: January 10th
Through the Kosciuszko Foundation, the Arthur and Genevieve Roth Scholarship is awarded each year for $1,000 to U.S. citizens of Polish descent, Poles with permanent residence in the United States, or Americans of non-Polish descent who are studying Polish subjects full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution. Preference will be given to applicants who plan to attend the Arthur T. Roth School of Business Administration at Long Island University, but all qualified students involved in the Polish-American community may apply.
Contact
Arthur and Genevieve Roth Scholarship
15 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 734-2130
Addy@thekf.org
3. Dr. Marie Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship
Deadline: January 10th
On a competitive basis, the Dr. Marie Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship is granted through the Kosciuszko Foundation for $3,500 annually to young women of Polish ancestry who are entering their first, second, or third year of medical studies at an accredited medical school within the United States. Applicants must reside in New England, have U.S. or Polish citizenship, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and exhibit financial need for assistance in achieving an M.D. degree.
Contact
Dr. Marie Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship
15 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 734-2130
Addy@thekf.org
4. Edward and Maria Majchrowicz Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
In honor of two outstanding Polish-American medical researchers who spent more than 30 years in alcohol studies and university-level teaching, the Edward and Maria Majchrowicz Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 each year by the Polish American Club (PAC) of the Triangle to a graduate student of Polish descent preparing for a career in biomedical research. Selection will be based on participation in PAC functions, academic performance, community service, and respect for the Polish culture.
Contact
Edward and Maria Majchrowicz Scholarship
P.O. Box 33635
Raleigh, NC 27636
(919) 523-3615
scholarship@polamrtp.com
5. Frances J. Larkowski Scholarship
Deadline: December 6th
First created in 1999 with contributions from the Rosenstiel Foundation and Polska Wola, the Frances J. Larkowski Scholarship is distributed annually for $1,000 to qualified law students of Polish descent who are currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in the Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology. To qualify, applicants must have significant financial need, exhibit strong leadership qualities, and express a clear interest in supporting the Polish-American community.
Contact
Frances J. Larkowski Scholarship
565 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 906-5020
kdavis1@kentlaw.edu
6. Harriet Irsay Scholarship Program
Deadline: July 31st
In memory of her many generous charitable actions on the Board of Directors for the American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC), the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Program is designed to provide $1,000 annually for up to five undergraduate American students of Polish heritage who wish to continue their education after high school to receive a two or four-year college degree. Qualified applicants must be majoring in communications, education, film, history, international relations, journalism, liberal arts, Polish studies, or public relations.
See also: Top Online Colleges for Education
Contact
Harriet Irsay Scholarship Program
1440 79th Street Causeway Suite 117
Miami, FL 33141
(305) 864-2349
info@ampolinstitute.org
7. Irene and Lubomir Zabilski Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
Each year, the Polish Cultural Foundation proudly distributes the Irene and Lubomir Zabilski Scholarship for $2,000 to New Jersey residents of Polish descent who have successfully completed their freshman year at an accredited post-secondary institution within the state. In order to be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and submit a copy of the FAFSA form to show financial need.
Contact
Irene and Lubomir Zabilski Scholarship
177 Broadway
Clark, NJ 07066
(732) 382-7197
PCFBroadway@aol.com
8. Jennie Marconi-Javorski Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Within the Polish Cultural Club of Greater Hartford (PCCGH), the Jennie Marconi-Javorski Scholarship is granted for $1,000 annually to current student members of Polish ancestry who are currently enrolled or accepted for admissions in a four-year university within Connecticut in pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree. Eligible applicants must attach an official school transcript, a list of participation in Polish-American activities, two letters of reference, and a 400-word essay describing how an athlete of Polish heritage positively affected their lives.
Contact
Jennie Marconi-Javorski Scholarship
33 Worthington Road
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 521-7621
Scholarship Link
9. Jozef and Regina Marciniec Grant
Deadline: April 1st
Through the Polish American Congress of Michigan (PACMI), the Jozef and Regina Marciniec Grant is awarded annually for $2,000 to sophomore, junior, or senior-level undergraduate students enrolled in any major area of study at an accredited institution in Michigan who are proficient in the Polish language and active in Polonia. Applicants are required to submit an official transcript, proof of financial need, two letters of recommendation, and verification of community service work in the Polish-American community.
Contact
Jozef and Regina Marciniec Grant
11333 Joseph Campau Street
Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 365-9400
office@pacmi.org
10. Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships
Deadline: January 10th
Ranging in value from $1,000 to $7,000 each, the Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships are awarded annually to provide financial support to American students of Polish descent who are pursuing a graduate degree at an accredited university in the United States. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in full-time graduate studies, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, have interests in Polish subjects or involvement in the Polish-American community, show excellent leadership qualities, and exhibit financial need.
Contact
Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships
15 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 734-2130
Addy@thekf.org
11. Leon Young Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 3rd
In honor of the founder of the American Polish Council of Long Island (APCLI) and a true leader in the Polish community, the Leon Young Scholarship Fund is presented annually for at least $1,000 to graduating high school seniors who will be furthering their education in an accredited undergraduate degree program in the upcoming fall. Qualified candidates must reside on Long Island in New York, be of Polish descent, demonstrate involvement in the Polish community, and compose a short 500-word essay describing future career goals.
Contact
Leon Young Scholarship Fund
329 Peninsula Blvd.
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 485-4190
mail@APCLI.org
12. Marcella Sembrich Memorial Voice Scholarship
Deadline: April 5th
Hosted by the Kosciuszko Foundation in honor of the extremely successful Polish soprano, the Marcella Sembrich Memorial Voice Scholarship is available for U.S. citizens of Polish descent who will perform a 19th or 20th century operatic aria in the Polish language to compete for a grand prize of $1,500. To qualify, candidates must be pursuing a degree in voice or music in post-secondary education full-time, be under the age of 35 years old, not be under professional management, and submit a CD showcasing their repertoire.
Contact
Marcella Sembrich Memorial Voice Scholarship
15 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 734-2130
kharanczyk@thekf.org
13. Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women’s Clubs Scholarship
Deadline: January 10th
In the Kosciuszko Foundation, the Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women’s Clubs Scholarships are awarded for $1,250 annually for U.S. citizens of Polish descent or Polish citizens with permanent U.S. residency in Massachusetts who will be entering their second, third, or fourth year of undergraduate studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Along with the application, candidates must attach an official transcript, two confidential letters of reference, proof of Polish ancestry, a college acceptance letter, and a personal statement.
Contact
Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women’s Clubs Scholarship
15 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 734-2130
Addy@thekf.org
Scholarship Link
14. Polish American Arts Association Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
With the goal of promoting the scholastic endeavors of youth, the Polish American Arts Association (PAAA) Scholarship is presented for $3,000 for full-time college students of Polish heritage who show significant potential for making future contributions to the arts, culture, sciences, or medicine. Applicants must be U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization, reside within the Washington DC metropolitan area, be enrolled at an accredited American university, and be involved in volunteer work with the Polish-American culture.
Contact
Polish American Arts Association Scholarship
9413 Old Reserve Way
Fairfax, VA 22031
wandaobrientrefil@verizon.net
15. Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia Scholarships
Deadline: January 30th
Ranging in value from $1,000 to $1,500 annually, the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia Scholarships are granted to graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled undergraduate students of Polish descent who reside in New Jersey, Delaware, or Pennsylvania to the east of Harrisburg. Eligible applicants must be pursuing full-time college studies, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and write a three-page essay in English or Polish describing their personal interests in the Polish culture.
Contact
Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia Scholarships
259 Hanover Road
Upper Providence, PA 19460
(610) 983-3895
phspscholarship@verizon.net
16. Polish National Alliance Scholarship Award Program
Deadline: April 15th
Each year, the Polish National Alliance (PNA) Scholarship Award Program is open to full-time sophomore, junior, and senior-level college students who are continuing their undergraduate studies in the fall semester for receiving up to $2,500 in funding. Qualified applicants must be beneficial premium paying members in good standing for at least three years, be of Polish or Polish American descent, be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution, and have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Polish National Alliance Scholarship Award Program
6100 North Cicero Avenue
Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 286-0500
jolanta_kikla@hotmail.com
17. Polish Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 15th
For residents of Central New York who live in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, or Oswego counties, the Polish Scholarship Fund offers ten $1,000 awards annually to graduating high school seniors of Polish descent who have been accepted for admissions into any accredited college, university, or vocational school full-time. Recipients will be selected based on scholastic aptitude, financial need, participation in Polish community activities, involvement in school/community service, and career aspirations.
Contact
Polish Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 6032
Syracuse, NY 13217
info@polishscholarship.org
Scholarship Link
18. PRCUA Student Scholarship Grant
Deadline: July 1st
Administered through the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, the PRCUA Student Scholarship Grant is awarded for $1,000 each year to sophomores, juniors, and seniors matriculated full-time in undergraduate studies or students enrolled in graduate and professional degree programs. Qualified candidates must be members in good standing for at least five years, carry a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and be of Polish descent.
Contact
PRCUA Student Scholarship Grant
984 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 782-2600
narod.polski@prcua.org
19. Pulaski Scholarships for Advanced Studies
Deadline: March 15th
Thanks to a generous endowment from the Conrad R. Walas Family, the Pulaski Scholarships for Advanced Studies are administered through the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC) each year for $5,000 to graduate students of Polish ancestry who are enrolled at an accredited university in the United States. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have completed at least one year of a master’s or doctoral degree program, submit a letter of recommendation, and write a statement describing participation in any Polish-American activities.
Contact
Pulaski Scholarships for Advanced Studies
51 Camile Road
Webster, MA 01570
(508) 949-0160
mvwinters@charter.net
20. Reverend Frederick V. Slota Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
Within the Rhode Island Polonia Scholarship Foundation, the Reverend Frederick V. Slota Scholarship is awarded for $500 to academically outstanding high school seniors of Polish-American descent who are applying to accredited post-secondary institutions in Rhode Island to enroll in an accredited two or four-year degree program. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher, and submit a 500-word essay describing how one Polish figure has positively influenced their lives.
Contact
Reverend Frederick V. Slota Scholarship
866 Atwells Avenue
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 351-9306
polishscholarshipsri@gmail.com
21. Ralph Modjeski Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 30th
In honor of his outstanding accomplishments in bridge construction, the Ralph Modjeski Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Polish American Engineers Association to provide $2,000 to engineering or architectural students who are entering at least the sophomore year at an accredited four-year college or university. Qualified applicants must have permanent residence in Illinois or be attending college in the Midwest region, demonstrate excellent academic achievement, be of Polish descent, and be committed to engineering.
Contact
Ralph Modjeski Memorial Scholarship
1 Watergate Drive
South Barrington, IL 60010
contact@polishengineers.org
22. Remkus-Sochacki Academic Achievement Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
As part of the Polish Women’s Alliance of America (PWAA), the Remkus-Sochacki Academic Achievement Scholarships are awarded for $5,000 annually to two extraordinary graduating high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher who are planning to further their education by attending an accredited U.S. college full-time in the fall. For consideration, students must compose a 500-word essay describing what their Polish heritage means to them.
Contact
Remkus-Sochacki Academic Achievement Scholarships
6643 N. Northwest Highway 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60631
(847) 384-1200
pwaa@pwaa.org
Scholarship Link
23. Richard C. Gorecki Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
Sponsored by the Polish Falcons of America (PFA), the Richard C. Gorecki Scholarships are granted annually for a value of $1,000 to $15,000 each to outstanding college students with at least junior-level status who are enrolled full-time in a four-year university in undergraduate or post-graduate studies in America. Eligible candidates of Polish heritage must have been PFA benefit members for at least six years, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, display academic leadership qualities, and be actively involved in Falcon community activities.
Contact
Richard C. Gorecki Scholarships
381 Mansfield Avenue Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
(800) 535-2071
vptrish@polishfalcons.org
24. Stan Musial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 15th
Established by the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in honor of one of the most stellar professional baseball players of all time who earned three World Series rings, the Stan Musial Scholarship Fund offers $1,000 awards each year to graduating high school students of Polish-American descent who have competed in varsity sports. Eligible applicants must be nominated by a coach or principal, be enrolling in post-secondary education, have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and write an essay on the importance of athletics for leadership.
Contact
Stan Musial Scholarship Fund
2975 East Maple Street
Troy, MI 48083
(313) 407-3300
info@polishsportshof.com
25. Stanley F. and Helen Balcerzak Award
Deadline: January 18th
Within the Polish Women’s Cultural Club of Milwaukee, the Stanley F. and Helen Balcerzak Award is presented annually for $1,500 to an outstanding junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled full-time in an accredited degree program in any field at a Wisconsin university. Applicants must be U.S. citizens of legal permanent residents, be of Polish ancestry, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate a commitment to disseminating the Polish culture and/or language.
Contact
Stanley F. and Helen Balcerzak Award
P.O. Box 341458
Milwaukee, WI 53234
(414) 332-1875
u_tempska@yahoo.com
Scholarship Link
In addition to finding scholarships for your academic major, state of residence, personal interests, and career aspirations, it is highly recommended that you search for financial aid resources directly related to your heritage to receive additional funding needed to cover rising tuition costs. Therefore, if you are proud of your family’s foots in specific regions of Poland, be sure to apply for some of these scholarships for Polish students to reduce the financial burden of achieving your dreams in higher education. Powodzenia!
