Adams County Community Foundation scholarship application open through March 15
GETTYSBURG, Pa. (January 1, 2026) — Graduating high school seniors from Adams County can apply for more than 100 local scholarships, through the Adams County Community Foundation Scholarship Program beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
To apply, students should create a personal profile and complete an application by March 15 here. Applicants will be automatically matched with scholarships for which they are eligible.
The Adams County Community Foundation Scholarship Program supports students pursuing education in trade schools, community college certification programs and traditional colleges. Awards are provided by Adams Electric Cooperative, the Rotary Clubs of Gettysburg and Littlestown, and various families and professional associations.
New awards for 2026 include two Plainville Farms scholarships in agriculture and trade for students in Adams and York counties; a two-year, countywide award from the Lettie Dent Gough Scholarship Fund; a multiyear award for Gettysburg Area High School students from the Leila (Tharp) Steiner and Paul W. Steiner Scholarship Fund; and a special America250PA scholarship for civically engaged Adams County students.
Community Foundation scholarships can unlock additional grant awards. The Community Foundation is a PA Partnerships for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program Partner and eligible Adams County Community Foundation scholarship winners enrolled in a PA State Grant–approved postsecondary institution in Pennsylvania can receive additional grant awards.
In addition, young people leading community service projects may be eligible for awards through the Shirley Smith Youth Service Fund, which supports individuals ages 14-24 who wish to complete service projects or mission work.
The Adams County Community Foundation is a member of the National Scholarship Providers Association and actively helps students maximize the benefits of their scholarship awards. In 2022, the community foundation led a successful statewide initiative to eliminate scholarship displacement at Pennsylvania’s public colleges and universities. Displacement occurs when receiving one form of financial aid, such as a private scholarship, results in a reduction of other financial aid offered by the college.
