Donor-Based Scholarships

Donor-based scholarships have specific and limiting criteria. In addition, all scholarships are awarded based upon the availability of funding. Please read the descriptions and requirements for each scholarship below and apply to those for which you meet the criteria. More information can be found in our GSE Donor Based Scholarships GSE Donor-Based Scholarship FAQ's.

  • Students will be notified by the GSE Financial Aid Office when applications for GSE donor-based scholarships become available for the fall and spring semesters.
  • All students can be considered for GSE donor-based scholarships in addition to any other GSE aid award that they may have received within an academic year.
  • Incoming students may apply for donor-based scholarships only after being admitted into a program; these scholarships are awarded on a per-semester basis unless otherwise noted.
  • The GSE Scholarship Committee will select a limited number of student scholarship award recipients from the total pool of applicants.

Students selected by the GSE Scholarship Committee will receive an award letter once decisions have been finalized.

Listed below are the GSE Donor-Based Scholarships descriptions and requirements for each scholarship. Students who meet the requirements will be able to apply for donor-based scholarships once applications become available.

Timeline of donor-based scholarship applications and decisions

Current Year: AY 2023-2024

  • Summer semester: applications will be available by mid-July for fall awards.
  • Fall semester applications are due by 5pm, Friday, October 27 2023.
  • Spring semester: applications will be available by mid-March for summer awards.

Academic Year 2024-2025

  • Summer semester: applications will be available by mid-July for fall awards.
  • Fall semester: applications will be available by early October for spring awards

  • The scholarship fund will be used to provide financial aid support to current, full-time and part-time students in the Graduate School of Education, with a preference for students enrolled in the Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to attend the university.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Fortuny R. Melina and Dora D. Melina Fund provides financial aid support to full-time graduate students enrolled in the GSE for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to attend Fordham.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Testa Family Endowed Scholarship provides financial aid support to part-time or full-time students at the GSE for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to continue attending the university.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.


  • The Marion U. Blanchard, Ph.D., Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to students in religious communities, and to those who demonstrate academic merit (3.5 minimum GPA) and financial need. 

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Brother John J. Cody Family Endowed Scholarship provides financial aid support to current full-time and/or part time students enrolled in a Special Education program in the Graduate School of Education. Students must have at least six credits towards the degree and meet financial need.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Eldridge A. Greening Endowed Scholarship provides assistance for students with 10 years of professional experience in a non-educational background who are making a career transition. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their program.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • This scholarship fund provides financial aid support to current full-time and part-time GSE students in any degree program who have financial need as evidenced via FAFSA.  

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Dr. J.T. Vincent Lou Memorial Endowed Fellowship provides financial aid support to current full-time and/or part time students studying within the Graduate School of Education for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to attend the university.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Johanna Friscia-Helen McNulty Scholarship is named for two outstanding educators and long-time members of the Fordham University School of Education Alumni Association. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who fulfills the following criteria:

    • matriculated in an M.S.T. program with no less than 18 credits accumulated;
    • has a minimum 3.5 GPA; and
    • has an undergraduate degree from Fordham University.
    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Ingrid and Harry A. Parsons Endowed Scholarship provides scholarship awards to deserving students enrolled in Fordham's Graduate School of Education. Students must demonstrate financial need and/or merit to be considered.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Alice Field-McNally Reddy Endowed Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to students who demonstrate financial need and academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA). Preference is given to students pursuing degrees in special education. 

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Valerie A. Rowe Scholarship provides merit-based aid to a full-time student in the Early Childhood and Childhood Education; Early Childhood Special Education; or Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education M.S.T. programs.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Anna, Richard, and Mary Sheehy Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and academic merit (minimum 3.5 GPA) with a preference given to students changing careers. Note: The recipient of the Sheehy Award may continue to renew the award for an accumulated total of 30 credits.

    This scholarship application will become available during the summer semester for fall awards.

  • The Joseph C. Zoller Scholarship provides financial support to students who are graduating seniors of Fordham University, and demonstrate financial need and academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA). Preference is given to candidates who plan to teach in an elementary or secondary school in the New York metropolitan area.

    The Joseph C. Zoller Scholarship Application