The ABM Community Scholarship from Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC will award $5,000 to one graduating Western New York high school senior in the Class of 2027. Eligible students must live in one of eight qualifying counties, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and plan to continue their education in fall 2027. The scholarship recognizes character, community involvement, initiative, and personal growth. Applications are due April 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
A $5,000 Community Scholarship for Western New York’s Class of 2027
Your potential reaches beyond your report card. It shows in how you treat people, respond to challenges, and contribute to the lives of those around you. As you prepare to graduate from high school, those qualities deserve recognition alongside your academic achievements.
At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we believe strong communities grow through the efforts of people who care about others. Our ABM Community Scholarship reflects that belief by supporting a graduating Western New York senior whose character, initiative, and commitment to helping others stand out.
Through this annual scholarship, we are proud to invest in the next generation of Western New York. One student from the Class of 2027 will receive $5,000 toward their education, with payment made directly to their educational institution.
An Investment in Western New York’s Next Generation
Continuing your education can open doors to new skills, meaningful work, and opportunities to serve others. Your next step might involve a university, community college, trade school, or eligible vocational training program. Each path can help you build a future that reflects your interests and goals.
The ABM Community Scholarship welcomes students pursuing different educational and career directions. You do not need to choose a particular major or plan for a legal career.
We want to recognize the qualities that help communities thrive: integrity, kindness, perseverance, responsibility, and a willingness to contribute. Those qualities can develop in classrooms, workplaces, homes, neighborhoods, and countless everyday experiences.
Your story matters, including the experiences that may never appear on a transcript or activities list.
Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?
The ABM Community Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors in the Class of 2027 who meet these requirements:
- Residency: Live in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee, Orleans, or Wyoming County.
- Academic standing: Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Educational plans: Plan to attend a college, university, community college, trade school, or eligible vocational training program in fall 2027.
Students attending public, private, and charter schools, as well as recognized homeschool programs, are welcome to apply.
There is no financial-need requirement and no required major or career path. The scholarship recognizes that students have different circumstances, opportunities, and ambitions. Meeting the eligibility requirements gives you an opportunity to share who you are and how you hope to contribute.
Apply for the ABM Community Scholarship
Benjamin J.
Andrews
Partner
Robert
Maranto
Partner
Tom
Kotrys
Partner
Robert J.
Maranto, III
Attorney
Thanon
Rezvi
Attorney
Rea Marcelo
Roxas
Attorney
What Makes a Meaningful Application?
A meaningful application gives us a clear picture of your values, experiences, and growth. We want to understand how you approach your responsibilities and how your actions affect others.
The scholarship recognizes five central qualities:
- Character and integrity: Acting honestly, treating others respectfully, and following your personal values.
- Community involvement and impact: Helping others or contributing positively to your school, neighborhood, or community.
- Leadership and initiative: Taking responsibility, stepping forward, or finding ways to improve a situation.
- Personal growth and perseverance: Learning from experiences, working through challenges, and continuing to grow.
- Future goals and aspirations: Developing a sense of purpose and considering how you can make a positive difference.
You do not need a formal leadership title, an extensive volunteer record, or an impressive resume. We understand that students do not all have access to the same opportunities.
Helping a classmate, supporting a neighbor, or taking initiative at work may provide meaningful examples of your character. Choose experiences that honestly reflect your life, then explain why they mattered and what you learned.
How to Apply for the ABM Community Scholarship
The application includes your personal, academic, and educational information, three short written responses, a personal essay, and one letter of recommendation.
Give yourself time to prepare each part thoughtfully. Asking for your recommendation early can also give your recommender enough time to write a detailed letter.
Answer Three Short Questions
Each response must be 100–250 words. The questions address:
- Character and values: What personal values matter most to you, and how have you demonstrated them in everyday life?
- Community involvement: When have you helped someone or made a positive difference in your school, neighborhood, or community, and what did you learn?
- Future goals: What are your educational or career goals, and how do you hope to positively affect others?
Specific examples can make your responses more meaningful. Instead of listing qualities you possess, describe an experience that shows those qualities through your actions.
You also have room to reflect. Explain what motivated you, what you discovered, and how the experience influenced your thinking.
Write a Personal Essay
Your essay should describe a meaningful experience, challenge, or defining moment that helped shape the person you are today.
Consider how that experience affected your values, personal growth, or perspective on helping others. What did you learn? How will those lessons guide your future choices?
The essay requirements are:
- 400–600 words
- Submitted as a PDF or Word document
- Based on your own experiences and original work
We want to hear your personal story. Your essay does not need to repeat your academic achievements or extracurricular activities. There is no single right answer, and the experience you choose does not need to be dramatic.
A thoughtful explanation of an everyday experience can reveal a great deal about your character and perspective.
Submit One Letter of Recommendation
Choose someone who knows you well and can describe your character, values, growth, or contributions to others.
Your recommender may be a teacher, school counselor, coach, employer, mentor, or community leader. Their letter should provide specific examples of qualities such as integrity, kindness, perseverance, initiative, leadership, or community involvement.
Submit one letter as a PDF or Word document. Approximately one page is recommended. The letter should include the recommender’s name, title or relationship to you, and contact information.
Recommendations from immediate family members are not accepted.
Application Deadline and Scholarship Payment
Your application is due April 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Before submitting, review your application carefully. Confirm that your short responses meet the word limits, your essay follows the requirements, and your recommendation includes the requested information.
One student will be selected to receive the $5,000 scholarship, which will be paid directly to their educational institution.
The recipient is expected to be announced in June 2027. Keep the application deadline in mind as you organize your materials, especially if you need time to request a recommendation or revise your essay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a certain GPA?
Yes. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The scholarship also recognizes character, community involvement, initiative, perseverance, and future goals.
Do I need to demonstrate financial need?
No. The ABM Community Scholarship has no financial-need requirement.
Can I apply if I plan to attend trade school?
Yes. Eligible educational plans include college, university, community college, trade school, or an eligible vocational training program beginning in fall 2027.
Do I need volunteer hours or leadership experience?
Formal leadership positions and extensive volunteer hours are not necessary. Your application can describe other ways you have demonstrated responsibility, kindness, initiative, or a commitment to helping others.
Share Your Story and Apply
If you meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply for the ABM Community Scholarship. Your experiences, values, and goals can help us understand the difference you make today and the contributions you hope to make tomorrow.
At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we are proud to support students across Western New York as they take their next educational steps.
Complete the online scholarship application and submit your materials by April 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.