Graduation Caps

ABM Community Scholarship

Investing in the Next Generation of Western New York

One $5,000 Scholarship
Class of 2027

Application Deadline:
April 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Apply Now

About the Scholarship

At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, we believe strong communities are built by people who care about others, work hard, and make a positive difference.

The ABM Community Scholarship was established to recognize and support a graduating Western New York high school senior who demonstrates strong character, personal growth, initiative, and a commitment to helping others.

We believe a student’s potential is about more than grades alone. Leadership, kindness, perseverance, and the willingness to make a difference can take many forms.

Through this annual $5,000 scholarship, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of Western New York.

Who Can Apply?

The ABM Community Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors in the Class of 2027 who meet the following requirements:

  • Reside in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee, Orleans, or Wyoming County.
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  • Plan to attend a college, university, community college, trade school, or eligible vocational training program in fall 2027.
Scholarship Application

No financial-need requirement. No specific major or career path required.

Students attending public, private, charter, and recognized homeschool programs are welcome to apply.

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What We’re Looking For

We want to recognize students who demonstrate qualities that help strengthen our communities:

Character and Integrity:

Doing what’s right, treating others with respect, and demonstrating strong personal values.

Community Involvement and Impact:

Making a positive difference through service, kindness, helping others, or contributing to their school or community.

Leadership and Initiative:

Taking responsibility, stepping forward, and finding ways to make things better.

Personal Growth and Perseverance:

Learning from experiences, overcoming challenges, and continuing to grow.

Future Goals and Aspirations:

Having a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute positively to others.

We understand that not every student has the same opportunities.

Formal leadership positions, extensive volunteer hours, and impressive resumes aren’t necessary. What matters most is character, effort, and the impact a student has on those around them.

How to Apply

Applying for the ABM Community Scholarship is simple.

  1. Complete the online application with your personal, academic, and educational information.
  2. Answer three short questions about your values, community involvement, and future goals.
  3. Submit a personal essay describing an experience that has helped shape who you are.
  4. Arrange for one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, employer, coach, mentor, or community leader.

Apply Now:

    Question 1: Character and Values

    What personal values are most important to you, and how have you demonstrated those values in your everyday life?

    Question 2: Community Involvement

    Describe a time when you helped someone or made a positive difference in your school, neighborhood, or community. What did you learn from that experience?

    Question 3: Future Goals

    What are your educational or career goals, and how do you hope to make a positive impact on others in the future?

    Application Essay:

    • Tell us about a meaningful experience, challenge, or defining moment that has helped shape the person you are today.

    • In your essay, consider how this experience influenced your values, personal growth, or perspective on helping others. What did you learn, and how will those lessons guide you in the future?

    • We are interested in your personal story, not simply your academic achievements or extracurricular activities. There is no single right answer. We encourage you to be genuine, thoughtful, and reflective.

    Requirements:

    • 400–600 words

    • Submit as a PDF or Word document

    • Essays should reflect your own experiences and original work.

    Letter of Recommendation:

    • Please submit one letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well and can speak to your character, values, personal growth, or contributions to others.

    • Your recommendation may come from a teacher, school counselor, coach, employer, mentor, or community leader.

    • The letter should provide specific examples of qualities such as integrity, kindness, perseverance, initiative, leadership, or community involvement.

    Requirements:

    • One letter of recommendation

    • Approximately one page is recommended

    • Submit as a PDF or Word document

    • Include the recommender's name, title or relationship to the applicant, and contact information

    • Recommendations from immediate family members are not accepted.


    Application Deadline: April 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern

    One student will be selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship, paid directly to their educational institution.

    The recipient is expected to be announced in June 2027.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

    No. The scholarship is based on character, community involvement, personal growth, and future potential rather than financial circumstances.

    No. Eligible students may attend an accredited college, university, community college, or eligible trade or vocational program outside Western New York.

    No. We recognize that students make a difference in many ways, including helping family members, supporting classmates, working, mentoring others, and contributing to their communities.

    No. You may apply if you haven’t made your final decision, provided you intend to enroll in an eligible program in fall 2027.

    Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship selection committee based on character, community involvement, personal growth, written responses, and a letter of recommendation.

    We anticipate announcing the 2027 recipient in June.

    The $5,000 scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution after graduation and enrollment are verified.

    Scholarship

    About Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto

    Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto is a Western New York personal injury law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families throughout our community.

    Our commitment to Western New York extends beyond the work we do for our clients. Through the ABM Community Scholarship, we’re proud to recognize students who are making a difference today and investing in the potential they’ll bring to our community tomorrow.

    We Look Forward to Receiving Your Application

    Apply Now