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Since 2004, the ACCL has awarded 146 scholarships totaling $335,000 to Armstrong County residents.  These scholarships reflect the ACCL's mission to connect individuals with the resources and opportunities that promote lifelong learning and personal advancement.

Applications for the Armstrong Center for Community Learning’s 2026 scholarships opened on February 1, 2026.  The ACCL is proud to support students pursuing postsecondary education and training through a range of scholarships designed to invest in Armstrong County’s future workforce and community leaders.

A variety of scholarships are available to support Armstrong County students pursuing postsecondary education.  Detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship are provided below.  All completed applications must be submitted by April 17, 2026.

The 2026 scholarship opportunities include:

  • ACCL Postsecondary Scholarship
  • Future Nurses of Armstrong County Scholarship
  • New Future Teachers of Armstrong County Scholarship
  • William R. Schall Memorial Scholarship
  • Ralph & Mary Lou McAllister Scholarship
ACCL Postsecondary Scholarship

Multiple scholarships awarded each year!

The Armstrong Center for Community Learning (ACCL) Scholarship supports Armstrong County students pursuing education or training at any accredited postsecondary institution.  Designed to expand access to higher education, this scholarship assists students as they take the next step toward their academic and career goals.

Priority consideration is given to first-generation college students—those whose parents and grandparents did not complete a postsecondary degree—recognizing the additional barriers many first-generation students face and ACCL’s commitment to promoting educational opportunity for all.

To be eligible for the ACCL Postsecondary Scholarship, applicants:

  • Must be or will be enrolled (Fall 2026) in an accredited post-secondary institution;
  • Must be a resident of Armstrong County;
  • Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher;
  • Must provide one letter of recommendation;
  • Must provide transcripts from all institutions previously attended;
  • Must demonstrate financial need by providing their FAFSA Submission Summary which includes their Student Aid Index (SAI);
  • Must provide an essay of 500 words or less describing the academic challenges you have faced to complete your high school education or GED and the academic challenges in pursuing postsecondary education and how you have overcome them.

High school seniors, post-secondary students and adults beginning their postsecondary education are eligible.

Future Nurses of Armstrong County Scholarship

Multiple scholarships awarded each year!

The Future Nurses of Armstrong County Scholarship was established to support students pursuing a career in nursing.  This scholarship is designed for individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others by providing compassionate, high-quality care in their communities.

Healthcare systems across the region and the nation are facing a critical shortage of workers, with nurses especially in high demand as many experienced professionals near retirement and patient needs continue to grow.  By helping reduce financial barriers to nursing education, the Future Nurses of Armstrong County Scholarship invests in the next generation of nurses and helps ensure that patients have continued access to safe, reliable, and high-quality healthcare.

To be eligible for the Future Nurses of Armstrong County Scholarship, applicants:

  • Must be or will be pursuing nursing education for practical, diploma, associates and/or bachelor's nursing degrees;
  • Must be or will be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary nursing program;
  • Must be a resident of Armstrong County;
  • Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher;
  • Must provide one letter of recommendation;
  • Must provide transcripts from all institutions previously attended;
  • Must demonstrate financial need by providing their FAFSA Submission Summary which includes their Student Aid Index (SAI);
  • Must provide an essay describing in 500 words or less your passion for nursing, how it developed, and how you will embody empathy and compassion as a future nurse.

High school seniors, postsecondary students and adults beginning their postsecondary education are eligible.

Future Teachers of Armstrong County Scholarship (new for 2026!)

Multiple scholarships awarded each year!

The Future Teachers of Armstrong County Scholarship was established to support students who are committed to pursuing a career in education and making a lasting impact in our local communities. This scholarship reflects the Armstrong Center for Community Learning’s belief that strong schools and dedicated educators are essential to the vitality and success of Armstrong County. By investing in future teachers, the ACCL seeks to strengthen the local education workforce and encourage graduates to return, serve, and lead in the region.

Open to eligible students preparing for careers in teaching or education-related fields, the Future Teachers of Armstrong County Scholarship provides financial assistance to help offset the cost of postsecondary education. In addition to academic achievement, the scholarship emphasizes a commitment to service, leadership, and a genuine desire to educate and inspire the next generation of learners in Armstrong County.

To be eligible for the Future Teachers of Armstrong County Scholarship, applicants:

  • Must be or will be pursuing a career as a teacher;
  • Must be or will be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary educator/teacher program.
  • Must be a legal resident of the Apollo-Ridge, Armstrong, Freeport or Leechburg School Districts and must be either a graduating high school senior or a current post-secondary students pursuing a career in education.  Students attending Lenape Technical School who meet the residency requirement are also eligible.
  • Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Must demonstrate financial need by providing their FAFSA Submission Summary which includes their Student Aid Index (SAI).
  • Must provide one letter of recommendation;
  • Must provide transcripts from all institutions previously attended;
  • Must provide an essay describing in 500 words or less, what or who inspired you to pursue a career in education, how your experiences have prepared you for this path, and how you hope to make a meaningful impact as a teacher - particularly within Armstrong County or similar rural communities.

High school seniors, postsecondary students and adults beginning their postsecondary education are eligible.

William R. Schall Memorial Scholarship

Multiple scholarships awarded each year!

The William R. Schall Memorial Scholarship was established by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning (ACCL) in memory of the late William R. Schall to support students pursuing postsecondary education in environmental and agricultural fields. This scholarship is designed for students who are passionate about protecting natural resources, advancing sustainable practices, and strengthening the region’s agricultural and environmental future.

ACCL operates the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, where hands-on environmental education and outdoor learning are central to its mission. The scholarship fund was originally created by Mr. Schall’s family to support programming and operations at the Outdoor Discovery Center, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and education. With the family’s approval, ACCL expanded the fund’s impact by offering this scholarship beginning in 2024, helping students prepare for careers that support healthy ecosystems, strong agricultural systems, and informed environmental leadership.

To be eligible for the William R. Schall Memorial Scholarship, applicants:

  • Must be or will be enrolled (Fall 2026) in an accredited post-secondary education program.  This can include trade schools, community colleges and four-year universities;
  • Must be pursuing a career in an environmental or agricultural field.  This can include: Biology (not including medical), Ecology, Geology, Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Education, or other Environmental and Agricultural fields of study;
  • Must reside in Armstrong County or be a graduate from a high school in Armstrong County;
  • Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher;
  • Must provide one letter of recommendation;
  • Must provide transcripts from all institutions previously attended;
  • Must demonstrate financial need by providing their FAFSA Submission Summary which includes their Student Aid Index (SAI);
  • Must provide an essay describing in 500 words or less how you became interested in environmental issues and how you are seeking to prepare for a career relating to the environment or agriculture.  Tell us ideally what professional role you would like to play in your career to aid our environment.

High school seniors, postsecondary students and adults beginning their postsecondary education may apply.

Ralph and Mary Lou McAllister Scholarship

Multiple scholarships awarded each year!

The McAllister Scholarship supports students from the Ford City community who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. Established in memory of Mary Lou McAllister, this scholarship reflects a deep commitment to helping local students access higher education and build successful futures.

Mrs. McAllister was an active and dedicated citizen of Ford City who cared deeply about the well-being of her community. By supporting students who reside in Ford City Borough or at a residence with a Ford City post office address, the McAllister Scholarship continues her legacy of investing in the education and potential of local students.

To be eligible for the McAllister Scholarship, applicants:

  • Must be or will be enrolled (Fall 2026) in a four-year college leading toward a Bachelor's Degree;
  • Must be a Ford City resident, meaning the applicant's primary residence has a 16226 zip code.
  • Must provide one letter of recommendation;
  • Must provide transcripts from all institutions previously attended;
  • Must provide an essay of 500 words or less in which you describe how you participated and provided services to your community, school and/or church , including any leadership roles.

High school seniors, postsecondary students and adults beginning their postsecondary education may apply.

Scholarship applications are submitted exclusively through our online portal, making it quick and easy to apply.
For additional information about these scholarships, please contact the Armstrong Center for Community Learning by calling 724-543-2599 ext. 221 or email [email protected].

Armstrong Center for Community Learning
NexTier Adult Learning Center
104 Armstrong Street, Suite A
Ford City, PA  16226

A scholarship recipient who fails to enroll in an approved institution in the first term of the academic year for which the award was granted shall forfeit the award which will be returned to the treasurer/scholarship fund to be awarded to the next year’s class or in case of extenuating circumstances shall be reviewed by the committee.

If you are interested in making a donation to one of our endowed scholarship funds or creating a new scholarship endowment, please visit our Donations page or contact Justin Nolder, ACCL Executive Director at 724-543-2599 ext. 222 or [email protected].