Judith Mitchell Drabkin ‘On My Own’ Scholarship

Established by Brian Drabkin in memory of his wife Judith in recognition of her success in college due to the scholarship support she received without the benefit of having parents to support her or giving her a place to live. The scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors or current undergraduates in Dutchess and Ulster County who have had to overcome obstacles in order to pursue higher education and can demonstrate financial need.

Amount of Award(s):
$1,000 minimum

Number of Awards:
1

Type of Award:
Not renewable but recipients may reapply in subsequent years

Current High School:
Ulster and Dutchess County High Schools

Current Level of Education:
Graduating high school senior or current undergraduate in Dutchess and Ulster Counties

Eligibility Requirements:
– Graduating high school senior or current undergraduate in Dutchess and Ulster Counties
– Overcome personal obstacles (preference for those lacking a support system)
– Financial need
– Academic achievement

Alternative Materials:
– Essay topic (up to 500 words) Describe how you overcame or are coping with obstacles in your life (ex: personal, emotional, family, financial, educational, economic, physical, developmental, etc.) and your future aspirations.

Application Details:

With your completed Online Application you will also need to attach the following:

– Essay describing a personal financial or educational difficulty and what the student did to turn their life around (typed, limit to one page or 500 words).
– Most recent high school transcript.
– Copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary and Student Aid Index (SAI), which you will receive when your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been completed and submitted.
– Two current letters of recommendation from teachers/guidance counselor, clergy or persons other than family members who are familiar with your skills and abilities. These letters must have been written within the last six months.

​Deadline:

Applications must be submitted online with all attachments by 11:59pm on March 15, 2025.

Apply Online