UC Alumni Association Scholarships
Scholarships
Through the generous support of UC’s alumni community, more than $100,000 from UCAA funds are awarded each year to approximately 50 exceptional UC students. Current and incoming students are considered for four distinct scholarship opportunities, two of which benefit direct descendants of UC alumni.
The complete admission application received by December 1 will serve as the Alumni Association scholarship application for the Christos P. Demakes Legacy Scholarship and the Regional Alumni Network Scholarship for incoming first-year students. Eligible students will be identified and invited to submit next steps for alumni award consideration.
UCAA’s flagship scholarship fund was named for Darlene Carter upon her 2020 retirement to honor her decades of dedicated service on the UC Alumni Association staff and her devotion and assistance to countless students through the years.
Combining funds derived from private gifts as well as UCAA’s Ohio C-Paw license plate program, the Darlene H. Carter UCAA Scholarship Fund supports the renewal of Christos P. Demakes Legacy Scholarships after recipients’ first year and select Regional Alumni Network Scholarships.
Named in honor of past UCAA Executive Director Christos Demakes, this scholarship is given to select first-year students and is renewable for up to four years while students are studying at UC.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Incoming UC first-year student
- Parent or grandparent graduated from UC
- Parent or grandparent is a current Loyal Bearcat or William Howard Taft Society donor
- Complete admission application (including transcript and test scores) by Dec. 1
June 4, 2026: All Demakes Legacy Scholarships for the 26-27 school year have been awarded. This page will be updated in late fall with information for the 27-28 school year.
Awarded on behalf of UCAA’s 30-plus national alumni networks to support local future Bearcats.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Incoming UC first-year student
- Permanent residence in a participating UC Alumni Association national alumni network
- Complete admission application (including transcript and test scores) by Dec. 1 to be considered
If you have questions, please contact the UC Alumni Association at 513-556-4344.
In recognition and remembrance of former UC students Margaret "Meg" Kacher and Sheri An Bloom. In 1985, UC suffered the loss of both of these promising young women to untimely deaths.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Current full-time junior at UC
- Excellence in academics
- Devotion to student activities and community service
- Strong sense of loyalty and commitment to the University of Cincinnati
The African American Affiliate (4A) is proud to support scholarships that expand students' access to international experiences and enrich their college journeys. Through study abroad programs and internationl co-ops, these opportunities broaden perspectives, foster personal and professional growth, and prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Must have at least a 2.50 GPA
- Must be a sophomore, junior or senior at the time of travel
- Be able to show proof of ten (10) or more community service hours
- Registered for a trip during the Spring, Summer or Fall semesters of 2027
Preference for recipient(s):
- With a background that includes one or more of the following factors: first-generation students, students with financial need as determined by the University of Cincinnati, or students who have encountered or overcome substantial educational or economic obstacles.
- Who are involved with an on-campus organization.
All applicants must submit a 500-word essay as part of the application using this prompt:
Describe an educational or economic challenge you have encountered or obstacle you have overcome and how it has shaped your personal growth, perspective, or aspirations. Explain how participating in an international travel experience, such as a study abroad program or international co-op, would broaden your worldview, build upon your strengths, and contribute to your academic, personal, or professional goals.
Applications open Monday, Oct. 19 and will close on Friday, Nov. 13. Recipients will be selected and notified by mid-December. Please reach out to Jennifer Theiss with any questions.
2027 Shani Scholarship Application
