New Applicants

Eligibility Requirements

Robert T. Kenney Scholarships are awarded primarily based on financial need, with consideration given to academic performance, community involvement, and other indications of a strong desire to achieve goals through education.

In 2022, 70% of our recipients were first generation college students - meaning neither parent has received a bachelor's degree. Most of our scholars receive support for all four years of college. Over 80% of our first-year freshmen Scholars earned their bachelor’s degree within 5 years – this is higher than the state average.

You should apply for a Robert T. Kenney Scholarship if:

• You are a current high school senior, current college student, or a nontraditional adult student.
• Next year, you plan to attend an accredited, Title IV eligible community college, 4-year college or university, or a technical/ vocational program in the U.S.
• You are a United States citizen or a non-U.S. citizen who is able to apply for federal student aid; or you have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, as evidenced by a valid Employment Authorization Card.
• High school seniors -- you are either ranked in the top 1/3 of your graduating class or you have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Current college students – you have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• You live in any one of the 64 Connecticut towns served by the American Savings Foundation.
• You have not already completed a Bachelor's degree.
• You have financial need.

Children, Grandchildren, and other related family members of American Savings Foundation board of directors and officers are not eligible to apply for or receive a scholarship from the American Savings Foundation. Please contact the Foundation office if you have any questions.

See Scholarship FAQs      

Special Awards

Norman E.W. Erickson Award

Current high school seniors from New Britain who have been active participants in a qualified nominating agency (see below) may apply for the Norman E.W. Erickson Award. This award is for up to $1,000 per academic year and is renewable.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Graduating high school senior from New Britain.
• Does not meet the academic requirement for the Robert T. Kenney Scholarship (2.5 GPA or top 1/3 of the class).
• Must meet all other Robert T. Kenney application requirements.
• Must be nominated by a Qualified Nominating Agency which has helped prepare the student to be successful in college or career training. 

To Apply - Students must complete the online New Scholarship Application through our scholarship portal and submit their Transcript and Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA. The required Nomination Request must come from the nominating agency and be submitted through your online application.

Kenney Community Service Award

High School seniors who are residents of New Britain or Waterbury and are applying for a scholarship from the American Savings Foundation may be nominated for the Kenney Community Service Award. Recipients are selected based on an exceptional record of community service which has made a significant impact in their communities. Examples may include, but are not limited to:  volunteer hours at a local hospital, park, senior center, working on a specific cause or issue, or becoming a mentor for younger participants at a local youth agency.   
 
The recipient of the Kenney Community Service Award will have their award increased to up to $5,000 for their freshman year, depending on need. Like all our scholars, recipients will be eligible to re-apply for the Robert T. Kenney Scholarship for their remaining years of college.
 
To Apply - Students must complete the online New Scholarship Application through our online portal. To be considered for this award, please list all of our community service work on your application.