Scholarships

How to Submit an Application

We strongly encourage preparing all information needed in advance- once application has begun you are not able to save your progress while completing the application. To view a PDF version of the 2025 application please click here.
Click here to fill out application. Make sure all supporting documents are attached (essay, letters of recommendation, etc.) Click 'Submit.'
After submission, you will receive acknowledgement of receipt within 2 business days.

*For the Linda and Steven Grant Scholarship, please click here.

*Please Note: Due to the high volume of submissions, timeout issues are possible after being on this page for more than 5 minutes.

Letters of Recommendation should be sent to: foundation@chamberfdn.org

Applications will available January 1, 2026 - with an April deadline.

Cosimo DiBrizzi Culinary Arts Scholarship

Established by the family of Cosimo DiBrizzi and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce to honor his memory.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley (counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam and Ulster).
Pursuing a career at The Culinary Institute of America.
Student must be accepted (or currently enrolled) at The Culinary Institute of America and planning to attend within the next six months.
If currently enrolled, student must have residency in the Hudson Valley for at least five years.

Eileen Hickey Nursing Scholarship

Juan Lafuente Leadership Scholarship

Established by the Lafuente family and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship memorializes Juan, who lost his life during the attacks on September 11.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a resident of Dutchess County.
Awards are based on student’s demonstration of: academic achievement-especially in the areas of math and science; leadership contributions to school and community; and character.
Students must be planning to attend or are currently enrolled in an accredited New York State college, university, or trade school. This scholarship is open to any academic major.

Linda and Steven Lant Family Scholarship

Established by the Lant Family to support students in obtaining meaningful employment in high-demand job sectors.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

This scholarship is available to Dutchess County high school seniors, or current undergraduate students at a vocational school, who wish to pursue a training program that leads to a career in the trades.
These trades fields may include but are not limited to nursing, mechatronics, aviation, building science, construction technology, electrical technology, etc.
Students must plan to attend either Dutchess Community College or Dutchess BOCES Adult Learning Institute in the semester following their scholarship award.
Financial need must be demonstrated along with academic performance and extra-curricular activities.
Special consideration will be given to candidates who hold employment while going to school.

Richard W. Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family to honor the memory of Richard W. Mitchell, former President and CEO of the then Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Hudson Valley Young Professionals.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a resident of Dutchess County.
All college-bound or currently enrolled college students are encouraged to apply, regardless of what year of study you are in.
Faced with significant obstacles while advancing their education (personal, financial, emotional, family, educational, economic, physical, developmental, etc.).
This scholarship is open to any academic major.

Charles S. North Leadership Advancement Scholarship

In recognition of the outstanding leadership of Dutchess County Regional Chamber Commerce Past President and CEO Charles S. North a scholarship was established in 2014 upon his retirement. The Charles S. North Leadership Advancement Scholarship signifies Mr. North’s commitment to inspiring and mentoring leaders across the region.

To apply, first fill out one of the following program applications:

Youth Leadership Program - Click Here
Leadership Dutchess Program - Click Here
Executive Leadership Program - Click Here

*And check the box for “Charles S. North Leadership Advancement Scholarship”.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

Live or work in Dutchess County or for a member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Attach a 500 word essay expressing how the program will help you advance your professional career. Incorporate your sentiments on what defines a great leader. In your essay, articulate in 100 additional words the financial need for the scholarship.
Applicant’s school or employer must be a member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
You must establish a financial need and desire to participate in the program.

*Full and/or partial scholarships will be awarded.

Jeffrey B. Senft Memorial Scholarship for the Trades

Established in honor of Jeffrey B. Senft by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship is available to residents of the Mid-Hudson Valley pursuing a career in the trades and/or manufacturing.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley (counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam and Ulster).
Must be committed to or enrolled in a training program for the trades and/or manufacturing.
Applicants should have a love of working with their hands.

*Money will be given directly to the educational institutions in support of starting/ continuing/completing training in the applicant's desired trade of field

Norman & Rita Nussbickel Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1987 by the Nussbickel family and the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Foundation in memory of Norman F. Nussbickel. The scholarship also honors Norman’s wife, Rita, who passed away in 2006.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

Participants of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Center are encouraged to apply.
Those in need of assistance with job training or hands-on experience in the career field of their interest are encouraged to apply.