Just for Kids School Age Programs is proud to announce its 2025–2026 Scholarship Program, which will award $25,000 in scholarships to 25 graduating high school seniors across Western New York. Each awardee will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their continued education and career goals.

Applications open December 5, 2025, and the deadline to apply is January 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be announced by March 1, 2026.

Offered in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Childcare Network of the Niagara Frontier, Inc., the nonprofit that oversees Just for Kids, this scholarship initiative celebrates students who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to lifelong learning — values that reflect the organization’s mission to nurture and empower youth both inside and outside the classroom.

Scholarships may be applied toward a wide range of post-secondary pathways, including colleges and universities, trade and technical schools, apprenticeships, and certificate programs. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from a school district that currently offers a Just for Kids School Age Program. Priority consideration will be given to students entering fields that strengthen the Western New York community, including early childhood education and childcare.

“We’re honored to invest in the next generation of changemakers,” said Kristina Kleeh, Executive Director of Just for Kids. “Whether their journey leads to college, a skilled trade, or a career in childcare, we want every student to know that their goals matter — and that our community believes in them.”

Full program details, eligibility criteria,and the scholarship application are available at www.justforkidsonline.org/scholarship.

View the press release here.