Rochester Chamber Opens College Scholarships for Seniors

High school seniors in Rochester, New Hampshire, have a new opportunity to ease the cost of their future education, thanks to local businesses investing in their community's next generation.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce announced its annual scholarship program for graduating seniors whose parents work at member companies or who are employed by these businesses themselves. Winners will be selected in April and receive funding for their second year of college, university, technical school, or trade school.

The Chamber's Scholarship Champion Program brings together multiple local businesses that contribute funds specifically to support young people pursuing higher education. These companies recognize that investing in students today strengthens the entire community tomorrow.

Students can pick up applications at area high schools, visit the Chamber office at 18 South Main Street in Rochester, or download forms from the Chamber's website. The deadline is March 27, 2026, giving eligible seniors two months to complete their applications.

Recipients will be celebrated at their school's graduation ceremonies in June, where they'll be recognized alongside the businesses that made their scholarships possible. The awards are structured to support students after they've completed their first year, helping them continue their education when many students face financial challenges.

The Ripple Effect

This program does more than help individual students pay tuition. It creates a direct connection between local businesses and the families they employ, showing workers that their company cares about their children's futures.

When businesses invest in employee families, they strengthen loyalty and community ties that benefit everyone. Students see their hometown as a place that believes in them, increasing the likelihood they'll return with new skills to contribute to Rochester's economy.

The public recognition of Scholarship Champion businesses also encourages other companies to join the program, creating a growing network of support for education. What starts as one scholarship can inspire a culture of investment in young people across an entire region.

For businesses interested in becoming Scholarship Champions, the Chamber welcomes new partners who want to make education more accessible for the families that power Rochester's economy.