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The Fannie Barrier Williams Scholars (FBWS) program will provide four-year scholarships (with the option of a fifth year) to students from low-income families with unmet financial need. Approximately 30 students per year will receive these awards, which will supplement existing State and Federal programs and cover traditional out-of-pocket expenses such as room-and-board and fees. Preference will be given to students of color.

Crafted in the tradition of Brockport alumna Fannie Barrier Williams, class of 1870 and the first African-American woman to graduate from the University, this program is intended to support a student’s ability to persist to graduation by providing academic, personal, and career support.

The program is aimed at enrolling high potential students who demonstrate financial need, with an intentional focus on racial equity.

Student Eligibility

Fannie Barrier Williams Scholars Criteria

All students must first be accepted as an incoming freshman student and enrolled in a degree program at SUNY Brockport.

High School GPA 87 or higher
Financial Standing Identified as low income with demonstrated financial need
Residency Must be from Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Ontario or Wayne counties

Fannie Barrier Williams Scholars FAQs

 Taxability of Scholarships

The Federal 1986 Tax Reform Act affects all scholarships and fellowships, including New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Teach, institutional grants, scholarships or fellowships, which are to be considered as federal taxable income. Student loans are not considered income for federal tax purposes. Matriculated students may exclude amounts used for tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction. Extraordinary Academic Scholarship Program Awards are applied to room expenses and as such are considered to be taxable income. It is very important that students keep receipts to document any excludable expenditures. The law places upon the student the obligation to determine the taxable amount of their scholarships and fellowships by offsetting the above allowable expense against the total of all grants received. Domestic students please contact the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or your tax preparer if you have any questions.