Cullen Scholars
Students seeking a unique and rewarding academic experience provided by Erie County’s private schools have an exciting opportunity. Cullen Foundation seeks to assist families of high-achieving students in mitigating the financial challenges of attaining a private middle school and high school education through our Cullen Scholars program.
Cullen Foundation believes that access to high quality education is critical for individual and community success. To this end, we provide an opportunity to a select group of high-performing students entering grade 6 to attend a private school in the BISON Scholarship Fund network (Erie County only). Cullen Scholars may participate in Buffalo Prep, which provides access and preparation for talented underrepresented youth to achieve success in college preparatory high schools and higher education.
Cullen Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, financial need and character.
Download a one-page program overview here.
Partners
The Cullen Scholars program partners with local education organizations to provide financial, administrative and support services to students accepted as Cullen Scholars:
Eligibility
Cullen Foundation has established the following eligibility criteria for applicants:
- Must be a 5th grade student, in good standing, with a "B" average or above who is entering 6th grade in the 2025/2026 school year.
- Student’s family meets household income criteria - see chart.
- Student must be an Erie County resident.
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $53,244 |
| 3 | $67,122 |
| 4 | $81,000 |
| 5 | $94,818 |
| 6 | $108,756 |
| 7 | $122,634 |
| 8 | $136,512 |
Scholarship Award
Scholarships are partial and renewable for up to seven years while student attends a BISON or EdCo school, contingent on meeting our academic and financial criteria each year. For the 2025-2026 school year, Cullen Foundation will grant scholarship awards as follows:
- The award for Middle School Scholars in 2025-2026 will cover base tuition up to $4,050 and provide a technology and activity stipend of $250 annually.
- The award for High School Scholars in 2025-2026 will cover base tuition up to $12,750 and provide a technology and activity stipend of $500 annually.
Payment is made directly to the BISON Fund or EdCo school.
Should tuition and/or activity fees exceed the allotted scholarship amount, scholars will be responsible for paying or securing support for the remaining costs.
If the applicant student is awarded and accepts a Cullen Scholarship, they will be INELIGIBLE for BISON Scholarship Funding.
Application and Process
All applications are completed online using the following link: The application portal is now closed.
- A school or parent/guardian or other individual may nominate 5th grade students for a middle school scholarship to begin in 6th grade of the 2025-2026 school year.
- Scholarships are partial and renewable, contingent on meeting our academic and financial criteria each year through 12th grade.
- Parents and students will be required to sign a contract that outlines the family’s responsibilities.
- A committee comprised of community volunteers reviews the applications and chooses the scholarship winners.
- Details on Buffalo Prep programing options for Cullen Scholars will be provided to families upon notification of Scholarship Award. For more information on Buffalo Prep click here.
- Click Here to learn what information is needed, in order to complete a Cullen Scholars Application.
Important Dates
Application open: January 1, 2025
Application closes: March 7, 2025
Scholarship Decisions made: April 2025
Apply Online
The Application portal is now closed.