The United Way Foundation of Hancock County has established a four-year renewable $2,000 scholarship (maximum of $8,000) as a memorial to the generosity of Steven and Doris Secor.

The Secor Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior in Hancock County who has a 3.5 grade point average or higher and plans to attend an accredited institution of higher learning, full time, to pursue any undergraduate field of study in the subsequent academic year. 

Scholarship candidates must exhibit a strong emphasis on:

• Service 
• Leadership
• Character

These components, along with the student's academic achievements, are evaluated through the application and a required letter of recommendation.

Application Requirements

It is suggested that students complete and gather all items before filling out the electronic application, as applicants cannot save and return. The application can only be completed digitally; no paper applications will be accepted.

Eligibility:

• Residence: Must be a high school senior residing in Hancock County who plans to attend, full time, in the subsequent academic year, an accredited institution of higher learning, to pursue any undergraduate field of study. 
• Academic Consideration: Grade point average must be at or above 3.5 on a 4-point scale. 
• Volunteer/Extracurricular Involvement: Scholarship candidates must exhibit a strong and diverse emphasis on community service, leadership and character.

Students related to anyone on the Secor Scholarship Selection Committee or United Way of Hancock County paid staff are not eligible to apply. 

Required Materials:

• Essay: Please prepare a short essay of 500 words or less titled "Why does community service matter to me?" 
• High School Transcript: If you do not have access to your transcript electronically, please have your guidance counselor email it to marketing@uwhanock.org with the subject line: "(Name) - Transcript"
• Activity and Community Service Log: Please provide a list of all extracurricular activities and involvements. This should include volunteer activities, sports, employment, school clubs, church activities, etc.
• Letter of Reference: In addition to completing your application, you'll need to provide contact information for an individual who can provide a letter of reference that speaks to your community service activities, your character and/or your leadership skills. References may include coaches, job supervisors, teachers, church leaders, etc.

Timeline & Instructions 

The scholarship application will open Dec. 8, 2025, and must be submitted by 11:59pm Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Once submitted, you should be redirected to a confirmation screen and will receive a copy of your submission. If you do not receive this confirmation, contact Brenna Griteman at 419-423-1432 or email marketing@uwhancock.org.

Reference Instructions: 

You will be instructed in the application to provide the name of your reference, along with their email address. United Way staff will contact this individual and will provide them instructions on how to submit their reference letter.