• “Grow Your Own" Program

    The Niagara Falls City School District combined with The Michael J. Argy Endowment Fund and Niagara University established the “Grow Your Own Program" in 1995 to offer financial support to the Niagara Falls City School District staff members who are interested in furthering education.

    The Michael J. Argy Endowment Fund was established by Niagara Falls Coach Lines and Mr. Joseph Argy in order to promote and support the training of future educational leaders.  The income earned by this endowed scholarship fund will be used to financially support up to two (2) scholarships per year for Graduate and Undergraduate students who meet specific criteria and are matriculated in the College of Education at Niagara University. Students should be from a diverse background in order to hopefully achieve diversity among the educators.

    To qualify for the program, recipients must meet the following criteria:

    • Undergraduate level students who are alumni of Niagara Falls High School(s) seeking Teaching certification in the College of Education at Niagara University.
    • Niagara Falls City School district staff members enrolled in a Graduate level program that is part of under-represented groups of District Staff (i.e. minorities, males in education, etc.).
    • Current staff members of the Niagara Falls City School District enrolled in undergraduate or graduate level programs leading to Teacher Certification may request scheduling accommodations.

    The District offers the opportunities for flexible scheduling or reduced work hours.  These requests must be submitted to the Administrator of Human Resources and approved by the Superintendent.

    • Maintain an “Active employment status” with the Niagara Falls City School District for a minimum of three years upon completion of a degree program.

    “Grow Your Own Program” recipients do not need to demonstrate the need for financial assistance and the program remains available to them as long as they continue to qualify. 

     

    The awards for the “Grow Your Own Program” consist of Niagara University providing up to two half (.5) tuition scholarships annually from its funds and The Michael J. Argy Endowment Fund will match up to two half (.5) tuition scholarships annually.

     

    Candidates interested in applying for the “Grow Your Own Program” must complete the Award Application  and submit all required documents to the Administrator of Human Resources by March 31, 2025. 

     

    Recipients will be selected by a committee and the award will be made on or before April 30, 2025.

     

    The Niagara Falls City School District believes in promoting and supporting the training of future educational leaders and the “Grow Your Own Program” supports these beliefs.