City of Boston Scholarships

Boston residents who plan to attend college in Massachusetts next year are eligible to apply for financial support from the City of Boston Scholarship Fund.Application forms are available in Room 603 of Boston City Hall and in the Office of the Boston School Committee, 26 Court St., 4th Floor. Completed applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2000.See below for details about the program and the application and selection process.

The Program

Mayor Thomas M. Menino established the City of Boston Scholarship Fund to provide assistance to Boston residents who plan to pursue a two- or four-year undergraduate program within Massachusetts. Funds for the scholarship are made possible from voluntary contributions made by citizens, corporate sponsors, and others. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time degree-seeking study at any two- or four-year accredited post-secondary institution within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.The award amount and number of scholarships will depend on available funds through annual contributions. Scholarship recipients may re-apply each year. The scholarship program operates under the authority of a Scholarship Committee, appointed by the Mayor, and is managed by the City of Boston.

Eligibility

Applicants must be legal residents of Boston for at least two years as of January 1 of the year of application. Applicants must also graduate from high school or have completed the G.E.D. by the time the awards are made.

Application Process

To apply, students must complete the application form, which is available in Boston City Hall, Room 603, and in the Boston School Committee Office, 26 Court St., 4th Floor.

Applicants must also submit:   

• A letter of recommendation (from school, employer, church, or community)
• An official secondary school record and SAT or TOEFL score if available, or G.E.D. score report
• Finalists must provide a copy of the most recent 1040 tax form and Financial Aid Form for verification of financial need
• If selected, applicants will be asked for proof of residency, and evidence that they will attend a post-secondary institution within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• An essay question is required of all applicants

Selection

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, community service, educational career goals, and character demonstrated through leadership, work experience, and recommendation. Semifinalists will be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Because applications are evaluated based on the information supplied, students are encouraged to answer all questions as thoughtfully and completely as possible.Financial need is determined based on the total cost of education and living expenses for a school year, less expected family contributions and other grant and loan funds awarded to the applicant. Awards are contingent upon acceptance to an accredited institution within Massachusetts. Applicants will be notified of the award decision by the beginning of June. Award renewals will be based on successful academic performance and continued financial need.

Deadline

Completed applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2000. Incomplete applications and applications postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.