Massachusetts JCI Senate Scholarship

FOR SENIORS

Each year (April) $1,000 grants will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in the United States, who plan to continue their education at accredited postsecondary colleges, universities or vocational schools. The number of grants awarded annually will be at the discretion of the United States JCI Senate Foundation. The monies must be used for educational expenses in the first year of full-time study. Checks awarded will be made out in the name of the recipient and the educational institution of their choice.

To apply, click JCI.

Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA)

FOR SENIORS

In order to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students, PHADA has implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter college. PHADA will award three scholarships to deserving youth currently residing in a PHADA member agency.

Stephen J. Bollinger Memorial Scholarship (One scholarship available: $7,000)

Steve Bollinger (April 11, 1948–June 18, 1984) was a taskmaster to himself, a human dynamo to those who knew him. He was a natural leader, a person who could rally people around him with wit, satire, and vocal exercises. Steve’s knowledge of and dedication to housing those in need was never absent, especially after he was appointed Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at HUD. His experience at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and the associations he had with colleagues, mayors, and others afforded him the opportunity to deal with the bureaucracy in a style that we strive to attain. To the members of PHADA, he was a friend. His belief in the housing profession motivated him to become a founding member of PHADA, for which he served as Vice President. He accomplished much in a short time and we are all thankful for his achievements. PHADA created this scholarship to memorialize Stephen J. Bollinger.

Freedom & Civil Rights Scholarship (One scholarship available: $5,000)

*Additional Essay Required

In 2005, PHADA’s Board of Trustees met in Montgomery, AL. Inspired by historical sites they chose to give personal donations for the inception of a PHADA scholarship to honor the work of Rosa Parks and the achievements of the civil rights movement. PHADA’s Annual Commissioners’ Conference Golf Outing was established in 2007 to provide continuous funding to the Freedom Scholarship.

NOTE: To be considered for the Freedom & Civil Rights Scholarship include a personal essay (350–500 words) demonstrating your efforts and achievements in furthering the values of the civil rights movement. Explain why the cause is still relevant in communities today and how they relate to your educational goals. Include any relevant volunteer experiences and community involvement activities relating to advancing the cause of civil rights.

Nan McKay Pathway to Achievement Scholarship (One scholarship available: $5,000)

Nan McKay has offered significant financial support to PHADA’s scholarship program and has elected to reward one deserving youth with a $5,000 scholarship. PHADA appreciates their commitment to serving the needs of public housing residents and the community.

To apply, click PHADA.

Union Plus Scholarship

FOR SENIORS

How the Union Plus Scholarship Program works 

ELIGIBILITY

Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant’s spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one-year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year. See more details on eligibility in the tab below.

EVALUATION CRITERIA 

This is a competitive scholarship. Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. The required essays can account for up to half your total score. Scholarship applicants are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Applications are available starting in mid-June, and a complete application must be received on or before 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Standard Time on January 31st of the scholarship year. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD AMOUNTS

Amounts range from $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2021. Students may re-apply each year.

ISAIAH’S AWARD

Isaiah’s Award was created to honor the exceptional life of Isaiah C., a beloved child, fostered and adopted by a current, long-time employee of Union Plus.  Isaiah was a smart, talented, spiritual, generous and kind young man. It is our wish that his gentle spirit live on, in part, through this namesake scholarship.

Applicants for Isaiah’s Award must have a special connection to the foster care system, and will be asked in their application to describe their personal, employment, volunteer experiences, or career goals related to the foster care system.

AWARD DATE

The Scholarship Committee will determine recipients of scholarship awards by May 31 each year. During the first week of June award recipients will be individually notified by mail, and all applicants will be sent an email with notification that the award list is posted.  Please note that due to the volume of applications we cannot provide any information on the status of an application before award announcements are made.

OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

The students selected for university, college, trade or technical school scholarships represent a wide sampling of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. The selection process is very competitive since we receive over thousands of applications each year.

THE UNION PLUS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Union Plus Education Foundation has awarded more than $4.8 million in scholarships to students of union families. Over 3,200 union families have benefited from our commitment to higher education.

With the help of donations from union supporters, the Foundation can help even more union families attain their education goals. Learn more about the  Union Plus Education Foundation.

To apply, click Union Plus.

Henry David Thoreau Scholarship

FOR SENIORS

You must apply using our online application, which opens on October 15th.

The online application and any supplementary materials are due February 1st.

You will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision by April 30th.

Application Criteria

To apply for the Henry David Thoreau Scholarship you must:

  • reside in Massachusetts and be in your final year at a Massachusetts high school.
  • plan to enroll in college the year that the Thoreau scholarship is awarded.
  • demonstrate strong academic qualifications and a commitment to an environmental field.

Thoreau Scholar Requirements

If selected as a Thoreau Scholar you must:

  • enroll at an accredited college or university of your choice.
  • carry 25% of your undergraduate coursework in subjects related to the environment (you may choose any major/minor).
  • submit an annual report of your activities in the environmental field, including academic courses.
  • provide an official copy of your transcript at the end of each semester and maintain greater than a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

In addition, Henry David Thoreau Scholars are strongly encouraged to secure and complete an internship in the environmental field, which commonly occurs between their junior and senior year. Scholars may apply to the Selection Committee for an internship stipend.

F.I.R.E. Free Speech $10,000 Essay Contest

FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS

Get to know us! The mission of FIRE is to defend and sustain individual rights at America’s colleges and universities. These rights include freedom of speech, legal equality, due process, religious liberty, and sanctity of conscience—the essential qualities of individual liberty and dignity. In addition to defending the rights of students and faculty, FIRE works to educate students and the general public on the necessity of free speech and its importance to a thriving democratic society.

The freedom of speech, enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution, is a foundational American right. Nowhere is that right more important than on our college campuses, where the free flow of ideas and the clash of opposing views advance knowledge and promote human progress. It is on our college campuses, however, where some of the most serious violations of free speech occur, and where students are regularly censored simply because their expression might offend others.

Eligibility

Open to juniors and seniors in U.S. high schools, including home-schooled students, as well as U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. Additional questions regarding eligibility may be emailed to essaycontest@thefire.org.

Word Length

Word Length

Students must submit an essay between 700 and 900 words on the provided topic below.

Deadline

Deadline

FIRE must receive all entries by 11:59 EST, December 31, 2020. Winners will be announced by February 15, 2021.

Scholarship Prizes

Scholarship Prizes

One $10,000 first prize, one $5,000 second prize, three $1,000 third place prizes and four $500 prizes will be awarded.

The Prompt

In a persuasive letter or essay, convince your peers that free speech is a better idea than censorship.

Your letter or essay must be between 700-900 words. We encourage you to draw from current events, historical examples, our free speech comic, other resources on FIRE’s website, and/or your own personal experiences.

Note: While there is no required format for your submission, many entrants use MLA guidelines. Successful entries will show an understanding of the importance of free speech and the pitfalls of censorship. You may use in-text citations, and do not need to include a References or Works Cited page. Essays that do not address the prompt question or fail to meet the word-count requirements will not be considered. View the essays of some of our past winners here!


Submit

Entering this essay contest constitutes agreement to having your name and essay published on FIRE’s website if you are selected as a winner. FIRE reserves the right to make minor edits to winning essays before publication on our website.

Northeastern University Torch Scholarship

FOR SENIORS

This is a full-boat scholarship to Northeastern University. You must be nominated by your guidance counselor. For more information, click Torch.

TORCH SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES:

SQ-cup-icon Have persevered despite difficult family situations, cultural barriers, financial challenges, or unfavorable educational environments. These challenges have kept them from reaching their full academic potential and 
from applying for admission to a highly selective school such as Northeastern.
SQ-leader-icon Show leadership through community, school, work, or service. Torch nominees are “game changers” in their communities, working to make a difference.
SQ-achieve-icon Have enrolled in college prep classes and would be successful with the additional academic and personal support provided by the Torch Scholars Program, but have not yet demonstrated academic success at the level of their true potential.
SQ-global-icon Represent a diversity of academic majors, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and geographic areas.
SQ-1st-icon Are first-generation college students whose parents/guardians do not have a U.S. undergraduate degree or equivalent.
SQ-home-icon Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents from low-income households (and are likely to be Pell Grant eligible).

GPA REQUIREMENTS

Torch does not require a specific GPA. While prospective Torch Scholars might not have a grade record that indicates their full academic potential, they have been preparing for college by taking a challenging academic course load. We know they’re ready for a college education. We look at applicants holistically, going beyond the numbers to determine their talent and potential for college success at Northeastern.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

FOR ALL STUDENTS

Contest Topic

Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917.

To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs.

All submissions must adhere to contest requirements.

Contest Deadline

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2020. The contest deadline is January 15, 2021.

Recognition and Awards

First-place: $10,000          Second-place: $3,000          Five Finalists: $1,000 each          Eight Semi-finalists: $100 each

Boston University Trustee Scholarship

FOR SENIORS

Every year, BU welcomes approximately 20 outstanding students to the Trustee Scholars Program. Many of our current Scholars had perfect 4.0 grade point averages in high school and ranked in the top of their class.

In addition to exceptional academic credentials, Trustee Scholars are intellectually and creatively adventurous and demonstrate viewpoints, experiences, or achievements beyond the usual. They are, in other words, not just top students, but extraordinarily well-rounded individuals. At BU, Trustee Scholars become part of a unique campus community that offers many intellectual, cultural, and social opportunities.

A Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees, and is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for a Trustee Scholarship:

  • Submit the Common or Coalition Application and all required materials for admission to one of the undergraduate degree programs at BU by December 1.
  • Complete the Trustee Scholarship essay on the Common or Coalition Application as part of your application to BU.

The Trustee Scholarship Essay:

Please choose from one of the two prompts below and submit one essay, in 600 words or less, as part of your application through the Common or Coalition Application.

  1. The Trustee Scholars at Boston University form a diverse and inclusive community of students. Please tell us about a time where you proactively advocated for, or experienced, inclusivity in your school or community. What did you learn and how would you put that into practice at Boston University?
  2. Howard Thurman, who was the dean of BU’s Marsh Chapel from 1953-1965, once wrote: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Can you describe a particular experience you have had or an activity that you participate in that makes you come alive? How would you try to integrate that experience or activity into your time at BU?

For more information, please contact us at 617-353-2320.

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

FOR SENIORS

Every year, students across the country work hard to make a positive and lasting impact in their communities and beyond. And every year, we award $1.8 million in college scholarships to hundreds of these remarkable young people throughout the nation representing all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.

Students have the opportunity to receive a $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 scholarship. To recognize the important role their dedicated educators play in guiding these students along their path to success, we also award a $1,000 grant to every Equitable Excellence winner’s high school.

Eligibility

Equitable ExcellenceSM award winners come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but are united by their drive, determination, and strong character.

Applicants to the Equitable ExcellenceSM Scholarship must:

  • Demonstrate courage, strength and wisdom as shown by community impact through volunteer service
  • Be high school seniors planning to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States.
  • Be a United States citizen or legal resident living or claiming residency in one of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico.

How to apply

The 2021 program opens on September 1st. The application period is until December 15, 2020 or when 10,000 applications have been received. Apply here.

Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Awards Program

FOR SENIORS

The Annual AFL-CIO Scholarship and Labor Education Program is in its 64th year. Through the program, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and affiliated unions are proud to award financial resources to high school students pursuing trade union programs or college/university study. ­The Massachusetts AFL-CIO administers half a million dollars of scholarship awards on behalf of unions and labor councils throughout the state. Individual awards range from $500 to $16,000.

Exam registration for 2021 is open. The deadline to register is December 18, 2020. 

Students can register here.

Click below to download the MA AFL-CIO Scholarship Exam study guide. *Additional content will be added in December. Please check back for updates.

PDF icon Mass AFL-CIO Scholarship Exam Study Guide 2019-2020

interactive exam website studying tool click here

Key Dates for 2020-2021 Program

  • October 2020Online registration opened. Once a student registers they must inform their high school guidance office that they intend to take the exam.
  • December 2020: Scholarship study guide and interactive website will have additional content. Students can continue using the current guide and website.
  • December 18, 2020: Last day to register. All applications must be received by 5pm to be eligible to take the scholarship exam.
  • January 25, 2021-February 5, 2021: Scholarship exam is administered at high schools across Massachusetts. Schools will be assigned a timeframe to administer the exam. Students must check with their exam proctor for testing time and location.

In order to be eligible for a scholarship, students must take the Labor History Exam. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO publishes a Labor History Study Guide, which covers a broad range of the history of working people organizing for justice in the United States.

The Labor History Exam is administered once per year, and awardees are determined by the Scholarship Committee of the MA AFL-CIO. The Scholarship Committee consists of current and retired union members.

All Massachusetts high school seniors are eligible to compete for certain awards. Additionally, students with a family or personal union affiliation are eligible for awards given by their family’s specific local union or central labor council. About 2,000 students take the exam annually to compete for a scholarship.

Read more about application and eligibility on our FAQ page linked below. If you have additional questions, contact Scholarship Coordinator Carla Connolly at cconnolly@massaflcio.org.