Is there a different application for renewal?

Yes, there are three different applications. They will be available in January.

Is there a different application for someone who is in college and has not previously applied for the scholarship?

Yes, there are three different applications. They will be available in January.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

• Be a legal resident of Boston for at least two years as of January 1 of the year of the application.
• Have graduated from high school or have completed the G.E.D. by the time the awards are made.
• Plan to pursue any two or four year accredited post-secondary institution within Massachusetts.

Graduate students are not eligible for the City of Boston Scholarship Fund. Only residents applying to or currently enrolled in their first undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply.

Can people who are not recent graduates of high school apply?

Yes, as long as you meet all of the eligibility guidelines.

Where does the funding for scholarships come from?

Scholarship funding is made possible from voluntary contributions made by citizens, corporate sponsors and through fundraising events.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

Usually about twenty scholarships are awarded each year. However, this amount depends on the amount of money donated to the City of Boston Scholarship Fund.

How much money is awarded for each scholarship?

The amount of money awarded for each scholarship is based on availability of funds and the recipient's financial need.

Is the scholarship renewable?

Yes, for all of the years you are in college as long as you reapply each year and maintain no less than a 3.0 grade point average.

What financial aids forms do I have to provide?

With your application, you need to provide your most recent 1040 Tax Return and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for verification of financial aid.

Is there an interview?

If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be interviewed by a member of the Scholarship Committee.

Does submitting your application early give you a better chance of receiving the scholarship?

Although late applications will not be considered, scholarship applications will not be reviewed until after the deadline.

How and when will I hear if I was awarded the scholarship?

After submitting your application, you will hear about the scholarship decision by the end of May. You will be notified by US Mail of the decision.

Do I need to provide a recommendation?

If you are applying as an incoming college freshman or are in college and are not currently a recipient of the City of Boston Scholarship, you must include a recommendation with your application. The recommendation can be from an adult who knows you well in the community, at school or through an extracurricular activity. You do not need to submit more than recommendation.

If you are submitting a renewal application, you do not need to submit a recommendation.

What if I do not know the amount of financial aid I have received from my college or university?

If you do not know the amount of financial aid you will be receiving from your school, please write a letter explaining the circumstances. If you have financial aid information from the previous year, please provide that so the Scholarship Committee can have an idea about what your financial aid will be like for the upcoming academic year.

Who can I contact if I have any more questions about the City of Boston Scholarship?

If you have any more questions about the City of Boston Scholarship, please call the Mayor's Youthline at 617-635-2240.

Who can I contact about making a donation?

Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Information About Making a Donation