cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Applications

Is there a different application for renewal?

Yes, there are three different applications that will be available in January. Use the Application for Renewal (fillable)

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 that will be available in January. Use the Application for Students Currently in College (fillable).

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

• Be a 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 full time 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.

About the Scholarship

Where does the funding come from?

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

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

Usually about twenty-five 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, attend school full time, and maintain no less than a 3.0 grade point average.

Application Process

What financial aid 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?

No, all applications received by the deadline will be considered the same weight.

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

Contact

Who can I contact if I have any more questions?

If you have any additional questions about the City of Boston Scholarship, please call the Mayor's Scholarship Fund part-time coordinator at 617-635-3889 or email COBScholarship@cityofboston.gov.

Who can I contact about making a donation?

Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Information About Making a Donation

Where do I send my high school or college transcript?

City of Boston Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 9715 
Boston, MA 02114