Christian Herter Memorial Scholarship
Sponsored by Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board Of Education
| Description: | The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program is a state-supported program whose mission includes providing educational opportunities to Commonwealth students who demonstrate academic promise and desire to attend post-secondary institutions. The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1972 by the Massachusetts State Legislature as an early identification program to recruit students in the 10th and 11th grades whose socio-economic backgrounds and environmental conditions may inhibit their ability to persevere and attain educational goals. To accomplish its mission, the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program has developed an extensive partnership of representatives from social service agencies, public and private secondary institutions, civic agencies, religious organizations, and the educational community. Students are nominated by guidance counselors, social workers, ministers and educators who are familiar with their circumstances and selected semi-finalists participate in a rigorous interview process. Each year, 25 students in the 10th and 11th grades are selected to receive awards of up to 50 percent (50%) of their calculated need at the college of their choice within the continental United States. The students that are selected for this program must have overcome major adversity in their lives (i.e. physical or mental abuse, catastrophic illness, etc.). Obstacles may be mental, physical, geographic or societal. Students must exhibit academic potential for post-secondary success. There are approximately 100 students that are currently enrolled in colleges and universities across the United States with the assistance of the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship. |
| Eligibility: | To be eligible for a Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship, a student must: 1) Students must be enrolled in a public or private secondary school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and legal residents of the State. 2) Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. 3) Exhibit difficult personal circumstances, high financial need, and strong academic promise to continue education beyond the secondary level. 4) Upon graduation from high school, enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in an eligible program as defined by the institution. 4) Provide evidence of documented need as measured by a federally approved system of need analysis. 5) Be in compliance with state law regarding Selective Service Registration. 6) Not be in default of a Federal or State loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid. |
| Criteria: | Eligibility is based on achievements in many areas. Students are required to submit an essay describing their future goals and aspirations. Applicants must also demonstrate hardships/obstacles overcome and accomplishments in the following areas: 1) Special Skills 2) Leadership Qualities 3) Relative Maturity 4) Personal Difficulties 5) Motivation 6) Enthusiasm 7) Capacity for Growth 8) Academic Promise 9) Community Outreach and Involvement. |
| Selection: | Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board Of Education |
| Award: | Awards are up to $15,000. For full-time study based on education costs, including tuition, room, board, required fees, books and transportation. |
| Number: | 25 |
| Deadline: | April 1, 2009 |
| Contact: |
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 454 Broadway, SUITE 200 Revere, MA02151 Email: osfa@osfa.mass.edu Phone: (617) 727-9420 |
| Website: | http://www.osfa.mass.edu/default.asp?page=herterScholarship |