Most students who wish to continue their education after high school strive to find financial aid to do so. It is rare that a student will have the money to pay outright for their educational needs. There are many opportunities out there to find ways to pay for your education, but if you are a high school senior in Massachusetts, then you should consider the John and Abigail Adams scholarship.
This scholarship provides an excellent way to ensure you can afford a higher education without having to load yourself down with loans. It is an amazing opportunity to take advantage of being a Massachusetts resident and a good student.
About the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is pleased to announce its John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program. The Department has a strong commitment to helping students find success after high school. It wants all students to do well in life.
The mission of the Department is to strengthen the Commonwealth’s public education system so that every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education, compete in the global economy, and understand the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and in so doing, to close all proficiency gaps.
Beyond offering this scholarship, the Department is also responsible for testing, licensing, distributing money, setting standards, overseeing operations, and hiring qualified staff. The DOE strongly recommends that if you are a qualified student that you look into this scholarship.
John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Details
This scholarship is merit-based, which means students earn it through academic achievement. It provides a tuition waiver for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university. The goals behind this award are to help families afford to send their children to college, to reward high academic achievements, and to attract stronger students to state public institutions.
Requirements
To receive the scholarship, a student must be enrolled in a Massachusetts public high school in his or her senior year, be a citizen of the United States or legally authorized to live and work in the U.S. and be a resident of Massachusetts for at least one year. In addition, a student must meet the following other requirements:
- Comply with the Selective Service registration laws
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Enroll is a public institution of higher education full time
- Not already possess a bachelor’s degree
Do note charter or school choice students may be eligible if they meet the requirements for their school or district.
To meet the academic requirements for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, a student must achieve specific scoring requirements on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, which includes tests in ELA, mathematics, and STE. Scores for at least one section must be at the advanced level and for two sections must be at the proficient level. The total score must be within the top 25 percent of the graduating class. Do note that the scores used to determine eligibility come from the first attempt at the test in grade 10.
To remain eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average and continue attending a public institution full time. In addition, students must complete the FASFA every year.
How to apply
Students who wish to receive the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship do not have to formally apply. The DOE awards the scholarship based on the test results to every student who meets the criteria. Students receive an award letter. A student must submit the award letter with his or her FASFA in order to collect the scholarship.
Award amount
The scholarship covers tuition and fees. Payment for room and board is not included. The scholarship must be used within six years of a student’s high school graduation.
Wrap Up
For additional information regarding this scholarship, students can call 781-338-3625 or send an email to mcas at doe.mass.edu. More information is also available on the DOE website.
