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FY2024-2025 First Literacy CONTINUING Scholarship Application

 

First Literacy Scholarships Academic Year 2024-2025
GENERAL INFORMATION for Both New and Continuing Applications 

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Purpose  
First Literacy Scholarships recognize and reward adult learners who have completed their ABE studies—including ESOL, High School Equivalency, and Bridge to College—and who are continuing to higher education or skills training. Scholarships are awarded based on candidates’: 

  • Educational achievement and potential  
  • Perseverance in the face of hardship 
  • Service as role models for their families, peers, or communities 

 

Academic Year 2024-2025 NEW and CONTINUING Scholarships Description 
First Literacy will award scholarships to deserving and promising individuals, as well as a limited number of Continuing Scholarships to past recipients.  

  • First Literacy Scholarships are $1,500 each  
  • First Literacy Scholarships are NOT for graduate work 
  • Returning Scholars can apply for a Continuing Scholarship each year for up to four years in total, including the first year. 
  • Information Session for Programs: Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 3pm via Zoom (new Scholars must apply through their ABE programs, this information session is for programs, not potential scholars). 

 

Eligibility 

First Literacy Scholarships are for adults who have completed or will have completed their adult basic education (ABE) studies between April 30, 2022, and June 30, 2024, at a community-based ABE program, a free preparatory program offered by a local higher education institution, or a volunteer-based program serving the basic education needs of adults in Massachusetts.  

  • A maximum of 5 applications per program under the same 501(c)(3) can be submitted and a maximum of 2 will be awarded (please note that this is a newer policy).  
  • Programs may assist students throughout the application process, but applicants must write their own personal statements. 
  • Scholarship recipients must report on their progress to First Literacy in January and June, either in person at a Winter meeting hosted by First Literacy, or by filling out a form emailed to them by First Literacy.  
  • Students who are awarded a scholarship, but who are unable to pursue their studies as planned, must inform First Literacy within one month after stopping their studies.  
  • First Literacy scholars who have maintained contact with First Literacy and have fulfilled our simple requirements will be invited to apply for a Continuing Scholarship. A link to the Continuing Scholarship Application online will be sent directly to these scholars who may apply on their own, without connecting with their former ABE (Adult Basic Education) programs.

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APPLICATION PROCESS 

The application must be completed online. Applicants will be asked to create a login, so they will be able to save drafts of their application to return to later, if necessary, before completing and submitting. Applications and all accompanying material will not be accepted via email, and late submissions will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead! 

 

New Scholarship Applicants 

Students interested in applying for a scholarship must consult with their teachers or advisors in their ABE program. Programs are encouraged to help identify candidates— A maximum of 5 applications per program under the same 501(c)(3) can be submitted and a maximum of 2 will be awarded (please note that this is a newer policy).

  • NEW Scholarship applicants MUST be nominated by their ABE program; the application process begins with the program, not with the applicant. 
  • Applications, with the documents listed below, must be submitted online, with the application, no later than Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM. 
    • Proof of acceptance to a community college, a four-year college, or an accredited vocational training program of one year or longer 
    • Applicant’s personal statement 
    • Two letters of recommendation are required of each applicant. At least one of these letters must be from an ABE program staff member (teacher, advisor, administrator). 
  • All NEW scholarship finalists are required to participate in a 30-minute interview at a date and time scheduled between June 3 and June 14, 2024. This will be a virtual meeting. 
  • Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, June 26, 2024. 


Continuing Scholarship Applicants  
A link to the Continuing Scholarship application will be emailed directly to current scholarship recipients who may apply on their own, without connecting with their former ABE (Adult Basic Education) programs. Academic year 2024-2025 requirments must have been met (events, transcrips, communication). 

  • Applications, with the documents listed below, must be submitted online, with the application, no later than Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM.  
  • Spring 2024 transcripts.
  • Evidence of registration for the next academic year, 
  • Your plan for the coming Academic Year (number of classes, cost, and financial need), 
  • Letter of recommendation from a professor at the college or certificate training program where you are studying. 
  • Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, June 26, 2024  


Scholarship Awards 
Scholarship award certificates will be presented at a ceremony held in Summer 2024. Scholarship recipients are required to attend.   _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Before Scholarship awards will be paid to the recipient’s school, First Literacy MUST receive the following: 

  • First Literacy Photo Permission Form (provided by First Literacy) 
  • Proof that scholar has created a LinkedIn account and is following First Literacy 
  • Head shot of scholarship recipient 
  • Evidence that scholar has joined First Literacy's What's App group for the year. 
  • Permission form authorizing First Literacy to speak to the recipient’s school about their financial status and class progress (form provided by First Literacy).
  • Demographic survey completed.


Scholarship recipients will be required to attend the following events.

  • Scholar Ceremony: August 2024. Date TBD by the Mayor’s office 

 

Scholars are highly encouraged to attend the below events.

  • Scholar Workshop: October 9, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 PM 
  • Scholar Potluck: January 15, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 PM 

 

Do you have questions about these scholarships or the online application? Please contact Bryan McCormick, Program Director, at bmccormick@firstliteracy.org.