As the largest independent scholarship provider in Worcester County, the community foundation has awarded almost 10,000 scholarships to students since the program's inception in 1978, totaling $14.8 million in awards.

As of today, students seeking financial assistance for higher education can conveniently complete one online application to be considered for more than 140 scholarship funds, each with specific criteria including financial need, academic merit, career objectives, and community involvement. The community foundation, with support from dedicated community volunteers, matches applicants with suitable scholarship opportunities.

In 2023, the Foundation awarded $765,000 in scholarships to 421 students with an average award of $1,691. This year, the Foundation expects to make at least $800,000 in awards thanks to newly established scholarship funds, including a $2 million fund created in honor of Mary T. Cocaine, matriarch of the Table Talk Pies company. This scholarship fund will support the children or grandchildren of an immigrant or refugee in Worcester and its contiguous towns and will be available in the 2024 cycle.

While most Foundation scholarships cater to high school seniors demonstrating financial need within Worcester County, exceptions do exist. Specific funds are earmarked for adult learners, college students, and individuals residing outside the county. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit greaterworcester.org/scholarships to determine eligibility criteria and learn about the application process.

Scholarship applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024. Recipients will be announced by July 2024.