Greater Worcester Community Foundation proudly announces $1.84 million in scholarship awards, supporting 443 students across Worcester County.
This year’s scholarship awards include 234 new scholarships for high school seniors starting college in the fall: 138 one-time awards and 96 renewable awards that will support these students throughout their college journey. The awards also include 209 scholarship renewals for students already in college.
The Foundation’s scholarship funds vary in criteria, from celebrating academic excellence and participation in sports to volunteerism or overcoming hardships. Notably, five of this year’s seven Worcester Public School valedictorians received Foundation scholarships, including:
- Melina Fana Aquina, University Park Campus School will receive $4,000 from the Worcester Women’s Club Scholarship Fund
- Funbi Fatoke, Worcester Technical High School will receive $2,000 from the Anthony E. Mickunas Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Dea Kamberi, Doherty Memorial High School will receive $16,000 from the Harold R. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Alexandra Lech, North High School will receive $8,000 from the Sumner B. Tilton Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Kasie Voung, Burncoat High School will receive $20,000 from the Mary T. Cocaine Scholarship Fund
We’re thrilled to support so many incredible students this year.These awardees reflect the incredible and diverse talent we have in Worcester County, and we’re proud to help nurture their potential thanks to the generosity of our fundholders.
- Pete Dunn, President & CEO of Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Awards will be given to students from 66 towns and cities throughout Worcester County and beyond. Of the 234 awardees, nearly two-thirds plan to study in Massachusetts, and 53 students will attend institutions in the Worcester area. Popular destinations include UMass Amherst, Worcester State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Northeastern University, and Assumption University. Through a special partnership with Assumption University, Foundation scholarship recipients also receive matching funds from the institution.
Looking ahead, the Foundation’s impact will grow even further with the 2026 launch of the Becker Scholarship Program, made possible by a transformative $13 million gift from the former Becker College. This addition will substantially increase the Foundation's capacity to support students pursuing higher education.
For more than four decades, Greater Worcester Community Foundation has championed educational opportunity, becoming the region’s largest non-college scholarship provider. These awards are made possible by the generosity of fundholders and the dedication of volunteer reviewers who evaluate applications and select recipients.
Learn More
Complete details about scholarship opportunities are available at https://greaterworcester.org/for-students/scholarships-overview. The 2025 Scholarship Yearbook, featuring all 443 recipients, is now available for download.
