Moira, a sophomore at Wheaton College, still remembers when she received the call she was awarded a Mission Scholarship. “I could not stop saying thank you before I ran to tell my mom” she adds, “The Mission Scholarship has allowed me to study at an academic institution I love.” Every year, the Mission awards scholarships to approximately 20 new students, and at any time there are roughly 75 active Scholars receiving more than $200,000 in support. Recent high school graduates and adults who have received their GED or HiSET can now apply for scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Moira first heard about the Mission Scholarship program from the administrator at Charles M. Sumner Learning Campus, who thought the Mission’s program was a good fit for Moira. She says, “The application process was a little nerve wracking, like most new experiences,” but throughout the process Mission staff were kind and encouraging. Belinda, a junior at Husson University, agrees the application process was made accessible by Mission staff. And once they received the scholarship, both Scholars say the Mission was instrumental in helping with their transition to college.
Belinda says the Mission gave her resources and a cohort of students she could talk to about transitioning from high school. She adds before she started college the Mission, “Offered me a lot help getting my schedule and financials in order.” Moira says the Mission staff “were always happy to chat with me if I had any questions, connect me with resources that might help my academic career, and show their support in little ways that mattered, like an email or phone call every now and then to check in.”
“The application opened January 1, which gives applicants nearly three months to complete it, and applicants can look forward to a clear and streamlined application process,” says EdGE Secondary and Post-Secondary Program Director Christy Oliveri. “We also offer regular workshops for our scholars once they enter college, on topics ranging from time management to graduate school.”
The Mission accepts applications through Friday, March 29. Applicants must submit an application, transcript, and a letter of recommendation. Scholarships will be awarded in May. To learn more or apply, visit the Mission’s Scholarships web page.