There are thousands of private scholarship programs that can help you pay for college. Scholarships are gifts. They don’t need to be repaid. They are offered by employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. Some scholarships are based on academic achievement, others are designed to benefit members of a particular group (like women entering tech careers).
A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Franklin Cummings Tech strongly encourages students to research and apply for private scholarships (in addition to completing the FAFSA) because they can help reduce the cost of your education.
Our Financial Aid and Admissions team is ready to answer any questions you may have about financial aid or applying for private scholarships. However, please note that the organizations offering private scholarships are solely responsible for evaluating applications and awarding the scholarships.
Available Private Scholarships
These popular online search tools can help you research private scholarships based on your interests, location, and many other factors:
- FREE scholarship search tool from the US Department of Labor offers a comprehensive list of available private scholarships
- Paying for school just got easier from Fastweb
- Search for Scholarships from BigFuture/College Board
- SchollySearch from Scholly college scholarship app
Here are a few individual private scholarships we encourage Franklin Cummings Tech students to check out:
Alray Scholars Program
Through mentoring and financial support, this program gives promising graduates of Boston Public Schools a second chance at a college education, assisting them in overcoming hurdles to earn their degree and become stronger contributors to the Greater Boston community.
Offered by: Alray Taylor Second Chance Scholarship
Who is eligible: Students who graduated from a Boston public high school or a Boston charter high school, or received a GED after attending one of these schools; or graduated from the Metco program while residing in Boston and who enrolled in but did not finish a post-high school education program and has used their time away from their educational program productively and wants to return to school.
Typical award: $1,000-$4,000
Deadline to apply: There are two scholarship cycles throughout the year. The deadlines are June 1 and Oct 15.
Fidelity Scholars Program
The Fidelity Scholars Program supports the access, persistence, and degree completion and certification of students of color who want to attend college. The program combines a generous annual need-based scholarship with robust wraparound services that support students.
Offered by: Fidelity Investments, in partnership with UNCF
Who is eligible: First-time undergraduate students from underserved and historically unrepresented populations. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.5 to enter the program and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to remain in the program.
Typical Award: Up to $6,000 for students in certificate programs; Up to $31,000 over two years (up to $15,500 per year) for associate degree students; and up to $55,313 over four years (up to $13,825.25 per year) for bachelor’s degree students
Deadline to apply: Fall 2024 application closes January 11, 2024
New York Pass Scholarship
Go City wants to help students who are enrolled at a college or university in the U.S. by offering the chance to visit major attractions in New York City for free, while providing a one-time $4,000 academic scholarship award.
Offered by: Go City
Who is eligible: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or currently studying in the U.S. on a student visa at a college or university in the U.S. at the time your entry is submitted. Only one submission per person will be accepted.
Typical Award: One-time award of $4,000 towards study, books, expenses etc., plus 1-day passes for student or their family to experience 100+ New York City attractions
Deadline to apply: Submit your entry by 23:59 EST on September 29, 2023. The winner will be announced on October 20, 2023.
One Family Scholarship
The One Family Scholars program provides individualized academic and career coaching to single parents with low incomes in college in Massachusetts. One Family Scholars receive scholarships to cover direct costs of college (such as tuition, fees, books, and technology) as well as indirect costs of college (such as childcare, transportation, and living expenses).
Offered by: One Family Inc.
Who is eligible: Massachusetts residents who are single heads of household with a dependent child under age 18, meet certain income requirements, and who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting program.
Typical Award: N/A
Deadline to apply: Fall application opens each April.
Somerville Learn and Earn Scholarship
Low to moderate income Somerville residents can receive a scholarship of $10,000—plus a $200 monthly stipend—to earn any Franklin Cummings Tech clean energy or IT certificate or complete an associate degree through this special “Learn and Earn” Scholarship program.
Offered by: City of Somerville Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund
Who is eligible: Low to moderate income Somerville residents who hold a high school diploma or GED/HiSET, and who enroll in a Franklin Cummings Tech clean energy or IT certificate or associate degree completion program starting in Fall 2023.
Typical Award: $10,000 for one year
Deadline to apply: No deadline, but program is limited to just 15 students
Additional Private Scholarship Resources
Make sure scholarship information and offers you find are legitimate; and remember that you don’t have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out the US Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid’s information on how to avoid scams.
Here are some more places you can learn about private scholarships for which you may be eligible:
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your state grant agency
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foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups
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organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest
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ethnicity-based organizations
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your employer or your parents’ employers
