Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation Announces the Dr. James H. Weiss Scholarship Fund

The Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF) is proud to announce the establishment of the  Dr. James H. Weiss Scholarship Fund, created to honor the Island’s former school superintendent who passed away in August 2025. Dr. Weiss designated $180,000 to support Island students in pursuing  their post high-school educational goals. 

“Jim wanted Island kids to be able to afford college, especially if they wanted to follow his path into the field of education,” according to Alan Miller, Jim’s nephew. Dr. Weiss served as superintendent of the Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools for a decade and is remembered not only for his professional leadership but also for his unwavering presence at student events – from sports to theater productions.  

MVCF has received 140 scholarship applications and expects to announce the 2026 recipients in May, according to MVCF Executive Director Paul Schulz. Annually, the Weiss Scholarship Fund will support Island students with financial need who are enrolled in accredited nonprofit two-year, four-year or graduate programs, with priority given to those pursuing degrees in education. 

Island friends and community members are encouraged to contribute as well. “It would mean so much if we could raise another $70,000 and bring the Weiss Scholarship Fund to a $250,000 endowment, ensuring Jim’s legacy supports Island students for generations,” Miller said. 

Thanks to early donations from three of Dr. Weiss’s close friends, the Weiss Fund will award $10,000 in 2026. “Jim was one of our best friends: we traveled the world together and had regular Sunday night dinners. Getting the Weiss Scholarship Fund launched quickly was important to us,” said Susan Silk. 

Additional donations may be made by visiting the Dr. James H. Weiss Scholarship Fund at the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation website.

“MVCF connects the vision of donors and the realities of the Island’s needs by maximizing every dollar donated. Today we have grown to over $16 million in endowment and have distributed over $20 million in scholarships and grants, thanks to the generous support of individuals, families, foundations and businesses who value the island and want to ensure it thrives in perpetuity,” said Schulz.