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TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS

We’re glad you’re interested in scholarship funding available through Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation. We encourage students of all ages to apply for tuition support towards college, graduate level, professional development and certificate program studies.

Each year, we offer two processes through which we make awards for tuition expenses. They are: 

MARTHA’S VINEYARD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

  • This is the primary process through which we distribute scholarships. Scholarship funding is available for students of all ages and at all levels, from graduating high school seniors, to college and graduate students, to anyone pursuing professional certification or development.
  • Note that the 2026 deadline for this process has passed! Every year, the application becomes available in mid-January, is due in mid-March, and decisions are announced in early May. When the annual process is open, applicants will use the online portal below to complete and submit the application form.
  • Before preparing an application to the annual cycle, please review a Sample Application to see the questions being posed and the Application Checklist to see what documents are needed for preparation or submission. 
APPLY ONLINE

MVCF SCHOLARSHIP FUND

  • This opportunity is available for students who are not following a traditional September to June academic schedule or who have unexpected financial needs. It is particularly intended to serve or adult learners and community members seeking professional development. 
  • In 2026, this process will be available only once: the application will be online in early September, due in late October, and notifications will be made in early December. 
APPLY ONLINE

Estamos oferecendo suporte individual em português para solicitação de bolsa de estudos! Envie um e-mail para Elizabeth Bennett para obter mais informações e marcar um horário de reunião.

Application Checklist for Spring Scholarships

The following materials are required of every applicant:

  • Personal Essay: please use this opportunity to tell us something about you that is not covered in the application. 10,000 character limit.
  • Current Letter of Recommendation: This should be dated within 1 year, and be from a professional, such as a teacher, professor, coach, employer, advisor, etc, and can be uploaded either by the applicant or by the reference themselves. If you are a high school senior, the Guidance Counselor Report can be considered as a letter of recommendation.
  • Current Transcript
  • Current GPA
  • Volunteer & Social Activism Experience
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Financial Information: Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) based on your Student Aid Report (SAR).
  • Field of Study, Intended Major, and College/University/Other Institution you plan on attending (if you have not yet received an admission decision, please list your first choice of institution).
  • Projected Program Costs including: Projected tuition, room and board, and other expenses (books, transportation, etc.)

OPTIONAL ESSAY

In addition to the required Personal Essay, you may also choose to apply to the following essay-based scholarship.
Essays may not exceed 10,000 characters.

  • Blankenship/Hughes Essay: Established by the Ruth B. and Robert H. Hughes Charitable Annuity Trust, this essay scholarship is awarded to a senior of MVRHS who best answers the question, “how can I help improve the quality of life on the Vineyard?”

OTHER OPTIONAL MATERIALS

  • A Second Letter of Recommendation
  • Performance Audio/Videos: An opportunity to upload up to 3 performance audio/videos to be considered for the Will Luckey Scholarship Fund and the Island Community Chorus – Peter R. Boak Music Award. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE that the Island Community Chorus Peter R. Boak Music Award is paid for the Fall semester of the second year of education. The award is paid after the submission of the student’s first year transcript, which lists the music classes that have been taken and the grades earned in those classes.
  • Work Experience: an opportunity to list work experience if you feel it adds to your application (1,000 character limit)
  • Career Goals: an opportunity to briefly describe, including future plans for additional education where applicable (1,000 character limit)