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Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants Scholarship Opportunities

MSMD is proud to offer four scholarships annually to support further education after completing high school (secondary school). These awards are designed to help students pursue their academic and career goals. Investing in education today builds the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders.

Our scholarships:

  • Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants College Scholarship
  • Francis P. Sears Mayflower Descendant Scholarship
  • Two Thanksgiving Day Awards

Please review the requirements and criteria below to determine your eligibility. While you may apply for multiple scholarships, only one award will be granted per recipient.

NOTE: MSMD uses Google Forms to collect your application data and files. If you do not have a Google account, you can easily create one. If you do not wish to, please email the MSMD office at scholarships@massmayflower.org for an alternate way to apply. 

1.  Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants College Scholarship

This is a four-year scholarship of $1620 per year open to active MSMD members. It is renewable each year, without any need to re-apply, as long as the recipient provides proof of a satisfactory completion of the current academic year and proof of continued enrollment for the following academic year. The scholarship can be used at any accredited, non-profit college or university in the United States. A new recipient is chosen every year.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. The applicant must be an active member of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, including Junior, Life or Annual.
  2. Proof of college acceptance and enrollment at any accredited, non-profit college or university in the United States.
  3. High School academic achievement indicated by class rank, grade point average, extra-curricular activities, and awards.
  4. An original essay 500 – 1000 words, titled “My Appreciation of my Pilgrim Heritage.” The essay must speak directly to your personal ancestor…the one that was used to give you acceptance into the Mayflower Society.
  5. Special circumstances of need.
  6. Submit completed application to MSMD by 5:00PM on May 31.

This award will be granted after the completion of your first semester, with accompanying documentation of successful completion of first semester and enrollment for the second semester. Your request must be submitted to the MSMD office by January 10.

For the following three years, your request and accompanying documentation must be received by the MSMD office by August 15. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in forfeiture of your award.

Criteria for award:
  • High school academic achievement as indicated by class standing, grade point average, and awards.
  • Extracurricular activities.
  • Original essay.
  • Special circumstances of need.

>>Apply Now!

 

2.  Francis P. Sears Mayflower Descendant Scholarship

The Sears Scholarships are granted from funds left by Francis Sears with the Boston Foundation for students who are descended from a Mayflower passenger and are attending any accredited, non-profit college or university in one of the six New England states. The money available varies from year to year and is dependent on interest rates.  You can reapply each year by completing the application form annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Be an active member of MSMD or prove that you are the child, grandchild, niece/nephew, grandniece/nephew, great grandchild, or great grandniece/nephew of an active member.
  2. Provide proof of college acceptance and enrollment for the coming year at any accredited, non-profit college or university in one of the six New England states.
  3. Offer special circumstances of need.
  4. Submit an original essay  500 – 1000 words, titled “My Appreciation of my Pilgrim Heritage”.
  5. Submit completed application to MSMD by 5:00 PM on March 31.

Criteria for award:

  • High school academic achievement as indicated by class standing, grade point average, and awards.
  • Extracurricular activities.
  • Original essay.
  • Special circumstances of need.

>>Apply Now!

 

3.  Thanksgiving Day Awards

A yearly scholarship given by MSMD in recognition of the Wampanoag Nation’s assistance to our Pilgrim ancestors. This scholarship is open to active members of the Wampanoag Tribe attending any accredited, non-profit college or university in the United States. This $1500 scholarship is awarded to two individuals. You can reapply each year by completing the application form annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Fill out the application form even if you are re-applying.
  2. Provide proof of membership in the Wampanoag Nation with a tribal official’s certificate.
  3. Provide a copy (front and back) of a current tribal membership card.
  4. Offer special circumstances of need if applicable.
  5. Submit an original essay  500 – 1000 words titled “My Native American Heritage”.
  6. Submit completed application to MSMD by 5:00 PM on April 30.
Criteria for award:
  • High school academic achievement as indicated by class standing, grade point average, and awards, or proof of good standing in college and enrollment for the following year.
  • Extracurricular activities.
  • Original essay.
  • Special circumstances of need.

>> Apply Now!