Scholarships

If you are enrolled full-time in chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, or another STEM discipline at HCC, you may be eligible for a National Science Foundation Scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (the amount of the scholarship is determined by the student's FAFSA form). Recipients of the scholarship will be required to complete a one-credit STEM seminar and attend several STEM events during each semester in which they are enrolled in the program. Those chosen for this award will become a member of HCC's exciting STEM Scholars program. STEM Scholars are expected to maintain full-time enrollment in a STEM program, be in good academic standing (based on HCC's policies), complete an associate degree at HCC, and transfer to an accredited STEM degree program at a four-year institution.

Eligibility

A NSF S-STEM Scholarship recipient must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States, national of the United States, alien admitted as a refugee, or alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence
2. Be enrolled in one of the following STEM programs: engineering, chemistry, physics or mathematics, biology, biotechnology, computer information systems, environmental science, or pre-veterinary
3. Be enrolled full time (15 credit hours or at minimum 12 credit hours)
4. Demonstrate academic talent based on a GPA of 2.7 or higher in high school or in courses completed at HCC (developmental courses will be included in GPA calculations)
5. Demonstrate financial need by completing a FAFSA application

To Apply

Fill out the application form here. Please note that a complete application must include:

• A completed application form
• A personal essay describing your interest in STEM, career goals, why you would make a good candidate for this award, and what your plans are for accomplishing these goals
• A copy of your most recent HCC transcript or most recent high school transcript (if entering HCC)
• A copy of FAFSA and other financial aid documents
• Two letters of reference from persons who can talk about your academic merit (at least one should be from a STEM teacher)

Criteria for Evaluation

Major consideration will be given to academic talent and potential as demonstrated by the applicant's GPA, transcripts, and recommendation letters. The applicant's participation in community activities (e.g., service learning, HCC student clubs, extra-curricular programs, and hobbies) will be evaluated for demonstration of interest, motivation, and commitment. Communication skills as demonstrated in the personal essay and in an interview with the STEM faculty, will also be considered. The amount awarded will be based on need determined by the student's FAFSA.

Questions? Contact Ileana Vasu at ivasu@hcc.edu or 413.552.2438.

1. Apply to become a MassTeach Scholar before you transfer
2. Take the MTEL and earn your Bachelor's degree in STEM at a state university
3. Teach for at least four years at a local high school

As a MassTeach Scholar, you will access a defined transfer pathway for a teaching concentration at Westfield State University. You will be accepted as a STEM major leading to an initial teaching license, and then you will receive a $20,000 stipend for your junior and senior years of college as you complete a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field.

application due march 15!

Contact

April Graziano Education Departmentagraziano@hcc.edu

Ileana Vasu Mathematics Departmentivasu@hcc.edu

Funded through the National Science Foundation's Robert F. Noyce Scholarship program.

Your personal essay gives you the chance to show the scholarship committees what makes you unique, and why you deserve a scholarship. A well-written essay will distinguish you from the competition. Write an essay that is clear, original, and persuasive. If the committee likes it, you will more than likely receive a scholarship award!

essay question (must be 250-500 words)

Tell us about yourself: your greatest successes, accomplishments, and personal achievements. Include educational and personal goals, life history, significant obstacles you have overcome, personal and financial needs that are unique to you, and any special circumstances that have had a significant impact on your academic performance. Also include any information about yourself that you would like the Scholarship Committee to consider when evaluating whether you are a good candidate for a scholarship.

A strong essay will include: personal, professional, and educational accomplishments (what you have done); personal, professional, and educational aspirations (what do you hope to do); and how scholarship support will benefit you.

1. Read essay instructions carefully. Before you begin writing your essay, read the essay instructions carefully. Make sure you understand exactly what is being asked of you.
2. Brainstorm ideas. Once you understand what your essay needs to address, spend a little time brainstorming ideas. Write your ideas down in an organized fashion in preparation before you begin your essay.
3. Prepare an outline. Before you begin writing your essay, prepare an outline. Your outline should address each element identified in the essay instructions.
4. Develop outline points. Begin your essay by expanding on each point identified in your outline.
5. Write clearly. Use clear, concise, and simple language throughout the essay.
6. State your accomplishments. State your accomplishments and qualifications with confidence, and without coming across as if you are bragging.
7. Proofread your essay. There is no room for grammatical or spelling errors in a winning essay. Check and double-check your essay to make sure it's impeccable. The HCC Writing Center offers a series of workshops about writing an essay for your scholarship application. Please call 413.552.2599 or drop in at DON 238 for more information.

the importance of thanking your donor

You will be required to take some time to compose a short thank-you, which you will include as part of your acceptance of the scholarship. Your thank-you should be sincere and should express your appreciation for the award and the impact it will have on your life. The tone should be formal but pleasant, and the body of the letter should run no more than a couple of well-written paragraphs.

Scholarship donors are generous and caring people who unselfishly give to support the educational endeavors of students like you. They typically ask for nothing in return, but receiving a well-written thank-you from a student is always special and lets the donor know that their scholarship was greatly appreciated. Your thank-you reminds them why they gave in the first place, and often helps to secure continuing gifts for future students. You can find information on the donors here.

include in your thank-you

• Mention your accomplishments and achievements (obstacles you have overcome to attend college).
• Mention any extracurricular activities (stories about a relevant extracurricular or community service project that impacted your life).
• Discuss both your educational and career goals.
• Express your appreciation for the scholarship and the impact it has had on you and your family ("Thank you for making this scholarship possible" or "Your scholarship makes it possible for me to concentrate more fully on my courses").
• Please note that the donor did not select you as the recipient, but provided the funds for the scholarship, i.e. "Thanks for making the {name of scholarship} possible..."
• Be genuine.
• Check spelling and grammar after you have completed your thank-you.

The following are some sample letters. Do not copy them word for word – use them only as examples, and remember to make your thank-you personal.

Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, recipient of the Henry S. '71 and Carol Andrus Scholarship

To the generous donors responsible for the Henry S. '71 and Carol Andrus Scholarship, I wish to express my deepest gratitude. As a student looking to enter the world and be a force for change, having the chance to enter that world with less of a debt burden through scholarship opportunities such as this makes a very big difference. I have developed a profound respect for the HCC Foundation and for those of you who show your enthusiasm for higher education through the funding of these awards. As much as this award is meant to honor students like myself for our efforts to better ourselves and our world, your commitment is equally worthy of honor. In short, thank you for your investment in my future.

Deirdre Brazenall, recipient of the John F. Connors Scholarship

Dear Kate C. Payne and all who make the James F. Connors Scholarship possible, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to further my education and pursue my ambitions to teach. My family is so grateful and excited for me. I really appreciate what you've done for me and other students with financial needs. I will make the most of this opportunity and I will not forget your generosity.

Pamela Akemon, recipient of the Adeline & Jacob Barowsky Scholarship

Dear Scholarship Donor, I am humbled to be a recipient of the Adeline & Jacob Barowsky Scholarship. It is an honor to be chosen as a recipient of this award. Your generous support has kept me from worrying so much about the cost of tuition. It took a lifetime of attempting to sell my talents without a degree or certificate to get decent jobs and sustain myself. It took turning middle age to see just how important and challenging an education can be. I have struggled and I have been extremely self-disciplined to attempt a full time job and part time schooling. You are helping make it worthwhile for me to continue! As I near the completion of a certificate in the Medical Assisting Program this spring, my objective is to continue towards an Associate's Degree in Science/Liberal Arts. I truly value my education here at Holyoke Community College and the inspiration I am given to continue to reshape myself! Thank you again for your generosity. I look forward to the time that I can help others as you have helped me.

Rosetta Jacque Aldrich Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible by Jeff Aldrich, the former owner of Eighty Jarvis Restaurant in Holyoke, and his father, Walter. It is a tribute to a woman who believed that good food and good friends were the most important ingredients to a fulfilling life. This scholarship assists a deserving HCC culinary student.

Alumni Association Scholarship
This scholarship is given by the HCC Alumni Association to students enrolled through our Office for Students with Disabilities & Deaf Services who have documented disabilities.

Henry S. '71 & Carol Andrus Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Henry S. 71' and Carol Andrus in recognition of the outstanding teaching of retired English professor Marion Copeland.

Lisa Ann Baker '93 Nursing Scholarship
Lisa Baker earned her associates degree from Holyoke Community College in 1993 and went on to become a registered nurse, working for many years at Holyoke Medical Center as an ER nurse and Baystate Medical Center as a nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit. This endowed scholarship is established in her memory by her husband, Daniel Champigny '92, to celebrate Lisa's life and to enable her passion for caring for others to inspire future generations of HCC students. This scholarship is intended for a student enrolled in the nursing or Foundations of Health programs with intention of pursuing a career in the nursing field.

Adeline & Jacob Barowsky Scholarship
Longtime residents of Holyoke, the Barowsky family established this scholarship for a new or continuing student enrolled in any associate degree curriculum.

Mischa Barowsky Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by Ned Barowsky and the Barowsky family in memory of Mischa Barowsky, a lifelong Holyoke resident. This scholarship gives preference to Holyoke residents majoring in any business program.

Dr. David M. '54 & Bette Bartley Scholarship
Dr. David M. Bartley '54 served as president of Holyoke Community College for more than 25 years, transforming the institution into the premier community college. This scholarship helps deserving students enrolled in any academic program.

John E. Berger "JEB" Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of John E. Berger (JEB) who graduated from Holyoke High School and who loved Holyoke dearly. John is best known for his magnificent sunsets, photographed in both Massachusetts and Florida, which he sold and shared with many. This scholarship is for a full-time student majoring in liberal arts and science. Preference given to students majoring in Visual Arts, Graphics, or Photography.

Berkshire Bank Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Berkshire Bank and is open to anyone enrolled in an academic program at HCC.

George E. Boudreau Scholarship
Mindful of their father's interest in the community college system, sons Paul '67 and George '66, established a scholarship in their father's memory for a graduate of South Hadley High School.

Spencer C. Bridgman Scholarship
This scholarship has been established by Florence Savings Bank in honor of Professor Bridgman's many years of devoted service to the students of HCC. During his tenure at the college, Professor Bridgman served as president of the Faculty Senate, chairman of the Curriculum Committee, chairman of the Academic Standards Committee, and chairman of the Faculty Senate Rules Committee. Preference is given to a student enrolled in the Business Administration-Transfer Option, and a resident of Hampshire County.

Gary Brochu '62 Transfer Scholarship
The HCC Alumni Association awards the Gary Brochu '62 Scholarship to a current HCC student who is transferring to a four-year institution.

Kathryn "Kitty" Broman Scholarship
This scholarship fund assists adult women who have interrupted their education and is intended to be a bridge between a student's need and other aid. It was made possible by the late Kitty Broman Putnam, a pioneer in local television broadcasting.

Paul Buckwalter Scholarship
Upon his retirement from National Blank Book, Paul Buckwalter gave freely of his time, energy, and talent to help students identify and pursue their career goals. A scholarship was established for students enrolled in any business program.

Eleanor V. Burns Scholarship
Eleanor Burns was an incredible life force whose warm personality and dedication to HCC students was legendary. This scholarship was made possible through the generosity of Brian '85, Cindy '84, and family.

Elena & Frank Cataldo Scholarship
Working together, Elena and Frank Cataldo founded and built the successful Food Mart chain of supermarkets. In recognition of the spirit of giving and helping which characterized them both, their children established a fund to provide scholarships for students accepted or enrolled in any business-related curriculum.

Chicopee Savings Bank Scholarship
Chicopee Savings Bank endowed a scholarship for a new or continuing student living in either Chicopee, Ludlow, West Springfield, South Hadley, or Ware and enrolled in any associate degree curriculum.

James F. Connors Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible through a bequest of Kate C. Payne. It gives preference to female students accepted for transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution upon completion of their associate degree and to those planning to attend Mount Holyoke College, particularly in the Frances Perkins Scholars Program.

Maureen D'Amico '82 Memorial Scholarship
Maureen D'Amico '82 was a single parent when she came back to school to continue her education. Her son Damon has endowed this scholarship in her memory.

LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship
This scholarship is for a student who is a single parent and interested in a career in business or finance. It was made possible through the generosity of HCC Foundation board member William Bagshaw and Attorney Frank Fitzgerald.

Anne-Marie Darcy Memorial Scholarship
These scholarships are made possible by the board of Commissioners at the Holyoke Housing Authority in memory of Anne-Marie Darcy. They are for residents of the HHA who are either in public housing or the Leased Housing/Section 8 Program, and registered as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credits or a nontraditional student with a minimum of 6 credits.

Delaney House Scholarship
The late George Page, former owner of the Delaney House in Holyoke, endowed a scholarship for a student enrolled in either the hospitality or culinary field.

Raymond J. & Helen T. Deshaies Scholarship
In 1982, lifelong Holyoke resident and firefighter, Raymond J. Deshaies, died in the line of duty. His wife, Helen T. Deshaies, passed away in 2011. Knowing the transformative power of higher education-and their parents' commitment to the local community-their children established this scholarship, which is given to a deserving student, regardless of major or academic interest. The scholarship advances the higher education ambitions of talented local students who have a deep desire to improve their lives and the world at large.

John DiNapoli Memorial Scholarship
John DiNapoli was an esteemed member of the Holyoke Police Department when he was tragically killed in 1999. He was a compassionate officer with an unwavering respect for an individual's rights and a strong commitment to negotiation. Preference is given to a Holyoke resident enrolled in the criminal justice program.

Claire Gingras Doherty Award in Nursing
This scholarship is made possible by Edward and Priscilla '76 Ryan in memory of Claire Gingras Doherty.

John "Jack" Doyle '51 Memorial Scholarship
Jack Doyle '51 was a valued member of the HCC Foundation for nearly two decades. His expertise and financial acumen helped steadily grow the Foundation's assets and allowed the Foundation to support the college.

Elia Dreyfuss Scholarship
Friends and colleagues of Elia Dreyfuss established this scholarship to honor Elia and her life-changing work. She taught ESOL to Latinx adults at the Community Education Project, a grassroots literacy program in Holyoke. This scholarship is given to a student who graduated from the Adult Basic Education Transition to College & Careers program (ABE-TCC).

William Dwight Scholarship
The name Dwight runs throughout Holyoke's history. Bill Dwight was a noted journalist, community leader, and volunteer. This scholarship is awarded to someone pursuing a career in journalism.

Shirley & John Fallon Scholarship
A delightful and generous lady from the city of Holyoke, the late Shirley Fallon left a substantial bequest to endow several scholarships for students enrolled in the Arts and Science degree program.

Deborah Ferriter Memorial Scholarship
Deb Ferriter was an animal lover who took in strays and loved them as her own. She also was a tireless supporter of the HCC golf tournament. This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of her many friends and will be awarded to a student in the college's Veterinary Technology program.

Maurice '52 & Peggy Ferriter Scholarship
Maurice '52 and Peggy Ferriter have long been involved with HCC. Attorney Ferriter has served as a college trustee and as chair of the HCC Foundation. This scholarship supports a deserving student from either Holyoke High School or Holyoke Catholic High School.

First Niagara Scholarship
First Niagara Bank endowed this scholarship for a Massachusetts resident who is enrolled, or plans to enroll, in any business program.

Anna Fitzgerald & Ruthann Bagshaw Fulton Scholarship
Attorney Frank Fitzgerald and HCC Foundation board member William Bagshaw endowed this scholarship to honor their mothers' commitment to education. This scholarship gives preference to a student majoring in education who intends to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree.

Rosemarie Cataldo Fitzpatrick '56 Scholarship in Nursing
Rosemarie Cataldo Fitzpatrick '56 had a deeply rooted connection to HCC. She graduated in 1956, and her classmates voted her as the graduate with the most school spirit. In the wake of her untimely death, her family endowed this scholarship as a lasting memorial to Rosemarie's legacy.

Carolyn Fontaine Scholarship
This scholarship fund was endowed by the Fontaine family in honor of Carolyn Fontaine and gives preference to a student studying science, engineering or math.

Fontaine Family Fund
This scholarship was endowed by the Fontaine family for a new or continuing student enrolled in any associate degree curriculum.

Billie Foster & Bertha Weinberg Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is designated for a young mother who has participated in the CARE Center (Community Adolescent Resource & Education) program. In absence of an eligible applicant, the scholarship is awarded to any young mothers who is a student at HCC.

Fund a Future Scholarship
Professor Emeritus Gloria G. Lomax '75 and the late Professor Victor Thomas led a drive to endow this scholarship for students enrolled at HCC.

Edward H. '71 and Bonnie B. Germain Scholarship
Edward '71 and his wife Bonnie endowed this scholarship in recognition of the important role HCC played in his development and success in life. This scholarship is intended for a student enrolled in the engineering program.

Lucille Gill & Thomas Gill III Scholarship
Thomas Gill was a longtime member of the HCC information technology staff who died suddenly. He is sorely missed and the college is grateful to his later father for making this scholarship possible in memory of his son and wife.

Israel & Matilda Goldberg Scholarship
The Goldberg Family Foundation endowed this scholarship for a student with financial need of unusual or extenuating circumstances.

Judith Kramer Goldberg Scholarship
The Judith Kramer Goldberg Scholarship is designed for a student who is accepted or enrolled in the music program and was made possible through the Israel and Matilda Goldberg Foundation.

Frances H. Gosselin Scholarship in Nursing
This fund was endowed by Joseph and James, sons of Frances H. Gosselin, upon her passing. They were so deeply moved by the compassionate care their mother received, that they chose to fund a scholarship for a student in HCC's practical nursing program.

Joseph V. Gosselin Scholarship
An HCC graduate, successful businessman, and past HCC Foundation board member emeritus, Joseph Gosselin '68 and his wife, Diane, endowed a scholarship in honor of his father Joseph, for a student with financial need of unusual or extenuating circumstances.

Green Key Honor Society Scholarship
The Green Key Honor Society Scholarship was created to recognize the accomplishments of a driven, intelligent, and community-focused individual. This individual will also demonstrate compassion and a strong understanding of the importance of giving back to society through community involvement.

Hampden Paper Company Inc. Scholarship
Hampden Papers Inc. has been in continuous operation in Holyoke since 1880. Almost from the beginning of HCC, Hampden Papers has hired many graduates. This scholarship is given to students with significant financial need.

Carol Hardy Business Scholarship
Professor Hardy taught retail management and business courses at HCC for 15 years and sadly passed away in 1995. This scholarship was made possible through donations and the generous funding of the Hardy family.

Hasbro Scholarship
Hasbro Games Inc. of Pawtucket, Rhode Island endowed five tuition scholarships with a preference for minority students.

Hazen Paper Company Scholarship
Hazen Paper Company endowed a scholarship for a student accepted in any of the science, engineering, or math programs with preference to chemistry or engineering majors. They are interested in assisting students who wish to pursue a career in manufacturing.

Jolayne Hinkel Memorial Scholarship
Jolayne was a well-respected, longtime member of the English faculty here at HCC. Preference is given to a woman from Amherst or Holyoke who has been accepted or enrolled in any education curricula.

Hispanic Resources Scholarship
This award is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Henry Julio East-Trou, President of Hispanic Resources Inc., and is for a deserving Hispanic student.

Holyoke Gas & Electric Department Scholarship
Holyoke Gas & Electric is dedicated not only to creating a great city to locate or expand a business, but one in which to raise a family, and has established this scholarship in any associate degree program for a resident of Holyoke.

Holyoke Water Commissioners Scholarship
These two scholarships honor the Holyoke Water Commissioners and the longtime relationship between the commission and HCC.

Linda Howes Scholarship
This scholarship has been established by David Howes and daughters Amanda and Catherine, in memory of Linda Howes, RN, MSN (USN), a maternity nursing instructor at Holyoke Community College and a nurse in the Family Life Center at Mercy Medical Center. This scholarship gives preference to students studying nursing at HCC.

Laurie Jean Hunter Memorial Scholarship
Jean Hunter was an esteemed and admired professor of early childhood education at HCC for many years. She established this scholarship for students in science-related curricula in memory of her daughter, Laurie Jean.

Helen M. & James E. Izatt Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible by James L. Izatt '59 in memory of his parents, Helen M. and James E. Izatt.

Mickey & Jennie Jedziniak Memorial Scholarship
This fund was made possible through a generous gift by the late Edward '78 and his wife Maxine Mazur. This fund is intended to assist women who have interrupted their education for three or more years and who have substantial unmet financial need.

Nathan & Bess Kaplinsky Scholarships
The Kaplinskys ran the Elmwood Market in Holyoke for 40 years and are fondly remembered for extending a helping hand to all. Their daughter, Dianne Vapnek, generously made these two scholarships possible in their memory.

Doris M. Kemble Nursing Scholarship
Doris Kemble was a beloved member of the HCC nursing faculty. In recognition of her deep commitment to her students, her mother, Abbie, endowed this scholarship in her memory.

Martha E. Keochareon '93 Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Martha Keochareon '93 and is made possible by her family and friends for a student currently enrolled in the nursing, foundations of health or practical nursing program. Preference is given to residents of Massachusetts, nontraditional students, and students who have volunteered with a hospice organization.

David M. Killeen Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible through revenue generated by a golf tournament run by local businessmen and HCC Foundation board member William Bagshaw, and Attorney Frank Fitzgerald. David Killeen was a well-known Springfield business leader. This scholarship gives preference to Springfield residents.

Michael J. Kittredge III Scholarship
Michael Kittredge '73 came to HCC uncertain of what path to take in life. He had spent years making candles in his parents' basement, a hobby that continued during his years at the college, hence the very beginnings of Yankee Candle Company. This scholarship honors his son, Mick, founder of Kringle Candle.

Arthur W. Knapp Scholarship
Arthur W. Knapp was the 15th president of Westfield Bank and served the Westfield community from 1945 to his retirement in 1992. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving student from the Westfield area.

Doris Rathbun Knight Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by Professor Doris Rathbun Knight who taught history and government at HCC for over thirty years. Preference is given to a student majoring in history or government, the humanities or social sciences.

Yvette E. Laporte Scholarship
A gift from HCC Foundation board member Joseph Gosselin '68 and his wife Diane, this scholarship in memory of Mrs. Gosselin's mother, Yvette Laporte. Mrs. Laporte, an avid cook, was well known for her culinary skills.

Marguerite I. Lazarz Memorial Scholarship
Established by an anonymous donor in memory of Marguerite Lazarz, a longtime employee of H.B. Smith Inc., who, with her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and 50 years of company service, became an H.B. Smith icon.

Sr. Bernice Lebel Scholarship
Sr. Bernice had a tremendous influence on the radiologic technology program at Holyoke Community College having served as the first director of the program. This scholarship is endowed in her memory.

David LePage '97 Scholarship
The family of HCC alumnus David LePage '97 funded this scholarship award in his memory. Students who reside in South Hadley or graduated from South Hadley High School and are either business or computer science majors are eligible.

Danna Niedzwiecki Lockwood '08 Scholarship
Danna Niedzwiecki Lockwood '08 has established this scholarship for a deserving student who is a Veterinary Technology major.

Gloria G. Lomax '75 Scholarship
Professor Emeritus Gloria G. Lomax '75 was a longtime member of the college's early childhood education department. She has also worked tirelessly on behalf of the HCC Alumni Association serving as its president. This scholarship will recognize an outstanding student in the Education program.

Alfred C. Loomer Scholarship
Alfred J. Loomer '83 endowed this scholarship in memory of his father for a deserving student in any health-related program.

Ellen Lynch Scholarship
Mrs. Lynch was the first secretary to Dr. George Frost, founder of Holyoke Junior College in 1946. During her 24 years at the college she provided support and guidance to countless students. Created in her memory, this scholarship is for a student in any associate degree curriculum, with preference given to a Holyoke resident.

Elaine Marieb '80 New Directions/New Careers Scholarships
Elaine Marieb '80, Ph.D., joined the HCC faculty in 1969. While teaching at HCC, she enrolled in, and graduated from, the HCC nursing program so she could better understand the experience of her students. She is a noted author of the most popular college textbook on anatomy and physiology. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Dr. Marieb and are for adult women who have interrupted their education.

Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association (MMBA) Scholarship
The MMBA established this scholarship with the contributions of the association's membership, general, associate, and corporate. The scholarship is awarded to a student, or students, majoring in accounting, business, business administration, economics, finance, or math.

Vincent & Patricia McElroy Memorial Scholarship
This award was established by Sheila McElroy Donohue '81. Preference is given to single mothers raising young children who are transferring to Mount Holyoke College with financial need.

John & Anne McHugh Scholarship
These scholarships are made possible by the late Dr. John McHugh and his wife Anne. The scholarship recipients must be graduates of either Holyoke High School or William J. Dean Technical High School.

Ruth McIntyre Scholars Awards
Dr. Ruth McIntyre, an accomplished scholar and nationally recognized historian, joined the faculty of HCC in 1962 as a professor of history. Through a bequest, Dr. McIntyre endowed scholarships for members of a current graduating high school class and accepted into the liberal arts & science program.

Ruth McIntyre Transfer Scholarship
Dr. Ruth McIntyre, an accomplished scholar and nationally recognized historian, joined the faculty of HCC in 1962 as a professor of history. Through a bequest, Dr. McIntyre endowed a scholarship for members of the current graduating class at HCC, majoring in history or the social sciences.

Chief Thomas P. McNamara Jr. Memorial Scholarship
A well-respected law enforcement official in the region, Thomas McNamara served as police chief for West Springfield for many years and taught Criminal Justice at HCC. This scholarship assists a student in our criminal justice program.

Bill & Eleanor Messner Scholarship
This fund was established by former HCC President Bill Messner and his wife Eleanor, giving preference to GED students with financial need.

Edward F. & Catherine C. Moriarty Memorial Award
This scholarship was made possible by Collette and the late Edward Moriarty in memory of Edward's parents. The recipient must be accepted or enrolled in the nursing or business program with preference given to a Holyoke resident.

James D. Moriarty Music Fund
James D. Moriarty was a lifelong Holyoke resident who had a love of music, particularly the drums. He was a founding member of the Emerald Bagpipe Band. James Moriarty passed away in March 1999. This fund is for deserving music students.

Mark Mozgala Scholarship
This scholarship has been established by retired biology professor, Walter J. Mozgala, in honor of his son who loved going to the beach and deep-sea fishing with him. Walter taught biology, botany, and coral reef biology at HCC for more than 30 years. This scholarship gives preference to students studying biology.

Anabel B. Murphy Scholarship
The late Anabel Murphy was an esteemed and admired faculty member in the Humanities Division at HCC. In her memory, a scholarship was established by her friends and family for a new or continuing student 25 years or older in the liberal arts.

Kenneth J. Murphy, Sr. Scholarship
Foundation board emeritus member Edward M. Murphy, along with his siblings, established a scholarship in honor of their father, a lifelong resident of Chicopee. The award is for a student in any associate degree program who graduated from Chicopee public schools.

Mutt & Jeff Scholarship
This scholarship was endowed by Attorney Frank Fitzgerald and HCC Foundation board member William Bagshaw for a student enrolled in any associate degree curriculum.

Mary M. Naro '78 Scholarship
This scholarship, created through donations from friends and family in memory of Mary M. Naro, is for a student majoring in Nursing or Foundations of Health.

Jan Alicia Nettler Scholarship
This scholarship was endowed by longtime HCC mathematics faculty member Jan Nettler. It gives preference to a minority woman and those from underrepresented groups who are majoring in science, engineering, or math.

Jorge Neves Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible through the generosity of the John DiNapoli Golf Tournament in memory of former Holyoke City Councilor and attorney Jorge Neves. The award is given to a student majoring in education, human services or business and who is a resident of Holyoke.

Richard R. & Janice D. Nickerson Scholarship
Richard "Dick" Nickerson was a valued member of the HCC Foundation board of directors for many years. Upon his tragic death, his widow endowed this scholarship in Dick's memory for a student studying either business or visual art.

Franklin Morris O'Connell Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by the O'Connell Companies in memory of Franklin Morris O'Connell. It is for a student with financial need, with preference to a resident of Holyoke.

James Joseph O'Connell Scholarship
The James Joseph O'Connell Scholarship is for a student with financial need, with preference to a resident of Holyoke or Northampton. This scholarship was made possible by his widow, Mary Rose O'Connell.

Panitch Family Scholarship
The Panitch Family has dedicated themselves to Holyoke and the surrounding communities for nearly a half century. Sue Ellen is a recognized community leader and volunteer and her husband Victor is a prominent orthopedic surgeon. Their children Deborah, a local surgeon, Mimi, an attorney and a member of numerous city boards, Alyssa, Associate Head of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue, and son Jack, an attorney in Ann Arbor, MI. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving student.

Panitch Family Transfer Scholarship
The Panitch family has a long and broad history of service to its communities in the medical, dental and biomedical engineering fields. This transfer scholarship is being given to help others bring their interests and talents to these and related fields.

Sue Ellen Panitch Scholarship
Sue Ellen Panitch is a longtime community volunteer. She has served as an HCC trustee, chair of the HCC Foundation board, and many years on the Foundation Scholarship Committee. In honor of her dedication to HCC and the surrounding community, her family endowed a scholarship in Sue Ellen's name for a deserving HCC student.

Dr. Anthony J. Pellegrino Scholarship
Tony Pellegrino was an integral part of Holyoke Community College for more than 38 years. He held many positions within the institution and was always an advocate for students continuing their education through the college's evening programs. Preference is given to students taking evening classes.

PeoplesBank Scholarship
PeoplesBank awards a scholarship to a deserving HCC student in memory of a long-term bank employee, Marjorie Green, the first female bank officer in the city of Holyoke and a pioneer in breaking the glass ceiling for female banking executives.

Al Perusse Scholarship
This scholarship was endowed in memory of Al Perusse – father, husband, friend, grandfather, entrepreneur, weather fan, nature lover, and dreamer. This fund is intended to support working students, veterans, and students raising families.

PIMA Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible by the Paper Industry Manufacturers Association (PIMA) for a new or continuing student enrolled in any business-related curriculum. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in the paper industry.

Stephen Pollock Award
This scholarship provides assistance to nontraditional male students who have a demonstrated record of academic achievement and have dependents or financial needs of unusual or extenuating circumstances.

Dr. Janet G. Polvino Scholarship
Janet Polvino was a highly respected HCC Music Professor for more than ten years. This scholarship was made possible, in her memory, by her family, and colleagues.

Providence Hospital Medical Staff Nursing Scholarship
The medical staff of Providence Hospital endowed this scholarship for a new or continuing nursing student.

Elizabeth Ella Provost Nursing Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was endowed by the late Dr. Richard Provost '49 for a continuing nontraditional student who is enrolled in any nursing program. Preference is given to an individual who may have served in the Medical Corps as Corpsman.

Leo Arthur & Marietta Gifford Provost Education Memorial Scholarship
Made possible by the late Dr. Richard Provost '49, this scholarship is for a student accepted or enrolled in any education curricula and gives preference to a nontraditional student or a student who has interrupted his or her education and may have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Milton & Raymond Provost Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by our very generous alumnus the late Dr. Richard L. Provost '49. He recognized his brothers with this scholarship which assists a deserving engineering student.

Richard Leon Provost '49 Art Scholarship
This scholarship will assist an HCC student in the Visual Art curriculum. This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the late Dr. Richard L. Provost '49, a retired professor of Education and Psychology, whose paintings and carvings have received awards in juried competitions.

Dr. Richard Leon Provost '49 Psychology Scholarship
This scholarship was endowed by the late Dr. Richard Provost '49 for a nontraditional student or a student who has interrupted his or her education studying psychology. Preference is given to an individual who may have served in the Medical Corps as Corpsman.

Roger & Caroline Putnam Scholarship
Roger and Caroline Putnam founded Catholic Scholarships for Negroes in 1948 in Springfield. Their belief was that true merging of African-Americans into the mainstream of society could only come about with educational opportunities. This scholarship has been expanded to include Latinx students and is intended for graduates of the Springfield public or charter schools.

Bruce V. Quagliato Memorial Scholarship
Anthony and Rosemarie Quagliato endowed this scholarship in their son's memory for a current graduate of East Longmeadow High School or a resident of East Longmeadow, with a preference given to a student who plans to enroll in business, electronics, or engineering.

Captain Paul H. Racine Memorial Scholarship
The Captain Paul H. Racine Scholarship will assist a student studying criminal justice with a preference for Holyoke High School graduates. This scholarship was made possible by his daughter, Patti Seely '76.

Pamela K. Reed '04 Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will benefit a student studying either food service management or culinary arts and is in memory of Pamela Reed '04.

Richardson Scholarship
Believing the most reliable route to a secure financial future is by having education following high school, this scholarship has been established by Ann Koski in honor of her parents. She was fortunate to have been awarded a $1,000 scholarship when in college and wishes to help other individuals attain their education. Preference is given to students in good academic standing with financial need.

Yadavendra Sharma Memorial Scholarship
Yadu, as he was affectionately called, was a much-beloved member of the HCC math department. Yadu passed away in June 2002, and through widespread support from friends, faculty and HCC employees, a scholarship was endowed in his memory for a student studying math, physics, or engineering.

Neil & Mary Sheehan Scholarship
Members of the Sheehan family, who once ran a dairy farm on the land where Holyoke Community College's beautiful 165-acre campus now resides, graciously endowed these scholarships in memory of Cornelius "Neil" and Mary Sheehan for students with financial need.

Patrick J. & Margaret V. Sheehan Memorial Scholarship
Established by James M. '74 and Deborah M. Sheehan, this scholarship was established in memory of Jim's grandparents, who, in 1903, founded the dairy farm on the site now occupied by HCC, and their children: Jim's father, John, his two brothers and four sisters.

Erma Provost Shepard Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will assist a liberal arts or education major at HCC and was made possible through the generosity of the late Dr. Richard Provost '49 in memory of his sister Erma.

Sobon Family Fund
This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the Sobon Family for a new or continuing student taking any credit classes.

Social Justice Award
This award has been established by Nancy Fields '74 in honor of Gloria G. Lomax '75, retired president of the Holyoke Community College Alumni Association, and Joanna Brown, retired director of alumni relations at HCC. This award gives preference to returning students majoring in human services or psychology at HCC and who have demonstrated a commitment to social justice or humanitarian causes.

SSG Clint J. Storey "Pay A Good Deed Forward" Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of SSG Clint J. Storey, US Army, and is to be awarded to a veteran attending HCC who has served on combat duty in a recognized conflict, combat, or war zone as noted on their DD214. Preference given to a veteran who has served in the Iraq/Afghanistan Conflict. The recipient must have been Honorable Discharged, be a resident of Massachusetts, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and enrolled for at least 6 credits.

John Sullivan Scholarship
John was an integral part of the HCC faculty for nearly a half century, dedicated to academic excellence and devoted to his students. His leadership as chair helped shape the Mathematics Department into one of the finest in the region. He passed away in May 2015 and through widespread support from friends and HCC faculty and staff, this scholarship was endowed in his memory.

Patrick & Johanna Sullivan Scholarship
This scholarship, named for longtime Holyoke residents Patrick and Johanna Sullivan, gives preference to student from Holyoke of Hispanic descent.

Cynthia A. Sutter '90 Scholarship
Cynthia A. Sutter '90 endowed this scholarship to recognize the many outstanding professors she had when she attended HCC. This scholarship is intended for students enrolled in the New Directions program.

Rozalia & Gladys Szczur Nursing Scholarship
Very pleased with the nursing care given to his family members at the Willimansett Nursing Home, Michael Szczur established this scholarship for a new or continuing student, with preference given to someone who is a resident of Chicopee.

Donald Taber Art Scholarship
Upon his retirement as president of American Pad & Paper Company (AMPAD), Donald Taber donated works of art to the HCC Foundation and endowed scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in the visual arts including graphics & photography.

Leona Provost Richards Taylor & Dorothy Provost Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by the late Dr. Richard Provost '49 for a student interested in the field of health sciences who hopes to become a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant.

Alan Taupier '55 Alumni Achievement Scholarship
Named in honor of Alan Taupier '55, a longtime member of the HCC Alumni Association, this award is for a returning student with a GPA of 3.9 or higher.

John Taupier Scholarship
William Taupier served as Holyoke's mayor from 1968-1975 and went on to lead the city of Lowell. Mr. Taupier was a tireless supporter of the city and its residents and has asked that this scholarship be awarded to graduates of Holyoke High School or Holyoke Catholic High School in honor of his brother John.

Teddy Bear Pools Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by HCC alumnus Ted Hebert '71 and is open to a student in any healthcare or veterinary technician program.

Victor E. Thomas Sr. Scholarship
Made possible by Victor E. Thomas, a longtime faculty member and registrar at HCC, this scholarship was designed for students majoring in mathematics, engineering, or science, and accepted at a four-year institutions.

MSgt. James J. Tierney Memorial Scholarship
MSgt. James J. Tierney developed his love of international cuisine during his tenure in the 104th Fighter Wing of the MA Air National Guard. He honed his culinary skills as a member of the services division, completing his career as NCO in charge of the dining facility. Jim enjoyed working with the younger members of his team, teaching them new techniques, and watching them achieve their potential. Given in his memory, this scholarship will assist a student enrolled in the hospitality management or culinary arts programs.

Unity Humanitarian Scholarship
The Unity Club tirelessly raised funds for this scholarship in memory of beloved Unity Club member Ralph Johnson '05. This scholarship is designated for students with disabilities who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.

Peg '58 & Gary Wendlandt Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible by longtime college supporters Gary and Peg '58 and Gary Wendlandt. This scholarship is intended for a student with significant financial need.

Peg '58 & Gary Wendlandt Health Scholarship
This is the second scholarship that longtime college supporters Peg '58 and Gary Wendlandt have endowed. This scholarship is intended for a student enrolled in nursing, practical nursing, or foundations of health program.

Westfield Bank Scholarship
Longtime supporter of HCC, Westfield Bank has endowed this scholarship giving preference to students from Westfield, West Springfield, Agawam, or Springfield.

Angela '54 & Joseph '54 Wright Scholarship
Angela '54 and Joseph '54 Wright are two of HCC's most distinguished and dedicated alumni. In order to recognize the manner in which HCC has enriched their lives, Angela and Joe were the first donors to establish an endowed scholarship. This award is intended for a woman enrolled in any Business Division curriculum.

Bobby Wright Scholarship
This award was established by friends of Bobby Wright, an outstanding local Jazz performer, to support a music student who will be attending a four-year institution.

Millions of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed each year! Following is a list of resources to assist you in your search for scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Please be advised that these scholarship websites are not associated with the Holyoke Community College or the Holyoke Community College Foundation.

Community Foundation: The Community Foundation of Western Mass. administers, through one centralized application process, nearly 100 scholarship and loan funds.

University of Massachusetts Boston Foster Furcolo Transfer Scholarship: Awards two-year scholarships covering tuition and most mandatory fees to one graduate of each public community college in Massachusetts.

College Board: Connect student profiles to a database containing over 2,300 scholarships, internships, and loans.

Citrix ShareFile Scholarship for Future Entrepreneurs: This scholarship is designed to help students pay for their education as they seek their own opportunities in entrepreneurship.

Elks National Foundation: Elks National Foundation Scholarships

www.finaid.org: A comprehensive site that has information on loans, scholarships, and saving plans. Even includes interactive calculators to help project what your child's college costs will be and how much you should be stashing away.

Fast Web: Matches student profiles to a database containing over 600,000 scholarships. Also alert students to application deadlines or when new scholarships are added.

FAFSA: Any student applying for financial aid from the government needs to fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. The online form offers some benefits to the paper version, such as ensuring that no information is missing or conflicting before the applicant submits the form.

The Lead Roster B2B Sales & Marketing Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for emerging business geniuses.

Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors holds a monthly $1,000 college scholarship contest where students write an essay in response to a monthly prompt. Visitors to the Varsity Tutors scholarship webpage are able to vote via social media for submitted entries. The top five entries with the most votes are reviewed by Varsity Tutors at the end of the month and one winner is subsequently chosen to receive the $1,000 college scholarship.

Walmart Foundation: Available to Wal-Mart employees and their children.

Big Y: Awards for employees and customers.

GoCollege: In an ABC network 20/20 program about college scholarships, the ABC network explicitly pointed to GoCollege as a reliable source for scholarships.

The Gates Millennium Scholarship: Funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund: The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is the largest Hispanic scholarship-granting organization in the nation. HSF provides financial assistance to outstanding Hispanic students in higher education throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Accredited Schools Online: A free guidebook resource dedicated to helping minority students navigate the often-challenging issues of financial aid, scholarships, and college affordability.

IEFA: IEFA is the premier resource for financial aid, college scholarship, and grant information for US and international students wishing to study abroad.

Scholarships.com: Scholarship database of 3,000 sources worth up to $3 billion.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Free-4u.com: Scholarships for the blind.

State Farm: State Farm Insurance scholarships.

Sallie Mae: Student loan funding.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation: Harry S. Truman Scholars

*Please note the Foundation is not responsible for the overall reliability or accuracy regarding the above sites. Additionally, we can't guarantee that you'll receive a scholarship(s) from the organizations found on the above sites. (Updated 2/15/19)

Thank you for volunteering to be a scholarship reviewer for our annual awards process. We could not do this without you! Below are step-by-step instructions on how to use our scholarship software to review student applications. If you have any questions, please email us at scholarships@hcc.edu.

Important: Scores for each applicant are an average of three reviewer scores. If you are unable to complete your reviews, please let us know as soon as possible and before the review deadline date. We will arrange for someone else to complete the review so the student is not penalized for an incomplete reviewer score.

Overview

Logging In

1. As a scholarship review committee member, you will receive an invitation notifying you that you have scholarship candidates to review when the review period opens. In the email is a link to take you to the sign-in page. If you do not already have an account, the email will contain an invitation link to create an account. After you create an account, you will be able to follow the steps below to review applications. You may also log in by going to hcc.academicworks.com.
2. Please click on "Reference and Reviewers" tab.
3. Enter your email address and password and click "Sign in."
4. If you do not remember your password, click the "Trouble signing in?" link and follow the instructions to recover your password. Please note that password reset links are only valid for six hours.
5. If you have multiple roles, make sure you are logged in as a Reviewer by hovering over your name in the upper right hand corner and clicking on the "Reviewer" role.

Completing Scholarship Reviews

1. To begin reviewing, select the name of the applicant (if you are reviewing on general application), or scholarship then name of applicant (if you are reviewing on scholarship). Please note: Most reviewers review by applicant.
2. To review the application, click on the "Begin" button.
3. Select which view you would like to use to review applications. In the "Review" tab, you will see the review rubrics and questions you will need to complete. Under the "Application" tab, you will see the student's submitted application. Click on the "Side-by-Side" tab to view both the review and the student's application at the same time. Please note: The view will default to the last view you used.
4. Complete the required rubric ratings. Rating scales may vary by review group, but the highest number will always be the best rating you can give an applicant and the lowest number will always be the worst rating you can give an applicant (see Scoring below).
5. If you would like to finish your review at a later time, click the "Save" button. When you have completed your review, click the "Submit" button. You will then be taken to the next review that needs to be completed.
6. After submitting your review, you will be able to click the "Update" button to make any necessary changes until the review period closes.
7. You may follow the steps above to complete the remainder of your assigned reviews.

How are scholarships reviewed?

With the exception of scholarships requiring extra documentation ("Apply-To" scholarships), reviews are done at the application level. Each application will be reviewed three times to help make the process as equitable as possible.

How are students matched to scholarships?

Within the scholarship software, students are either automatically matched to a scholarship or recommended to apply for a scholarship that requires additional application materials.

• Auto-Match: The software automatically matches applicants to the scholarships for which they're qualified based on their responses in the general application. About 95% of our scholarships are Auto-Match.
• Apply-To: Based on responses in the general application, students are suggested to look at scholarship opportunities that require additional information such as special essays or an additional reference. Students must fulfill the additional requirements before being applied for that particular scholarship.

As a result, we will be reviewing applications in two ways:

• By the student's application: The Auto-Match applications will be reviewed by student application. This allows for a single set of scores to populate every scholarship for which the student qualified. Most of you will be reviewing in this manner.
• By scholarship: The Apply-To applications will be reviewed by scholarship, giving the reviewers the ability to score not only the basic application rubrics, but those created for the special requirement.

Scoring

You will be scoring the two basic sections of each student's application:

• Academic Achievement
• Required General Essay

Each student is scored by a minimum of three readers. Their score is the value of the average of those three reviewer scores in addition to financial need, which is determined by our Financial Aid department. All scoring will be done online through the software. Student scores will then be applied back to each Auto-Match scholarship where the students will be ranked high to low score. The student(s) with the highest overall score will be awarded scholarships. This gives the staff that will be awarding the scholarship the ability to start at the top and award until all available funds have been used.

Academic Achievement

A scale of 0 to10 with 0 being the lowest possible score and 10 being the highest possible score. Applications should only be given a 10 if truly outstanding. Please consider a 5 to be of average level. The chart below provides GPA ranges and assigned scores. The software does not "pre-score" any portion of the student's application; therefore this chart has been provided. You, as a reviewer, may take other items on the student's application into consideration when determining academic achievement.

Please note: We ask students to self-identify their GPA since many of our students will not have GPAs in our student information system, either because it is their first semester at HCC, or they are planning on enrolling to the college for the upcoming fall semester.

Essay Question

A scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being the lowest possible score and 10 being the highest possible score. Applications should only be given a 10 if truly outstanding. Please consider a 5 to be of average level. The Foundation is looking for how well the student articulated their answer to the question. We ask the student to be concise, so length is not the focus.

General qualities to look for:

• Engagement: Does the applicant discuss extracurricular, research, volunteer, internship, work, or have other experiences that add to his or her academic pursuits?
• Leadership: Does the applicant discuss his or her role in or contribution to any experiences discussed?
• Sense of Purpose: Does the applicant provide evidence of having a sense of direction and an understanding of how that has developed through past experiences?

Important Note

Many scholarship applicants are not native English speakers or writers. Because an essay-based application naturally puts these applicants at a disadvantage, selection committees should look beyond the spelling and grammar errors when there is evidence that the applicant is a non-native speaker, and focus more on the content of the information provided.

Once You've Completed Your Reviews

When you are completely done with your review of an application, you must click on Submit button. Your progress on completed evaluations will be tracked, and reviewers will receive reminder emails notifying them of any outstanding evaluations.

Email

What if I have an HCC email address and I am still having problems accessing the online application?

Check the typing and spelling of your email. If you are still having problems, you can contact the ITD Help Desk at 413.552.2075 or helpdesk@hcc.edu.

Can I apply if I don't have an HCC email address?

Yes, fall applicants will need to use their personal email address (the one you included on your HCC college application as the "preferred" email) and a unique password. If you have not yet applied to HCC or plan on readmitting to the college, you may do so here or contact the Admissions Office at 413.552.2321.

What if my personal email address still does not provide me access to the online application?

Please contact the Admissions Office at 413.552.2321 to see what email address they have on file.

General

Who is eligible for an HCC Foundation scholarship?

Any current HCC student, or students who have applied to the college for the upcoming fall semester.

How many applications do I need to fill out?

Fill out one simple general scholarship application. The system will match you with scholarships for which you may be eligible based on the information you provide in your application. After completing the general application, you can browse additional scholarships for which you may be qualified.

There are two types of scholarships:

• Auto-match:These scholarships require only the information found in the general application. You don't need to do anything other than complete the general application to qualify for these.
• Apply-to: These scholarships require that you answer questions or provide more information specific to this scholarship. An apply-to scholarship will have an Apply button next to it in the scholarship listing. When you click on Apply, you will see the questions you need to complete. Once you complete them, you can save and submit your answers. To be considered for apply-to scholarships, you must answer the additional questions. You can find these scholarships on the "Recommended Opportunities" page.

What types of scholarships does HCC offer?

Tuition-only scholarships will cover the tuition portion of the student's bill – not fees, books, or other charges – and will be posted to the student's account 30 days after the beginning of the semester for the period of two academic semesters. The amount of the award will be calculated by multiplying the number of credit hours for which the student is registered in a particular semester by $24 per credit hour (i.e., cost of in-state tuition per credit). Any student enrolled in 10 or fewer credit hours will receive a minimum award of $250.

If the recipient has a tuition waiver from other sources, the tuition amount (as explained above) will be posted to student's account. If the recipient is fully covered by other sources, the Foundation will award an amount of $250 per academic semester.

Enhanced scholarships will be calculated based on the total amount needed to cover tuition, fees, books and mandatory supplies/uniforms (pertaining to the student's major), less the amount of grant aid and/or contributions from other sources, as determined by Student Account Services. Students applying to transfer institutions can also request aid for application fees. In determining need, childcare or transportation is not to be included in the total estimated need. The award will be posted to the student's account 30 days after the beginning of the semester for the period of two academic semesters.

If the recipient is fully covered by other sources, the Foundation will award an amount of $500 per academic semester.

Specific amount scholarships will receive a specific amount divided into two semesters, i.e., this recipient will receive $500 in total; $250 will be posted to the student's account 30 days after the beginning of the semester for the period of two academic semesters.

Transfer scholarships are one-time awards that will be deposited to the student's account at their transfer institution, provided that the student provides a copy of their acceptance letter, expected fall class schedule, their new student ID, and the complete mailing address of the student accounts office at the college to which they are transferring.

Can international students apply?

Yes, however, scholarships awarded will be based on in-state tuition.

How do I provide a reference?

A reference is optional and will only add to your application; you will not be penalized for not providing one. If you do choose to provide a reference, you will be prompted to enter the individual's full name and email address. It is an expectation that you respectfully request permission to use an individual as a reference prior to entering their contact information. Once the contact information is entered, an e-mail will be immediately sent to the individual with a link to complete a reference questionnaire.

Can I change my reference contact?

Yes. Sign in to your application and go to your General Application. You can add a new reference provider by "Add New Reference" in the reference question. You can resend a request to an existing reference by going to "References" and hitting resend.

How can I tell if my reference has been submitted?

Once you sign in, please click the "Home" tab and then the "References" box. You have the option to resend your request for reference.

What if I don't qualify for financial aid?

If you don't qualify for financial aid, attach a copy of the first two pages of the most recent head of household tax return.

What if I am transferring?

There are a number of scholarships for students who are transferring included in the application.

What if I am a part-time student?

Our scholarships often have a minimum number of credits being taken each semester, with some as low as six credits.

Can I save my application and come back later?

Yes. Our application is set up in such a way that you can come back multiple times to complete it. You can save and keep editing your application by "Updating General Application" at the bottom of the form.

Can I change my reference contact?

Yes. Sign in to your application and click on "References." You can resend a request for a reference or enter a new reference.

I reviewed my Import information and the information is incorrect. How do I correct the information?

Once your general application is completed, your HCC personal, contact, and academic information is imported from HCC's registrar office. If you have concerns about the information in the imported fields, you must contact the Registrar's Office at 413.552.2264.

How will I receive my scholarship award?

Your offer will emailed to you at the email address you used to complete the scholarship application. The email will have instructions on how to accept your award. You will also see a status beside scholarship applications on the "Home" tab displayed as "Offered." Once all requirements have been met, your award will be applied to your fall and spring bills 30 days after the beginning of the semester.

When will I know if I have or have not received a scholarship award?

All students will receive notification whether or not they have received an award by the end of April.

Please note: Every scholarship recipient must submit a thank-you within two weeks of acceptance (see Guidelines for Writing Thank You Letters dropdown).

Entering Essays

All scholarships require an essay between 250 to 500 words. We encourage you to use word processing tools to confirm that your essay is grammatically accurate (spelling and punctuation). The HCC Writing Center offers a series of workshops on writing an essay for your scholarship application. Please call 413.552.2599 or drop in DON 238 for more information. You can find some helpful tips by going to Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay dropdown on this page.

Tell us about yourself, your greatest successes, accomplishments, and personal achievements. Include educational and personal goals, life history, significant obstacles you have overcome, personal and financial needs that are unique to you, and any special circumstances that have had a significant impact on your academic performance. Also include any information about yourself that you would like the Scholarship Committee to consider when evaluating why you are a good candidate for a scholarship. A strong essay will include: personal, professional, and educational accomplishments (what you have done); personal, professional, and educational aspirations (what do you hope to do); and how scholarship support will benefit you.

FAFSA Application

New and continuing HCC students are encouraged to complete the most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. After you complete your FAFSA, you will receive a link to access your SAR (Student Aid Report) within five business days of filing. HCC's school code is 002170. For questions about the FAFSA application, please visit our financial aid page.

Can I apply for a scholarship every year?

Yes! Receiving a scholarship does not prevent you from applying again next year.