For residents of Massachusetts who enroll in an undergraduate degree program at a public college or university in the state, the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship covers all tuition and expenses. The second president of the United States and his wife, who were both born in Massachusetts, are honored by having the scholarship bear their names. The scholarship program was established in 2007, and the initial awardees were given their funds in 2008.
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship was established to assist Massachusetts residents who might not otherwise have been able to pay to attend college.
The scholarship saves students tens of thousands of dollars over the course of their education by paying the full tuition and fees at any public college or institution in Massachusetts. Additionally, the grant is available for two- and four-year undergraduate degree programs of any kind.
If you live in Massachusetts and want to go to college but are concerned about the cost, you should think about applying for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. The whole cost of tuition and fees at any public college or university in Massachusetts may be covered by this scholarship.
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship history
One of the oldest and most distinguished scholarships in the country is the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. The scholarship, which bears Abigail Adams' name, was created in 1801 by President John Adams. Students who exhibit both academic distinction and financial need are given the scholarship.
The history of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is extensive and fascinating. When the scholarship was created, few Americans had the option of pursuing higher education.
John Adams sought to ensure that everyone had the chance to get a high-quality education because he believed that education was crucial for the development of democracy.
In the beginning, the scholarship was restricted to Massachusetts residents alone. But with time, students from all throughout the United States can now apply for the scholarship.
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is currently one of the most distinguished in the nation. Hundreds of students apply for the award each year, but only a small number are chosen to receive it.
Check out our blog for more details on the history of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and advice on how to improve your chances if you're thinking about applying.
Who is qualified?
A student in the class of 2015 or earlier must meet the following requirements to be qualified for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship:
- Score in the Proficient or Advanced category on the second topic and in the Advanced category on either the English Language Arts or Mathematics sections of the Grade 10 MCAS test (Mathematics or English Language Arts).
- be among the top 25% of students in their school district in terms of their combined MCAS score on these tests.
Students in the 2016 or later classes are required to
- Pass one of the three high school state assessment exams in English Language Arts, Mathematics, or STE (Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, or Technology/Engineering) with a score in the Advanced category.
- Score well on the remaining two high school state assessment exams, either in the Proficient or Advanced categories.
- be among the top 25% of students in their school district in terms of their combined MCAS score on these tests.
All students must also fulfill the following criteria:
- either a citizen of the United States or a non-citizen who has been granted permission by the federal government to reside and work in the country either temporarily or permanently.
- be registered full-time (at least 12 credits or the equivalent) in a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's program at a school that is eligible.
- not hold a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification.
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed (FAFSA).
- must not owe a refund for any prior financial aid received or be in default with the law on any federal or state student education loans for attendance at any institution.
Participating Institutions
a facility included in the network of public research universities listed in Section 5 of Chapter 15A of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Prize Amounts
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipients are qualified to receive a merit-based tuition credit. At State Universities and Community Colleges, individual student grants may not exceed the resident undergraduate tuition rate at the participating schools. At the University of Massachusetts, individual student scholarships will be worth $1,714 in Amherst, $1,714 in Boston, $1,417 in Dartmouth, and $1,454 in Lowell.
How to Apply
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship does not require an application process. In the fall of their senior year of high school, candidates for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship will be notified.