Fidelity Scholars Program
Fidelity Investments / UNCF
A need-based scholarship with wraparound coaching for historically underserved students in eligible states (including Massachusetts) pursuing a first bachelor's degree, aimed at first-generation students with financial need.
Who should apply
Massachusetts high school seniors from underserved backgrounds with a mid-range GPA and financial need who are heading to a four-year college in-state.
Eligibility
MA residents aged 16–24 from historically underserved populations, Pell-eligible, with a 2.5–3.59 unweighted GPA or GED, who are high school seniors or non-enrolled students pursuing a first full-time bachelor's degree. U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
What you get
- Need-based scholarship plus college-success coaching, career mentorship, financial-literacy resources, and mental-health support
What the application involves
- UNCF online application
- Essay
- Evidence of Pell eligibility / financial need
- Documentation of community service, leadership, or work involvement
Application tips
- The 2.5–3.59 GPA band targets 'mighty middle' students, a perfect GPA isn't required.
- Highlight community service, leadership, or work experience.
- Apply early in the October–January window.
Good to know
Massachusetts is a confirmed eligible state. Per-student award amount isn't publicly fixed (the program reports $12M+ to 1,200+ scholars since 2023), so the dollar value is omitted; benefits include substantial wraparound support.
Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.
Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.
Apply anytime
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$2,000 No Essay Scholarship
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A $2,000 scholarship awarded every month with no essay and no account sign-up required. The form takes about two minutes and you can enter again each month.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 11–12 · college
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DoSomething Scholarships ("It Pays to Do Good")
DoSomething.org
Scholarships earned by completing volunteer, social-change, or civic-action campaigns, no essay, GPA, or recommendations required, making them highly accessible to younger students.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 9–12
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National Medical Fellowships (NMF) Scholarships & Awards
National Medical Fellowships, Inc.
A long-standing program of need- and merit-based scholarships for students underrepresented in medicine and the health professions. Mostly for medical/graduate health students, a pipeline resource students grow into.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S.