2022 City of Boston Scholarship Fund Awardees Announced

Over 100 students currently receive an annual scholarship of $2,500 through the City of Boston Scholarship Fund for up to four years of their undergraduate education. In total, the fund will distribute nearly $240,000 in scholarships this year, helping to make college more accessible and affordable for Boston residents. 

“Investing in our students is investing in our collective future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Since its inception 30 years ago, the City has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to Boston students in support of their higher education, and I am proud to celebrate this year’s group of new leaders stepping into that legacy.” 

The City of Boston Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 to provide assistance to residents who plan to pursue a two- or four-year undergraduate program in Massachusetts. Applicants must be residents of Boston and must have graduated from high school by the time the students are selected for the scholarship program in June. 

“By being chosen for this scholarship I will be able to further my education and help people within my community that have different needs, including mental health, addictions, and so much more,” said Diamond Hunter, this year’s Rosen Memorial Scholarship recipient, who will be attending Bridgewater State University this fall. “Also it gives me personal stress relief knowing I can continue going to school without worrying about if I would be able to afford it. I just want to say how grateful and honored I am to be given such an incredible opportunity.”

Among the 10 City of Boston Scholars this year, seven are high school seniors, one is a current college student, and one is an adult returning to school to finish their degree. This new group of scholars represent various neighborhoods across the City and are attending six different colleges and universities across the Commonwealth. On average, they have a financial need gap of $5,767 per year, as determined by uAspire, a Boston-based nonprofit that specializes in college affordability. 90% of the 2022 City of Boston Scholars identify as people of color.

The City of Boston Scholarship Committee has awarded over 1,000 students scholarships since 1995. This year, the Scholarship Fund celebrated the twentieth year of an endowed scholarship donated by the Rosen Family in memory of Jeffrey Dunipace Rosen. The Fund celebrated the seventh year of the Community Development Scholarship, established in remembrance of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and a Community Spirit Scholarship in memory of former public servant and City of Boston Scholarship awardee, Dawn Jaffier.

Funds for the scholarships are made possible from contributions made by residents and corporations. This year’s scholarships were supported by generous donations from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as part of their ongoing commitment to Boston’s students. To make a donation, please visit boston.gov/scholarship. 

Residents who fit the criteria are encouraged to participate in the next application process, which will begin in early 2023. For more information on the City of Boston Scholarship Program, visit Boston.gov/scholarship or send an email to cobscholarship@boston.gov. Additional resources for residents pursuing higher education can be found on the City’s Higher Education Resource page.