Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants Scholarship Opportunities
Information and applications are available on the MSMD website www.massmayflower.org.
Go to the website, click on Juniors, and then on Scholarships.
MSMD is proud to offer three scholarships each year. Please read through the descriptions to see if you qualify for any of them.
Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants College Scholarship
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 for the following year.
3. High School academic achievement indicated by class rank, grade point average, extra-curricular activities, and awards.
4. An original essay of no less than 500 words and no more than 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. Although there are many Pilgrims whose life details are limited, there is information to be found in books and online. Here are some of the ideas you may use for your essay: the influence your Pilgrim heritage has on your beliefs and/or goals..your feelings about your Pilgrim History. You may, of course, address your own ideas.
5. Special circumstances of need.
6. Application submitted by June1.
7. This award will be given after the conclusion of your first semester and with proof of enrollment for the second semester. Your request must be received by the MSMD office by January 1. The deadline for the next 3 years of your award must be received by the MSMD office by August 15. If you fail to make these deadlines, your award will be forfeited.
Extracurricular activities
Original essay
Special circumstances of need.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE SCHOLARSHIP, BUT YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE AWARD.
Download the MSMD College Scholarship form here.
Francis P. Sears Mayflower Descendant Scholarship
The Sears Scholarships are granted from funds left by Francis Sears with the Boston Foundation for two 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.
Requirements:
1) You may re-apply every year, but you must fill out the application form every year.
2) Be an active member of MSMD or prove that you are the child, grandchild, niece/nephew or grandniece /nephew of an active member.
3) Give proof of college acceptance and enrollment for the coming year.
4) Offer special circumstances of need, if applicable
5) Submit an original essay of no less than 500 words and of no more than 1000 words, titled “My Appreciation of my Pilgrim Heritage”.
6) Submit the completed application to MSMD by May 1.
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.
Link to the Francis P. Sears Mayflower Descendant Scholarship Form.
Thanksgiving Day Award
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 of no less than 500 words and no more than 1000 words titled “My Native American Heritage.
6. Submit application to MSMD by May 1.
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.
