First Literacy Scholarships
Harnessing the power of education.
Each year, First Literacy awards scholarships to recent graduates of Massachusetts Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English language programs who are continuing on to vocational training (including certificate programs) or higher education. First Year Scholarship recipients receive $1,500, with the opportunity to receive an additional $1,500 for their second semester if grades are good. Thanks to a grant from The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust, all continuing scholars will have the opportunity to receive the amount of funding they need to pursue their educational goals. This amount may vary depending on the needs of the continuing scholar.
Since the Scholarship Program began in 1990, we have awarded over 600 scholarships to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Eligibility is based on a nomination from the student’s Adult Basic Education program, acceptance to a college or training program, and proof of financial need. Both new and continuing scholarships are awarded, and scholars are recognized for their efforts and achievement at our annual Scholarship Ceremony.
Important Note About 2026-2027 Applications
We are proud to share that First Literacy scholars have done very well in the 2025-2026 academic year, and the majority will be continuing with us this fall. Due to the large continuing cohort, we are only accepting new applications from City of Boston residents for the 2026-2027 academic year. The City of Boston Neighborhood Jobs Trust has granted First Literacy with a generous award to continue to support Boston residents. The scholarship will be open to all Massachusetts residents for the 2027-2028 academic year. Boston residents. The scholarship will be open to all Massachusetts residents for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Scholarship Purpose
First Literacy Scholarships recognize and reward adult learners who have completed their Adult Basic Education (ABE) studies— including ESOL, High School Equivalency, and Bridge to College—and who are continuing in higher education or skills training. Scholarships are awarded based on the applicants:
- Educational achievement and potential
- Perseverance in the face of hardship
- Service as role models for their families, for their peers, or in their communities
Scholarship Description
- First Literacy scholars will be awarded $1,500 for the Fall 2026 semester and another $1,500 for the Spring 2027 semester so long as the Scholar Requirements are met; please see FAQs below.
- First Literacy scholarships are for undergraduate studies and vocational programs only. Scholarships may not be applied toward graduate work.
- Returning Scholars may apply for a Continuing Scholarship for three additional years, totaling four years. Transcripts are required each semester, and Scholar Requirements must be met in order to be eligible.
Eligibility for New Applicants (Academic Year 2026-2027)
- Adults who have completed or will have completed their ABE studies between April 30, 2024 and June 30, 2026 at a community-based ABE program, a free preparatory program offered by a local higher education institution, or a volunteer-based program serving the basic education needs of adults in Massachusetts.
- Applicants must be nominated by their ABE program; the nomination process requires a teacher or advisor at the ABE program to write a recommendation letter for the student, which the student will upload in the application portal.
- Applicants must reside in the City of Boston (including Boston, East Boston, Charlestown, Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Roxbury, West Roxbury, Allston, and Brighton) at the time of application.
How To Apply
ALL Applicants
Please see FAQs for further information about the scholar selection process, important dates, and requirements.
NEW Scholar Applicants
The New Scholar Application for the 2026-2027 academic year is open until Tuesday, June 2 at 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted online. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
Applicants must include:
- Two letters of recommendation; one letter of recommendation must come from a teacher or advisor at the nominating program
- A one-page personal essay
- Proof of acceptance to a college or vocational program
Please see First Literacy Scholarship 2026-2027 Application Questions (pdf of questions) for further information.
NEW Scholar Application
CONTINUING Scholar Applicants
Continuing applicants who are eligible to apply for a Fall 2026 scholarship will receive an email from First Literacy with further information. Continuing scholar applications are due Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Information Session for Nomination Organizations
To learn more about eligibility and scholarship opportunities we’re offering an info session for programs on Thursday, April 17, 2026, at 3:00 pm via Zoom. Note that this information session is for programs, not potential scholars. Scholars must be nominated and apply through their ABE programs.
Information Session: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 3:00 – 4:00 PM – REGISTER
Have questions?
Do you know an adult learner who is looking to further their education? A First Literacy Scholarship can help pave the way to success for a student you know. For more information about First Literacy new and continuing scholarships contact Annie Sferrazza at asferrazza@firstliteracy.org or 617-482-3336. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the requirements for scholars?
A: Both continuing and new scholars are required to:
- Maintain at least a 2.8 (B-) GPA each semester in order to be awarded a scholarship for the following semester
- Send First Literacy their unofficial transcripts at the end of each semester
- Communicate with First Literacy, including responding to emails and messages, and keeping us updated on your progress
- Meet with their academic advisor at least once a semester
- Attend the First Literacy Virtual Scholar Orientation in August; two options will be provided upon Award
- Attend the Scholar Ceremony in-person in Downtown Boston at the end of August
Q: How are applicants selected and what happens if a student is selected for an interview?
A: First Literacy reviews each applicant’s needs, community involvement, personal statement, and recommendation letters, and selects those we’d like to interview to learn more about. If a student is selected to move forward with an interview, they will meet virtually with the First Literacy team for 30 minutes between Tuesday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Being selected for an interview does not guarantee that the student will receive a scholarship.
Q: When will I be notified of the final status of my application?
A: All applicants will be notified of their status no later than Friday, June 26, 2026.
Q: Can a scholar receive a First Literacy scholarship if they are receiving a full scholarship from their school or another organization?
A: In order to serve the maximum amount of students in need, First Literacy reserves the right to rescind the scholarship award to any student receiving a full scholarship from their school or another organization.
Q: What type of support does First Literacy provide?
A: In addition to monetary support, First Literacy regularly checks in with scholars, sends scholars opportunities throughout their communities, and connects them to additional resources needed to support them. We also offer workshops and community-building events.
Q: What types of events does First Literacy offer?
A: First Literacy offers at least one workshop throughout the year, as well as a Potluck Dinner & Community Event. Additional one-on-one support may be available, as well. These are optional events.
Q: Do selected scholars need to provide anything prior to receiving the scholarship?
A: Before scholarship awards will be paid to the recipient’s school, First Literacy must receive the following:
- Permission form (FERPA) authorizing First Literacy to speak to the recipient’s school about their financial status and class progress
- Proof that scholar has created a LinkedIn account and is following First Literacy
- First Literacy Photo Permission (provided by First Literacy)
- Head shot of scholarship recipient (this will only be shared with student’s consent)
- Proof that scholars joined First Literacy’s WhatsApp Group
- A survey, provided by First Literacy
Q: How are the scholarship awards paid? Can students receive money directly?
A: The scholarship awards are paid directly to the school into the student’s account and can be used for tuition, fees, and books. No award money will be paid directly to the student, and the award money cannot be used to make outside purchases instead.
Q: Can the nominating organization help applicants with their application?
A: Yes, the nominating organization may and are encouraged to help students fill out their application, but the personal essay must be written entirely by the student.
Q: I am nominating a student. How many students can my organization nominate?
A: Students interested in applying for a scholarship must be nominated by their teachers or advisors in their ABE or ESOL organization. Organizations are encouraged to help identify candidates that they feel are prepared to further their education. A maximum of five applications per program under the same 501(c)(3) can be submitted, and a maximum of two students will be awarded.