Scholarships



Mayor Martin Walsh attends the First Literacy Scholarship ceremony in the Eagle Room at Boston City Hall, August 15, 2019. (Mayor’s Office Photo by John Wilcox)

First Literacy New and Continuing Scholarships

First Literacy annually awards $1,000 scholarships to recent graduates of Massachusetts adult basic education or English language programs who are continuing to vocational training or higher education.

What unites all First Literacy Scholars is their resolve to improve their lives through education. Many are the first in their families to attend college. Most are heads of households with financial and care-giving responsibilities, and many hold more than one job. First Literacy scholarships have helped over 500 adult learners with mentoring and monetary support as they take this next step. We honor their efforts and achievements at our annual Scholarship Ceremony hosted by Boston’s mayor. To watch the 2019 Scholarship Ceremony, please click here.

First Literacy Scholarships are awarded in recognition of students’

  • Educational achievements and potential,
  • Community service, and
  • Perseverance in the face of hardships.

Applications and Eligibility Requirements

First Literacy 2020-2021 Scholarship Eligibility Requirements and Deadlines
First Literacy 2020-2021 New Scholarship Application
First Literacy 2020-2021 Continuing Scholarship Application

To join our mailing list click here. For more information contact Bryan McCormick, Program Director, at bmccormick@firstliteracy.org or call 617-482-3336 x113.

Meet Our 2019 Scholars

First Literacy Special Scholarships

The Mayor Thomas Menino Scholarship was created in 2014 to honor Mayor Menino’s commitment to adult literacy education and the potential of all students. Recipients are
2014 — Angelina Gigante
2015 — Jason Grant
2016 — Moses Kabwe
2017 — Marie Regine Paul
​2018 — Edith Lorfils
2019 — Tatiana Jean Philippe

The William Berman Scholarship recognizes Mr. Berman’s years of dedicated service to First Literacy and his love of learning throughout his life. Recipients are
2016 — Malquisua Sousa
2017 — Diandra Dawson
2018 — Adriana Echeverria
2019 — Geraldine Calderon

The First Literacy Board of Directors’ Scholarship in honor of Skye Morrison Kramer recognizes Ms. Kramer’s nine years of dedicated service to First Literacy as Executive Director.
2019 — Julia Dupere