Scholarships 2024
Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships. You will also find additional scholarship opportunities accessible from our online portal which require separate applications.
Universal Application
Open December 20, 2023 – March 1, 2024
Albert F. Carr Scholarship
The Albert F. Carr Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to New Bedford High School graduating seniors who plan to attend MIT (acceptance can be pending when you apply for this scholarship) or will pursue an engineering degree at any four-year college or university.
Amy Edwards Second Wind Scholarship Fund
The Amy Edwards Second Wind Scholarship Fund is available for women who are seeking a way to improve their ability to find meaningful employment and to create positive change within their communities, a “second wind.” This scholarship is for women enrolling in courses at Bristol Community College or UMass Dartmouth.
Ann M. Pappi Memorial Scholarship
The Ann M. Pappi Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to students graduating from Wareham High School. Preference is given to first-generation college students (students who are the first in their families to attend college), but this is not required. Awards are based 50% on academic performance and 50% on financial need.
BankFive President’s Scholarship
The BankFive President’s Scholarship Fund was established to honor the memory of BankFive’s late Presidents & CEOs. The fund provides a four-year scholarship to one or more graduating senior(s) from Bristol County, MA and Bristol and Newport Counties, RI, while attending an accredited college or university. This scholarship is awarded with consideration of either academic achievement or financial need. The scholarship is renewable each year that the student is enrolled full-time and meets eligibility requirements.
Carlin Lynch Scholarship
The Carlin Lynch Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide financial aid to students who are graduates (or graduating seniors) of Dartmouth High School, who will be attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or an accredited technical education program in a specific field relating to an occupation leading to employment. Students in the top 25% of their class are eligible to re-apply.
CB’s Character Blessings Scholarship
The CB’s Character Blessing Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was created to provide scholarships to college-bound student-athletes graduating from New Bedford High School who have displayed strength of character within their team, school, and/or community.
Charles J. Lewin Interfaith Scholarship
The Charles J Lewin Interfaith Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to encourage seniors of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, and Plymouth counties of Massachusetts to attend college. This scholarship is weighted 50% on financial need, 30% on academic performance, and 20% on personal circumstance.
Christine Saulnier Pimental Scholarship
The Christine Saulnier Pimental Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual scholarships to local adults who wish to improve their professional standing by furthering their education in any of the following fields: life sciences, computer sciences, veterinary sciences, and related fields.
College Club of New Bedford, Inc. Scholarship
The College Club of New Bedford, Inc. Fund provides scholarships to young women who are graduates or graduating seniors of the following high schools: New Bedford, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical, Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven.
Daniel P. Bergeron Scholarship
The Daniel P. Bergeron Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established by Maureen and Russell Bergeron to honor the memory of their late son, Daniel P. Bergeron. The fund provides annual college scholarships to selected Fairhaven High School graduating seniors. These scholarship(s) are awarded to students with financial need and interests in sports and/or music.
David C. DuBois Scholarship
The David C. DuBois Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation honors the memory and legacy of David DuBois, as well as his life-long commitment to fellow mariners and to the maritime industry. Financial awards will be distributed to deserving students who are enrolled in a post-secondary school course of study in a maritime field, such as marine surveying, marine transportation, marine engineering, naval architecture, naval engineering, marine safety, or environmental protection.
David Cappannari Scholarship
The David Cappannari Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance to graduating Plymouth high schools’ seniors who plan to attend college.
Ditchfield Family Scholarship
The Ditchfield Family Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to Lynn English High School graduates who are Highland area residents of high need and high achievement. Awards will be made to students who are or will be attending a postgraduate vocational program or an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Recurring scholarships are possible.
Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
The Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was created to award exemplary work by New Bedford area high school seniors who reside in New Bedford and are in pursuit of college study in the fields of Political Science, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, Sustainability, or related majors. This scholarship is being awarded in memory of and to honor the late Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. who lived his passion for public service.
Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship
The Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to postgraduate students who have: 1. graduated from New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, or Westport High school, or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 2. completed pre-dental or pre-medical studies at accredited college, 3. has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and 4. been accepted into an accredited dental or medical college or university.
Dr. Paul and Elaine Chervinsky Scholarship
The Dr. Paul and Elaine Chervinsky Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide two $20,000 endowed scholarships each year to be distributed $5,000 per year to students graduating from New Bedford High School who will be attending a four-year college or university. Scholarships are considered on a basis of 50% financial need and 50% academic performance. Recipients must remain in good academic standing to be eligible for the annual renewal.
Edward D. Thomas Trust Scholarship
The Edward D. Thomas Trust Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual scholarships to deserving accepted high school seniors of Foxborough High School.
Ellery R. Sherman Scholarship
The Ellery R. Sherman Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide a minimum of $1,000 scholarship to one or more graduating seniors of New Bedford High School. Student must have attended the John Avery Parker School and awards will be given to the highest-ranking members of their graduating class.
Fairhaven Centurion Scholarship
The Fairhaven Centurion Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established in 2006, the school’s 100th anniversary, to provide four-year, $500 per year ($2,000 total) scholarships to selected Fairhaven High School graduating seniors. The Fairhaven Centurion Scholarships are awarded on a basis of demonstrated financial need and academic performance.
Francis S. Ferreira Scholarship
The Francis S. Ferreira Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual scholarships to Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School graduating seniors, and prior graduates, attending a two- or four- year college or university and pursuing an engineering or computer science degree.
Frank and Eleanor Gracie Family Scholarship
The Frank and Eleanor Gracie Family Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual college scholarships to selected New Bedford High School graduating seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university. This scholarship is awarded with consideration of both academic achievement and financial need.
Frank D. Sylvia Trust Scholarship
The Frank D. Sylvia Trust Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established by Frank D. Sylvia to honor the memory of his late son, Frank P. Sylvia. The Fund provides annual scholarships to deserving high school seniors with financial need who are residents of Dighton or Somerset.
George C. Decas Scholarship
The George C. Decas Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides scholarship awards to one or more graduating high school seniors residing in the town of Wareham, Massachusetts. Awards are made at least once annually. Awards made from the fund will provide support to recipients over four years, pending successful completion of each consecutive fall academic semester.
George Earl and Katherine Hartley Church Scholarship
George Earl and Katherine Hartley Church Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides annual scholarships to selected Acushnet, Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett, Massachusetts graduating seniors as well as any graduating senior from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, who wishes to pursue an LPN, RN, or BSN Nursing Degree while attending a two- or four-year accredited college or university.
Georgia and Constantine Decas Family Scholarship
The Georgia and Constantine Decas Family Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to one or more graduating high school senior(s) residing in the town of Wareham, Massachusetts. Awards are made at least once annually. Awards made from the Fund will provide support to recipients over four years, pending successful completion of each consecutive fall academic semester.
Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship
The Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides 5 four-year scholarships, up to $35,000. The Scholarships are distributed to graduating seniors from New Bedford Global Learning Charter School (1), New Bedford High School (3), and Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (1). Recipients must attend an accredited college or university and major in science fields including computer science, mathematics, and engineering.
John A. Conway MD Scholarship – Funding Wareham High School in 2023
The John A. Conway MD Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to accepted high school seniors at Wareham High School or Old Rochester Regional High School (alternating annually – 2024 will be a Wareham student) who excel in Math or Science or plan to pursue a degree in the STEM field at an accredited 4-year college or university. Scholarship recipients shall be selected based on 50% academic performance and 50% financial need.
Katelyn Dunner Fund
The Katelyn Dunner Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance to graduating Plymouth North High School seniors during their first year of college.
Katherine Hassan Penton – New Bedford Class of 1948 Scholarship
The Katherine Hassan Penton – New Bedford Class of 1948 Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to New Bedford High School graduating seniors pursuing a business degree at an accredited college or university. Katherine Penton was a high honors graduate of New Bedford High School and she and her late husband were successful in business having owned a fishing boat and residential real estate properties.
Kruger Scholarship Fund
For graduating students of New Bedford High School who are or will be attending institutions of higher education. May be awarded to the same individual for up to four years in a row.
Ladies’ Branch of the New Bedford Port Society Scholarship
The Ladies’ Branch of the New Bedford Port Society Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides awards to students whose families have documented ties to the sea or are the descendants of seamen. Scholarships may also be distributed to students who intend to major in maritime sciences, or plan to attend a maritime academy. Eligible students must reside in Acushnet, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, or Westport.
Leo R. and Muriel A. Lanouette Scholarship
The Leo R. and Muriel A. Lanouette Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to electrical engineering, computer science, or nursing students who have completed their first year at the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. Preference will be given to students enrolled in such disciplines who have matriculated from high schools in the greater Fall River or New Bedford areas.
Lipsky-Whittaker LGBTQ Scholarship
The Lipsky-Whittaker LGBTQ Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to graduates of New Bedford area (Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Fairhaven, New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Westport) high schools. Applicants must be under 24 years of age and currently enrolled in or accepted to a two or four-year accredited college. Criteria: students who identify as LGBTQ+ and have demonstrated their commitment to addressing issues of homophobia and LGBTQ+ inequality in their schools and/or community, and/or students who have been raised in LGBTQ+ households.
Louis M. Rusitzky Scholarship
The Louis M. Rusitzky Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual college scholarships to selected New Bedford High School graduating seniors who plan to major in business and related fields for tuition assistance during the first year attending a four-year accredited college or university.
Luther B. Bowman Scholarship
The Luther B. Bowman Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to accepted high school seniors of Westport High School who plan to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university.
Manuel S. Pina Scholarship
Manuel S. Pina Scholarship Fund was established by his son, Manny Pina, Jr., in honor of his father’s 100th birthday on September 4th, 2022. The intention of this scholarship is to help qualified Cape Verdean high school graduates to attend college, despite financial challenges. Awards made will provide $10,000 over four years to recipients from Wareham High School, Old Rochester Regional High School, and New Bedford High School of Cape Verdean descent. This scholarship will be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and civic engagement.
Mary Quinn Scholarship
The Mary Quinn Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarships to one or more graduating senior(s) from Plymouth North High School for tuition assistance while attending a two- or four-year accredited college or university.
Matthew “Matty” Ryan Oliveira Scholarship
The Matthew “Matty” Ryan Oliveira Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established by Kathleen and Matthew Oliveira to honor the memory of their late son, Matthew “Matty” Ryan Oliveira. The fund provides annual scholarships to accepted high school seniors from Fairhaven High School for tuition assistance at a two- or four-year college or university.
Nate King Memorial Scholarship
The Nate King Memorial Scholarship Fund provides one or more graduating seniors from New Bedford High School’s swim team with tuition assistance while attending a two- or four- year accredited college or university.
New Bedford Half Marathon Committee
The New Bedford Half Marathon Committee Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide college scholarships to graduating seniors who are runners participating in track, cross country or a related interscholastic athletic program from New Bedford High School, Dartmouth High School, or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
New Bedford Woman’s Club Scholarship
The New Bedford Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarships for tuition assistance during the first year at a two- or four-year accredited college or university. Scholarships are for graduating seniors of New Bedford High School or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School based on 50% financial need and 50% academic performance.
North Baptist Church of New Bedford Community Scholarship
This scholarship is intended for a graduating senior from New Bedford High School, Greater NB Regional Vocational High School, Fairhaven High School, and Bristol Agricultural High School, who plans to attend a two-year school, trade school, or school/certificate program in preparation for work in a trade or healthcare profession.
Olga R. Sylvia, Manuel Sylvia, and Iria R.S. Sylvia Scholarship
This fund was established to provide scholarships to: One student from New Bedford High School and one from Dartmouth High School who attends or will be attending an institution of higher learning. Scholarships can be renewed yearly.
Paul and Deborah Durland Scholarship
The Paul and Deborah Durland Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational for attendance at accredited 2- and 4- year colleges, graduate school, or trade programs. Students are eligible to receive this scholarship for all the years they attend post-secondary school. Criteria: Minimum GPA of 2.0, 60% based on financial need, 20% extracurricular activities or part-time job, 20% teacher references.
Paul F. Vecchi Memorial Scholarship
The Paul F. Vecchi Memorial Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual scholarships to Plymouth North and Plymouth South High School graduating seniors.
Robert F. Souza Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established to provide scholarship(s) to Somerset Berkley Regional High School graduating senior(s) who have participated in sports.
Samuel and Solomon Rusitzky Entrepreneurial Education
The Samuel and Solomon Rusitzky Entrepreneurial Education Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was created to provide annual college scholarships to selected New Bedford area adult workers seeking to improve their professional standing by pursuing higher educational opportunities related to their profession. The scholarships are awarded for tuition assistance while enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited college or university.
Sandra L. Castaldo Decas Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating seniors of Wareham High School who will continue their education in the arts.
Sgt. Ronald Bumpus Memorial Scholarship
The Sgt. Ronald Bumpus Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarship awards to graduating high school seniors from Wareham High School in their pursuit of higher education at a U.S. based accredited two- or four-year college or university. Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in physical education, physical therapy, or a related field. Eligible candidates are those with a demonstrated financial need and personal circumstance.
Somerset Insurance Underwriters Association Scholarship
Somerset Insurance Underwriters Association Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to students at Somerset Berkley Regional High School in their senior year for their attendance at an accredited 2- and 4-year college or University. This scholarship will be determined 40% on financial need, 40% on academic success, 20% on demonstration of citizenship.
Somerset Scholarship
The Somerset Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarships for tuition assistance to Somerset resident students planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university. One goal of the Somerset Scholarship Fund is to assist those students who may not normally qualify for other scholarships.
Thomas O. and Sarah F. Jackson Trust Award Scholarship
The Thomas O. and Sarah F. Jackson Trust Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance on an annually rotating basis to graduating Silver Lake, Carver, and Plymouth High School seniors during their first year of college. This year, recipients will be selected from Carver High School. Recipients must attend either the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or the University of Massachusetts, and preference is given to students majoring in an agricultural course of study.
Thomas S. Hathaway Scholarship
The Thomas S. Hathaway Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance for college, professional, or scientific educations at Harvard University (acceptance can be pending when you apply for this scholarship). Scholarships will be awarded, based on financial need, to one or more students residing in Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, New Bedford, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Wareham, or Westport.
The TJA Fund – Jordan Alves Memorial Scholarship (TJA)
The TJA Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual college scholarships for Dartmouth High School students. One $2,000 scholarship, in honor of Jordan Alves, will be awarded to an accepted high school senior at Dartmouth High School who plays soccer.
The TJA Fund – Trevor Alves Memorial Scholarship (TJA)
The TJA Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide annual college scholarships for Dartmouth High School students. One $2,000 scholarship, in honor of Trevor Alves, will be awarded to an accepted high school senior at Dartmouth High School.
Van Sloun Foundation Scholarship
The Van Sloun Foundation Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation will award two 4-year scholarships annually, of no less than $1,000 per year, to a graduating high school senior of Westport High School and Dartmouth High School.
Westport and Beyond – The Erika Hall Memorial Scholarship
The Erika Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to grant scholarships to Westport High School or Westport residents who graduated from sister schools (i.e., Diman Regional, Bristol County Agricultural, Bishop Connolly, or Bishop Stang High School). All scholarship applicants must be planning on attending a two- or four- year college or university.
William Tucker Keene Memorial Scholarship
The William Tucker Keene Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to students who understand that an education is one of the only things in life that can never be stolen or taxed.
Outside Scholarships Opportunities
These scholarships are administered outside the Community Foundation.
Colton-Khoo Scholarship
The Colton-Khoo Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation will be awarded to graduating Oliver Ames High School students who exemplify the Easton Public School core value of respecting and valuing diversity.
Dean Cassell Golf Scholarship
The Dean Cassell Golf Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to Kittansett Club employees to further their education in preparation for a career in the golf industry.
Gosnold Community Scholarship
The Gosnold Community Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance to individuals who have contributed to the Gosnold Community and who have demonstrated financial need to support their education pursuits.
Gregory G. Misodoulakis Scholarship
The Gregory G. Misodoulakis Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by his family to honor the memory of Gregory Misodoulakis. The annual scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Apponequet Regional High School who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the school community and who will pursue a liberal art and/ or education degree. Please contact the Apponequet High School guidance office.
Joseph X. Vasconcelos Memorial Foundation Scholarship
The Joseph X. Vasconcelos Memorial Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established in loving memory of Joseph X. Vasconcelos. Scholarships from this fund will be awarded to graduating high school seniors from Wareham High School.
Webb Family Scholarship
The Webb Family Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarships to Franklin High School graduating seniors for tuition assistance while attending a four-year college or university.