ALKU Scholarship 2026 – $30,000 for Massachusetts Rising High School Seniors

The ALKU Scholarship, created in 2015 by ALKU CEO and Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) Board Member Mark Eldridge, is a $30,000 college scholarship for rising high school seniors in Massachusetts.

This scholarship provides financial support to youth who have been engaged in a quality mentoring relationship for at least one year and who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to their communities.

The application opens on 27 May 2026. If you are looking for similar opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: ALKU Scholarship

• Award Amount: $30,000 (for educational pursuits such as tuition, books, and college expenses)

• Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (Class of 2027) enrolled in a Massachusetts high school

• Application Opens: 27 May 2026

• Application Deadline: 25 September 2026

• Winner Announced: 28 October 2026

For students seeking other funded programs in North America, check latest scholarships in USA for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ALKU Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a high school within Massachusetts

• Be a rising high school senior (Class of 2027 – starting senior year in Fall 2026)

• Be applying to a four‑year, accredited institution to acquire a Bachelor’s degree in any field

• Have been engaged in a quality mentoring relationship for at least one year (with any adult except a parent or legal guardian – someone who provides caring, consistent guidance and support)

• Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to their communities

Note: There is no citizenship requirement. The scholarship does not inquire about citizenship status.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the Mass Mentoring Partnership website at MassMentors.org/Scholarships.

Step 2: Review the application questions (available as Word Doc or PDF downloads).

Step 3: Complete the online application when it opens on 27 May 2026.

Step 4: Ensure your application addresses the eligibility criteria, including your mentoring relationship, leadership skills, and community commitment.

Step 5: Submit your application before the deadline on 25 September 2026.

Step 6: Applications are reviewed by the ALKU Scholarship Committee. The top 15 applicants are discussed, and the committee votes on the top 5. MMP’s CEO and ALKU’s CEO then review the top 5 and select the 2026 ALKU Scholar on 28 October 2026.

For applicants with accessibility needs, contact Olivia Taylor at otaylor@massmentors.org.

For additional financial aid options across North America, explore financial aids for students in North America.

Selection Process

After applications close, they are distributed to the ALKU Scholarship Committee along with scoring rubrics and score sheets. Committee members undergo training by the MMP Program Services Team prior to scoring applications. The Committee reviews and scores all applications using a standardized rubric. After the first round of review, MMP compiles the scores to identify the top 15 applications. Those applications are presented to the committee as a group, with the main reviewers providing additional insight and leading discussions. The Committee then votes and decides on the top 5 applicants. Finally, MMP’s CEO and ALKU’s CEO review the top 5 applications and choose the 2026 ALKU Scholar on 28 October 2026.

Scholarship Use

The $30,000 award must be used for the student’s educational pursuits, such as college tuition, books, or other materials and expenses necessary for college.

Final Thoughts

The ALKU Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for Massachusetts rising high school seniors who have benefited from a mentoring relationship and demonstrated leadership and community commitment. With a $30,000 award, this scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of college.

The application opens on 27 May 2026 – prepare your materials and apply by 25 September 2026.

For a complete list of open scholarships in North America, visit list of all open scholarships in North America.

Apply Now for ALKU Scholarship 2026