Moving to College Scholarships

 The Moving to College Scholarship is a new pilot program designed to support Massachusetts unaccompanied homeless youth as they transition to, progress through, and complete a college education. Scholarships for up to 20 students are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Moving to Work program administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, with additional support provided by the Department of Higher Education, the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth and Young Adult Commission and participating campuses.

What's Covered

• Year-round, On-campus Housing
• Meal plans
• Case management and other support services

What's Not Covered

• Tuition & fees
• Books and supplies
• Transportation

Student Eligibility

• Must be Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) income eligible. HCV uses 50% AMI for Individual Income limits. Guideline details can be found at: HUD User: Income Limits page.
• Must meet HUD's definition of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth  or have recently aged out of foster care and meet HUD's criteria of an independent student.
• Provide a letter verifying homelessness written by applicant's school district's homeless liaison or service provider.
• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident/green card holder (requirement because scholarships are paid using federal dollars).

Other Requirements

• Applicant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Applicant must provide proof of enrollment at a participating institution no later than July 1.
• Applicant must maintain full-time enrollment (12 or more credits) in a degree-seeking program and maintain passing grades in order to be eligible for a renewed scholarship. In some instances, campuses may grant a waiver to a student who, for a variety of reasons, may need to temporarily reduce his/her/ their course load.
• While there is no GPA requirement, students must maintain academic and behavioral standing as defined by the campuses where they are enrolled and (if different) reside.
• Applicant must agree to meet regularly with a member of the Moving to College support team to develop academic year, summer and post-graduation plans.
• Applicant is required to choose one of the following options during Summer terms: 1. remain enrolled in at least two courses, 2. work full-time, or 3. enroll in one course and work part-time.

Applications accepted starting March 1Scholarship notifications starting April 1

Participating Campuses

Community Colleges

• Berkshire Community CollegeAdmissions: 413-236-1630Financial Aid: 413-236-1640
• Massachusetts Bay Community CollegeAdmissions: 781-239-2500Financial Aid: 781-239-2600
• Mount Wachusett Community CollegeAdmissions: 978-630-9110Financial Aid: 978-630-9169
• North Shore Community CollegeAdmissions: 978-762-4188Financial Aid: 978-762-4189

State Universities

• Fitchburg State UniversityAdmissions: 800-705-9692Financial Aid: 978-665-3156
• Framingham State UniversityAdmissions: 508-626-4500Financial Aid: 508-626-4534
• Massachusetts College of Liberal ArtsAdmissions: 413-662-5410Financial Aid: 413-662-5219
• Salem State UniversityAdmissions: 978-542-6200Financial Aid: 978- 542-611

Moving to College ApplicationQuestions? Contact Sarah.E.Slautterback@mass.gov 

Last Updated: February 12, 2021