Marian L. Heard Scholarship

An opportunity earned, a bright future within reach.

“You have been selected as one of this year’s Marian L. Heard Scholars.” Those are life-changing words.

The Marian L. Heard Scholars Program provides first-generation college students with up to $10,000 over the four years they attend college. In addition, scholarship recipients get their own “e-Coach,” a United Way volunteer who provides advice and support throughout their collegiate journey.

About the Scholars Program

Created as a legacy in honor of Marian L. Heard’s service as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the scholarship recognizes her contributions to the organization and commitment to fostering leadership in young people.

Scholars have a history of participating in United Way partner agencies’ programs and/or the Youth Venture program. All of our young applicants must meet specific selection criteria eligibility requirements in order to qualify, including being an active member of a United Way partner agency for at least two years, or participating in Youth Venture.

GET INVOLVED

If you’re looking to be a part of a scholar’s journey, you can become a volunteer e-Coach. As an MLH e-Coach, you will support your Scholar through each year of their college career, and together you’ll work toward the ultimate goal of college graduation. You’ll stay in regular contact via email with your scholar, helping them navigate classes, extracurriculars, internships, and other opportunities.

An e-Coach provides scholars with important mentorship, helps them navigate college life, tackle new challenges, and you’ll help them establish a working plan that can guide them until they walk up to the stage and reach their goals of graduating college with a plan for their future.

Introducing the Marian L. Heard Scholars Class of 2020!

View the Marian L. Heard Scholars Program Handbook here (PDF).

To apply for the scholarship, please follow this link and register an account. The student applying must register on the survey monkey application site. Once the student registers, the student will need to add a “collaborator” on the site who should be the staff person from the United Way partner who is nominating the student for the scholarship. 

For more information on the Marian L. Heard Scholars Program or to inquire about becoming an e-Coach, contact Sam Zito at szito@unitedwaymassbay.org.