This featured guest piece is an excerpt of our October 2025 newsletter.

Dear MCSW Community:  

When times feel uncertain, I look for the helpers and for opportunities to make a difference. That’s why I’m so excited to share that our MCSW Scholarship Program is returning—back by popular demand! 

In honor of our 25th Anniversary, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) first launched our inaugural MCSW scholarship program to invest in the education of women of the Commonwealth. Due to the success of the program and keeping in line with our mission to build the next generation of women leaders here in the Commonwealth, our scholarship is now a feature program! Here at the MCSW, we’re committed to investing in women. 

The program’s objective is to support emerging woman leaders in Massachusetts to continue their education journey to leadership and economic empowerment. Designed to support woman-identifying students already enrolled in or committed to a Massachusetts Public Higher Education Institution, scholarships will be available to help both traditional and nontraditional students complete their degree. 

The MCSW will award 5 individuals with a scholarship of $5000 each for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants must currently be enrolled in or committed to an accredited degree or certificate program in a Massachusetts Public High Education Institution. Mark your calendars – applications for the 26-27 academic sponsorship year will open November 3, 2025, and all applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Friday January 2, 2026. We’ll celebrate the 5 scholarship recipients at a scholarship banquet to be held in May 2026.  

All funds awarded are provided by the MCSW Trust Fund, supported by the generosity of donors all across the state who believe in investing in women. Sponsorship opportunities for the scholarship banquet are now available, and we ask for your individual or organization support to financially support this crucial program providing pathways to education attainment. 

In times like these, we must all stick together. Please consider making a financial contribution, sponsoring a student, or sharing the application with someone you know when it becomes available. Here at the MSCW, we’re committed to creating MORE pathways for the women and girls of the Commonwealth to succeed, not less.  

In solidarity,

Shaitia Spruell
Executive Director Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW)

Shaitia Spruell, a proud Black and Puerto Rican woman from Springfield, MA who now resides in Lancaster, serves as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). In this capacity, she leads efforts to advance equity for women and girls across the state, working with State Commissioners to set and achieve goals that promote fundamental rights and opportunities for all.

Read our October 2025 Regional Spotlight