MCSW Scholarship Program
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. We’re thriled to announce that due to the success of the program and in line with our mission to build the next generation of women leaders here in the Commonwealth, that our scholarship is now a feature program!
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. The funds from this scholarship will go towards tuition, fees, books and related supplies or equipment for study. 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.
Our Goals:
- Support 5 emerging woman leaders who need support in completing their education.
- Increase awareness of the role of MCSW advancing rights and opportunities for the girls and young women of the Commonwealth.
- Build the MCSW pathway for future women advocates to aid in our collective power to shed light on issues (and solutions) pertaining to advancement of the girls of the commonwealth.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:
- Current resident of Massachusetts
- Provide Candidate Endorsement Letter
- Woman-identifying student enrolled in (or committed to) a degree-granting program track, either associate, bachelors, or masters, at a Massachusetts Public Higher Education Institution (Defined as the system of educational institutions in MA, comprised of 29 total campuses divided into three segments: 15 community colleges, nine state universities and the five University of Massachusetts campuses).
Application Timeline:
- November 2025: Scholarship Application portal for 2026-2027 school year opens November 3, 2025.
- December 2025: Rolling applications accepted
- January 2026: Application portal closes. All Applications shall be received by 11:59 pm on Friday January 2, 2026.
- February 2026: Application review, final decisions by February 27, 2026.
- March 2026: Scholarship recipients announced, tickets for scholarship banquet become available.
- May 2026: Ticket sales for scholarship banquet end May 1, 2025.
- Scholarship Banquet Celebration May 2025.
- July-August 2026: Award Disbursements for 2026-2027 academic year
Questions?
If you have questions, email mscw@mass.gov for additional information.
Give Today
Your support makes it possible to invest in the next generation of women leaders. Give a donation today to the MCSW and your generous support will support women going back to school to complete their education, pursue their passions, and lead the next generation of Massachusetts so all can thrive.
Learn more about becoming a sponsor of our annual scholarship banquet.
MCSW is a 509(a)(1) Independent Massachusetts State Agency charged with reviewing the status of women in Massachusetts and offering recommendations regarding policy that would improve access to opportunities and equality. Tax ID 04-6002284.