Level the playing field.

Since 1999, TPI has partnered with foundations, companies, and other funders to create scholarship and college success programs that are transforming the lives of young people throughout the United States and beyond. While some of these programs provide conventional scholarships based on specific criteria, TPI has also pioneered the creation of innovative models designed to help students succeed in college and beyond. These more intensive programs provide a comprehensive set of supports including flexible financial resources, mentoring, academic support, peer networking, and enrichment opportunities. TPI’s college success programs help to level the playing field for young people who may be the first generation in their family to attend college and who face significant financial and other challenges, enabling these students to succeed in completing college and pursue their post-graduate interests. Programs designed, managed, and administered by TPI are detailed below. Program details are subject to change.

Are you a student?

Click a program name below for program overviews, new student and renewal application
information, program handbooks, and other program-related forms.

Programs and Applications

Ann Theodore Foundation Scholarship Program

Open to students from Roosevelt and North Babylon, New York and Manchester, New Hampshire who have substantial unmet financial need at the college they choose to attend.

The Ann Theodore Foundation Scholarship Program opens the door to post-secondary education opportunities for youth and adults by making college affordable for low-income students who have a desire to attain a college degree or a trade certificate. Students accepted into the program receive scholarships of up to $20,000 annually for up to four years, plus mentoring and funding for enrichment opportunities.

Click here to learn more.

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • High school senior or adult resident of either Roosevelt (NY), North Babylon (NY), or Manchester (NH), or graduate of a high school in one of the three towns who is applying to attend or currently attending a two-year school, trade school, or four-year college (part-time or full-time)
  • Priority will be given to applicants with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $12,000 or lower or with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of under $125,000. The SAI can be found on the FAFSA Submission Summary, or the AGI can be found on the applicant’s family’s most recent 1040 tax form.
  • Substantial unmet need of at least $10,000 beyond what is being offered in college financial aid and other scholarships, as determined by college financial aid award letter and after considering the student’s expected family contribution.
  • Must be a US citizen, US permanent resident (aka green card holder), or DACA or TPS recipient
  • The program aims to support students who are choosing an affordable college option.
  • Applicants must be able to clearly articulate how this scholarship will impact their life and goals and have a drive to meet these goals through further education.
  • Applicants must exhibit good citizenship and a commitment to building and investing in their community.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
PLUS FUND GUIDELINES>>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>
ATF HANDBOOK FOR CURRENT STUDENTS >>

Barowsky Scholars

Supports students from Maine who are planning to attend a four-year college to obtain their bachelor’s degree.

The Barowsky Scholars program seeks to support students who are interested in honing their careful listening, civic discourse, facilitation, and negotiation skills to become leaders that build trust and find common ground across people and groups with differing views and experiences. 

The scholarship is funded by the Andrew P. Barowsky Foundation and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI). 

Click here to learn more. 

Eligibility Requirements:  

  • US citizen and current resident of Maine. 
  • High school senior or recent high school graduate. 
  • Enrolling as a full-time, first-year student in a competitive four-year degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university in the US. 
  • Strong academic record in high school. 
  • Motivated to excel in college and make a difference in their community and in society overall. 
  • Plans to complete one economics course and two of the following courses prior to completing college: accounting, finance, history, or psychology. 
  • Demonstrates a commitment to reasoned, rational thinking, an ability to collaborate and work across differences, and a desire to deploy those skills in furtherance of civic engagement. 
  • Involved in a balance of community, school, and work activities. 
  • Planning to live on campus (e.g., in university organized housing or student group organized housing) and to attend classes in-person to receive and to renew the scholarship. 
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

The Blair Family AvalonBay College Scholarship

Open only to children of full-time AvalonBay associates.

The Blair Family AvalonBay College Scholarship program is open only to children of full-time AvalonBay associates. 

The Blair Family AvalonBay College Scholarship offers up to $25,000 per year to children of full-time AvalonBay associates who excel academically, are actively engaged in extracurricular and/or community activities and have substantial financial need. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years provided the student remains in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Scholarship amounts are determined based on financial need and the financial aid package awarded by the institution the student plans to attend. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Applicants must be dependent children (defined as children, stepchildren, or legal wards supported principally by the associate parent/guardian) of full-time, regular associates of AvalonBay as of the date of the initial scholarship award and the AvalonBay associate must have had full-time employment status for at least one year prior to the date of the award. Scholarship recipients who remain in good academic standing are eligible to receive up to an additional three years of support after the initial award while pursuing an undergraduate degree whether or not a parent is still employed by Avalon Bay. 
  • Recipients must be pursuing a four-year degree at an undergraduate college or university within the US accredited by one of the national or regional institutional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 
  • Applicants must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen (eligible to receive federal financial aid) and must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
  • The scholarship is targeted primarily for families with substantial financial need. Applicants will be required to submit family financial information similar to that provided when seeking financial aid. All scholarship applications will be reviewed by an outside review committee that is independent of AvalonBay. 
  • Applicants must be planning to enroll full-time in an accredited undergraduate institution in the fall of the upcoming academic year. They must be seniors in high school or currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate institution. 
  • Students attending graduate school are not eligible to receive a scholarship through this program. 
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

College Success Program (CSP)

The College Success Program accepts applicants by invitation only.

The College Success Program (CSP) is designed to help selected talented, hard-working, and motivated low-income students who have participated in the AVID Program in New York City to achieve their greatest potential in college. The program works closely with a small number of students, providing them with targeted financial and social supports that will help them to excel academically and to dream and plan for a meaningful career and life beyond college. The College Success Program is funded by an anonymous donor.

CVS Health Foundation Scholarship Program for Children of Full-time CVS Health Colleagues

Open only to children of full-time CVS Health employees.

CVS Health has a long tradition of supporting the academic aspirations of young scholars. One of the ways we achieve this is by offering children of full-time colleagues the opportunity to apply for a CVS Health Foundation Scholarship, funded by the CVS Health Foundation. Our Children of Colleagues Scholarship Program aims to help support our full-time colleague’s children in their pursuit of higher education by relieving the financial burden. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited school in the United States; the program does not offer support to students attending graduate school. Scholarship award amounts will be up to $7,500.

Award amounts are determined based on school costs and financial need. There are a limited number of $1,000 merit-based scholarships available for students who have no demonstrated financial need but have an exceptional academic record. Applicants must include a copy of their FAFSA Submission Summary if they would like financial need to be considered as part of their application. Due to an IRS regulation on scholarship funding by corporations for children of colleagues, the program is required to limit the number of scholarships awarded to a maximum of 25% of applications received.

An independent review committee made up of higher education and financial aid professionals will select scholarship recipients. The committee will take into consideration academic achievement, financial need, talent and leadership qualities, extracurricular activities, work experience, community service as well as a recommendation letter and written essay. Students who receive a scholarship are invited to apply for scholarships in subsequent years, with the knowledge that the application will be reviewed in the context of each year’s pool of applicants in keeping with the IRS limitations of scholarships awarded.

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • The student is a dependent child of a full-time CVS Health colleague. Children are defined as natural and legally adopted children, stepchildren, or foster children under legal guardianship of the CVS Health colleague parent/guardian.
  • The student is either a high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled during the 2024-25 school year in a 2- or 4-year accredited U.S. based college, junior college or university leading to a recognized undergraduate degree. The student must be planning to attend school both semesters in order to be eligible for the program.
  • The student’s parent is a full-time colleague (30 plus hours per week) at the application deadline.
  • The student must be under age 25 at the time of the application deadline. 
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>
FAQ >>

Harrison Scholarship

Open to students from Massachusetts who receive Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) scholarship support.

The Harrison Scholarship aims to make college affordable to students who receive Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) scholarship support and help these students reach their full potential. The program is funded by an anonymous donor and administered by TPI. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • US citizens or non-citizens eligible to apply for FAFSA. 
  • Permanent resident of Massachusetts. 
  • Senior or recent high school graduate who is currently receiving or has received Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) scholarship support. 
  • Adjusted Gross Family Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less.
  • Unmet need of at least $5,000 beyond what is being offered in college financial aid and other scholarships, as determined by college financial aid award letter and after considering the student’s expected family contribution.
  • Enrolling as a first-year student in a competitive four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private, or public college or university full-time.
  • Strong academic record in high school. 
  • Involved in a balance of community, school, and work activities. 
  • Motivated to excel in college. 
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

Once you create an account and login, there will be an opportunity to enter an access code at the top of the page. Please enter: 2024

Janey Scholars

Accepts applications by nomination and recommendation only.

Janey Scholars gives students a unique opportunity to build a foundation for success in life. Janey Scholars helps ensure that once students get to college, they can pursue their goals and dreams. The program provides flexible and individualized financial and social supports that help students excel academically, explore extracurricular activities, dream and plan for meaningful careers, and develop the skills to secure long-term financial independence. The financial supports fill gaps and open opportunities – books, computers, tutoring, study abroad, career building summer internships, and more. The social supports surround students with a network of caring adults and peers who encourage, guide, and inspire each Scholar. Scholars are paired with volunteer mentors who are a resource and a sounding board to help students navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and think boldly about their futures. Janey Scholar alumni are deeply engaged and offer exceptional career guidance and support. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students from Boston (preference for Boston Public School students) with an outstanding academic record attending a highly competitive college 
  • Adjusted Gross Family Income of $65,000 or less 
  • Strong financial aid package with no more than $5,000 in loans per year (including family and student contributions) 
  • US citizens and non-citizens are welcome to apply 
  • Ability to articulate goals and future plans 
  • Evidence of commitment to service and community 
  • Students who will not be receiving significant mentoring and financial supports from other scholarships (e.g., Posse, Thrive Scholars, Upward Project, Gates) 

Leg Up Scholarship Program

Open to any student from Chelsea, East Boston, Revere, Lynn, or Medford, Massachusetts who meet the eligibility criteria listed below.

The Leg Up Scholarship program is a scholarship program that aims to support students from Chelsea, East Boston, Revere, Lynn, or Medford, Massachusetts to excel in college and launch their careers. It is a unique scholarship program that provides flexible and individualized financial and social support to students to help them maximize their academic and social experiences in college and to achieve their long-term goals. Leg Up Scholars graduate from college prepared to take on life’s challenges and opportunities and do so with limited to no student debt. 

The program is funded by Doreen Portnoy Bilezikian, born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI). 

Eligibility Requirements:  

  • U.S. citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents
  • Permanent resident of Chelsea, East Boston, Revere, Lynn, or Medford Massachusetts
  • Excellent financial aid award package at college/university
  • No more than approximately $5,000 in loans per year or $20,000 over their college career 
  • Senior or recent high school graduate who will be enrolling as a first-year student in a competitive four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university full-time in 2024-25
  • Superior academic record in high school, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 (based upon a max 4.0 or equivalent) 
  • Involved in a balance of community, school, and work activities 
  • Motivated to excel in college
  • Students who will not be receiving significant financial and mentoring supports from other programs (e.g. Posse, Thrive Scholars, Upward Project, Gates)
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

Once you create an account and log in, there should be an opportunity to enter an Access Code at the top of the page. Please enter: LEGUP24

Manton Scholars Program

Open to any student who meets the eligibility requirements listed below and who has been negatively impacted by the death or serious illness/incapacitation of an immediate family member.

The Manton Scholars Program supports students who are planning to pursue higher education and whose families have been significantly and negatively affected by the death or serious illness/incapacitation of a primary income earner or immediate family member. Scholars selected into the program will be eligible for up to four years of scholarship support at a two- or four-year accredited college or university, or a trade school with a demonstrated track record of successfully placing graduates in long-term jobs. Schools must be in the US or Canada. Students attending graduate school are not eligible. Scholarships will be up to $30,000 annually. Award size is based on unmet financial need. 

 Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Eligible students must either: (1) attend school in or be residents of one of these Massachusetts towns for the last three years or more: Carlisle, Concord, Dover, Fall River, Maynard, Medway, Natick, Sherborn, Wayland, Westport; (2) be enrolled for the last three years at one of these schools: Dana Hall School, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Groton School, St. Mark’s School, or Worcester Technical High School; (3) be a child of a faculty or staff (full or part-time) of a private or public high school in the listed towns or at one of the listed schools. Parents must have/had a length of employment of 3 or more years at the school.
  • Family’s financial situation has been significantly and negatively affected by the death or serious illness/incapacitation of a primary wage earner or immediate family member (e.g., parent/caregiver, sibling). Qualifying circumstances include those that are sudden, unexpected, and health-related, such as cancer, stroke, brain injury, or severe mental illness. Exclusions include chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, etc.), developmental disabilities (e.g., autism), and substance abuse. 
  • Must be a US citizen or non-citizen eligible to receive federal financial aid. 
  • Substantial unmet need as determined by college financial aid award letter or other documents (applicants will likely not know this at time of application). 
  • Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Note: Students who are already enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution may apply if they meet all of the other eligibility criteria. 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

Mary Cafolla Wallace Nursing Scholarship Program

Open to adult students residing in Massachusetts who are pursuing a second career in nursing, to obtain their Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The Mary Cafolla Wallace Nursing Scholarship Program is a new scholarship that aims to support adult students residing in Massachusetts, who are pursuing a second career in nursing, to obtain their Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Mary Cafolla Wallace was the child of Italian immigrants who persevered to become a registered nurse in 1951. She was a strong patient advocate and believed in the healing powers of a good nurse. She had a long and varied career in nursing, caring for patients from the beginning to the end of life. Her friends, family and former patients described her after her death as a nurse’s nurse; smart, professional, collaborative and caring, with a wicked sense of humor. She always believed that people could have a second act; reinvent themselves to better their lives with assistance from others. This scholarship honors her by extending help to adult learners who wish to become a nurse. 

The ideal candidate will have some experience in the medical field and strong desire to become a nurse.  This scholarship and support program seeks to identify students, where additional financial support will make a difference in their ability to fulfill their goal of obtaining a degree and becoming a nurse.  

The program is funded by the Timothy and Deborah Moore Charitable Foundation and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI).

The Award:

  • Multi-year renewable scholarship to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies and educational expenses at accredited, not-for-profit, nursing schools in New England.
  • Scholarship amounts will be determined based on the financial aid award package the student receives from the school they choose to attend and their unmet financial need. Scholarship amounts will be up to $20,000 per year.

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Current residents of Massachusetts who are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
  • Adults ages 24-55.
  • Planning to pursue a second career in nursing and obtain either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
  • Must already have an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, and plan to or are currently studying nursing.
  • Entering or currently enrolled in nursing school.
  • Must have an unmet financial need.
  • Preference will be given to students with experience in a medical setting.
  • Strong academic record in the sciences (GPA of 3.0 or higher in science courses)
  • Planning to attend a not-for-profit, accredited nursing school in one the following states: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, or VT in the fall of 2024.
  • Hybrid programs (with a combination of online and in person classes) are eligible, provided most nursing classes are taken in person.

Renewal:

Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon the student maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent) and having unmet financial need. Recipients of the scholarship will be required to complete a short renewal application annually to receive the scholarship for the following year.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

Once you create an account and log in, there should be an opportunity to enter an Access Code at the top of the page. Please enter: NURSING24

Progress Software Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM

Open to anyone who identifies as a woman from Massachusetts who is planning to major in computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems in college.

The Progress Software Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM was created to commemorate Mary Székely (pronounced: “See-kay”), who served as the company’s co-founder and lead technologist for more than 30 years. Mary was instrumental in Progress becoming known as the trusted provider of infrastructure software products – a charge that Progress continues to this day. She had a deep love for math and science and was influential in the industry at a time when women pursuing careers in STEM were rare. Mary passed away in June 2019 but left an indelible mark on those who had the opportunity to work with her. 

Progress will award one four-year renewable scholarship of $10,000 annually to a student who identifies as a woman from Massachusetts who is planning to major in computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems in college. They must also exemplify Mary Székely’s qualities, including, but not limited to a strong work ethic; high personal integrity; passion for learning. Each recipient must have the desire to become what Mary Székely was: a leader, mentor, and innovator.

For the purpose of this scholarship, STEM is defined as computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems.

Eligibility Requirements: 

The Progress Software Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM scholarship recipient must meet the following eligibility requirements. The candidate must: 

  • Identify as a woman 
  • Be a resident of Massachusetts and a US citizen or permanent resident eligible for federal financial aid 
  • Plan to major in computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems 
  • Have a financial need 
  • Be a high school senior OR high school graduate who plans to enroll OR is currently enrolled in an accredited university, college, community college, or trade school 
  • Have a cumulative high school unweighted GPA above 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) 
  • Have a desire to make meaningful contributions in the fields of computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

Once you create an account and log in, there should be an opportunity to enter an Access Code at the top of the page. Please enter: MARY

Red Pine Scholars Program

Open to high school seniors and recent graduates from Massachusetts who have demonstrated academic excellence and are planning to attend competitive colleges as freshmen.

The Red Pine Scholars Program is dedicated to making college affordable for Massachusetts families and helping students reach their full potential. Red Pine supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Massachusetts who have demonstrated academic excellence and are planning to attend competitive colleges as freshmen. If accepted into the program, students receive a four-year scholarship of up to $20,000 annually, plus individual mentoring, funding for enrichment opportunities, and other supports throughout college. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • US citizens and non-citizens are welcome to apply.  
  • Permanent resident of Massachusetts.  
  • Students must be able to prove their financial need for the scholarship via tax documents or enrollment in government support programs, and by filling out the FAFSA. 
  • Adjusted gross family income (AGI) of $110,000 or less (as shown on your most recent tax returns). 
  • Substantial unmet need (at least $5,000) as determined by college financial aid award letter (you will likely not know this at time of application). 
  • Senior at accredited high school in Massachusetts. 
  • Enrolling as a full-time freshman to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a four-year college with a strong track record of supporting students through graduation and into successful careers. 
  • Strong academic record (enrolled in a demanding, college-prep course of study). 
  • Involved in a balance of community, school, and work activities. 
  • Ability to articulate goals and future plans.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>

Thermo Fisher Scientific Children of Employees Scholarship

Open only to children of full-time Thermo Fisher Scientific employees.

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s mission is to enable its customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. One way that it fulfills this mission is by being a socially responsible community partner and a promoter of academic excellence. As part of its corporate philanthropy strategy, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a merit- and need-based scholarship program for the children of full-time employees to encourage their pursuit of higher education and support their academic goals.

The Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholarship Program for Children of Employees is a competitive program that provides financial grants to eligible children who are pursuing a college degree. The program offers renewable scholarships covering up to four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States or the United Kingdom. Renewal applications for current scholarship recipients will be available in the spring. All current scholarship recipients will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to apply for renewal.

The program is administered by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI), an operating unit of The Boston Foundation, in accordance with federal rules applicable to employer-related scholarship programs. In compliance with IRS regulations, the number of scholarships granted will be equal to or less than 25% of the eligible applications received each year. Scholarships will be granted without regard to race, color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be dependent children* of active, full-time employees of Thermo Fisher as of the date of the scholarship award. The employee must have been employed full-time by the company for six consecutive months prior to the application deadline. Children of career band thirteen (13) employees are not eligible for the program.
  • Applicants must be pursuing, or planning to pursue, a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at an accredited undergraduate college or university in the United States or the United Kingdom.
  • Recipients must be scheduled to enroll, or already enrolled, full-time in the college or university for the upcoming academic year.

*Dependent children are defined as natural and legally adopted children or stepchildren living in the employee’s household or primarily supported by the employee.

ONLINE APPLICATION >>
PROGRAM GUIDELINES >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION (US) >>
SAMPLE APPLICATION (UK) >>

Yawkey Scholars Program

Currently only accepting renewal applications for current Yawkey Scholars.

The Yawkey Scholars Program has provided nearly $16 million in college tuition support to more than 380 Scholars since its inception in 2005. Currently, the intake of new applications for rising first-year college students is on pause to allow for a strategic review of the program and thoughtful consideration of future plans for the most meaningful, impactful manner of investing the Foundation’s resources to perpetuate the Yawkeys’ deep commitment to education. The Yawkey Foundation will continue to provide robust resources – mentoring, guidance, and tuition scholarship funding – to make college affordable for the talented and motivated currently-designated Yawkey Scholars. Additionally, the Yawkey Foundation remains committed to strengthening existing partnerships with nonprofit grantees providing college access, persistence, and success, as well as with the colleges and universities stewarding Yawkey-named endowments that invest more than $600,000/year in need-based tuition and nonprofit internship stipends at Boston College, Boston University, Emmanuel College, Stonehill College, and Yale University.

The Yawkey Scholars Program will continue supporting current students in the program in Massachusetts and South Carolina through graduation. Information about the renewal application process will be available in Spring 2024.