ALKU Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Mass Mentoring

Description **Program overview** The ALKU Scholarship is a $30,000 college scholarship established to support rising high school seniors in Massachusetts who are pursuing a four‑year bachelor’s degree. Founded to remove financial barriers and amplify the impact of sustained youth‑adult mentoring, the scholarship pairs financial support with recognition of leadership and community engagement. The award is administered by Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) in partnership with ALKU. Key takeaways - $30,000 total scholarship for eligible Massachusetts students. - For students intending to enroll in a four‑year accredited bachelor’s program. - Administered by Mass Mentoring Partnership in partnership with ALKU. History of the Award **Origin and purpose** The scholarship was created in 2015 by Mark Eldridge, ALKU’s founder and an MMP board member, to expand opportunities for mentored youth. Its purpose is to strengthen the capacity of mentoring organizations and help youth translate mentoring relationships into long‑term academic, economic, and social success. The award reflects Mark Eldridge’s leadership and ALKU’s commitment to mentoring. Key takeaways - Established in 2015 by Mark Eldridge. - Designed to amplify mentoring outcomes and remove financial barriers. - A collaboration between ALKU and Mass Mentoring Partnership. Eligibility **Who can apply** Applicants must be enrolled in a Massachusetts high school and be rising high school seniors (Class of 2027, i.e., students who will be seniors beginning Fall 2026). Applicants must intend to apply to a four‑year, accredited institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree beginning Fall 2027. Applicants must have an established, quality youth‑adult mentoring relationship of at least one year (mentor cannot be a parent or legal guardian). A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required to be eligible. Key takeaways - Must attend a Massachusetts high school and be a Class of 2027 rising senior. - Must plan to start a four‑year bachelor’s program in Fall 2027. - Must have a non‑parent mentor relationship of ≥1 year and a GPA ≥2.75. Application Requirements **Materials to submit** Applicants must complete their own application (mentors may assist). Required materials include one mentor letter of recommendation describing the mentoring relationship and the student’s goals, and one photograph of the applicant with their mentor (photo not shown to reviewers; may be requested later for event materials). Finalists will be required to provide a high school transcript to verify GPA. Only students with an expected high school graduation date of 2027 should apply. Key takeaways - Applicant completes the application; mentors can assist. - One mentor recommendation letter is required. - Photo with mentor is requested (may only be required if selected); transcript required for finalists. Evaluation Criteria **What reviewers consider** Applications are reviewed using a standardized rubric that prioritizes demonstrated financial need, motivation and commitment to attend college, the strength and impact of the mentoring relationship, and meaningful work/leadership or community involvement outside of school. Scoring emphasizes both the student’s potential and the role mentoring has played in their development. Reviewers are trained by MMP program staff to ensure consistent evaluation. Key takeaways - Primary criteria: need, college motivation, mentoring impact, and leadership/work experience. - Uses a standardized rubric and trained reviewers. - Focus on both potential and mentoring influence. Selection Process **How the scholar is chosen** After applications close, the ALKU Scholarship Committee receives applications with scoring rubrics and undergoes training before reviewing submissions. Committee members score all applications; MMP compiles results to identify the top 15, which are reviewed together for further discussion and voting to produce a top five. MMP’s CEO and ALKU’s founder then select the final scholar — the 2026 scholar will be chosen on October 28, 2026. Key takeaways - Committee uses trained reviewers and a standardized scoring process. - Top 15 applications receive group review; committee votes to select top 5. - CEO and ALKU founder make the final selection (finalist decision date: Oct 28, 2026). Award Value and Disbursement **Payment structure and allowable uses** The scholarship totals $30,000 and is intended strictly for educational expenses such as tuition, books, and other necessary college materials. Funds are disbursed in $3,750 increments once per semester across four consecutive years (eight disbursements total). The award must be used between Fall 2027 and Spring 2031; a one‑year extension may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Key takeaways - Total award: $30,000; disbursed at $3,750 per semester. - Eight disbursements over four consecutive academic years. - Funds must be used between Fall 2027 and Spring 2031; limited extensions possible. Recipient Obligations **Post‑award requirements** Awardees must sign the ALKU Scholarship Award Letter and a Media Consent Form (parent/guardian signature required if under 18). The scholar and their mentor are expected to attend MMP’s Cheers to Mentoring event on November 18, 2026, where the award will be presented. Recipients must participate in an annual meeting with previous ALKU scholars and submit yearly college GPA updates; scholars must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA to retain the award. Key takeaways - Signed award acceptance and media consent required. - Attendance at Cheers to Mentoring on Nov 18, 2026, with mentor is expected. - Annual scholar meetings and yearly GPA reporting required; minimum GPA of 2.75 to continue receiving funds. Accessibility and Citizenship Policy **Support and inclusivity** MMP aims to make the application process accessible to all applicants. For accessibility requests, accommodations, or other needs, contact Olivia Taylor at otaylor@massmentors.org. There is no citizenship requirement for the scholarship, and citizenship status will not be requested. Key takeaways - Accessibility support available via otaylor@massmentors.org. - No citizenship requirement and no citizenship questions in the application. - MMP welcomes requests for accommodations to ensure an equitable process. Timeline and Important Dates **Key milestones** Applicants should be rising seniors in the Class of 2027 (seniors starting Fall 2026) and intend to begin college Fall 2027. The committee review process culminates in a final selection on October 28, 2026; the award presentation is tied to the Cheers to Mentoring event on November 18, 2026. Scholarship funds are scheduled for use between Fall 2027 and Spring 2031. Key takeaways - Applicant cohort: rising seniors (Class of 2027) who will start college in Fall 2027. - Final scholar selection: Oct 28, 2026; award presentation: Nov 18, 2026. - Scholarship period: Fall 2027 through Spring 2031 (with possible one‑year extension). For questions or to request accommodations, contact: otaylor@massmentors.org.