One Family Scholarship Program

*The following is a brief description for students. Institutions should refer to the most recent guidelines for information.

The One Family Scholarship Program was established by the Massachusetts Legislature to assist heads of households in achieving their academic goals. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide the opportunity for a permanent path out of poverty through the pursuit of higher education. Recipients of this scholarship receive an integrated network of services through the non-profit organization, One Family, Inc., whose mission is to serve residents of the Commonwealth who are low-income and homeless, or have experienced homelessness within the prior year.

Who is Eligible?

To receive scholarship funds, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy; and
• Have approved eligibility status as a “High School Completer,” ¹ per the Massachusetts tuition equity law, ² or be a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
• Have applied for financial aid, using the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a FAFSA equivalent application authorized by the Department of Higher Education.
• Be enrolled full- or part-time, in a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at an eligible institution.
• Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
• Qualify as a head-of-household, with children under age 18
• At risk of homelessness, based on federal poverty standards, or has experienced homelessness within the previous 12 months
• Be an active participant of One Family, Inc., services and activities, including the Leadership Seminar program

¹ See www.mass.edu/tuitionequity for more details.

² Pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 15A, as amended by Section 11 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023.

Eligible Institutions

A public, private, independent, profit or non-profit postsecondary institution in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized to offer undergraduate degrees or certificate programs. The institution must be accredited and eligible to participate in the federal Title IV programs.

Award Amounts

Scholarships may be awarded to cover tuition and fees and related living expenses during the period of enrollment. The value of the tuition and fee portion of the scholarship, in combination with other financial aid, may not exceed the recipient’s cost of attendance as determined by the institution.

How to Apply

All applications go through One Family, Inc. To find out more and apply to the program, go to their website here.

All applicants must also fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can file your FAFSA electronically here.

One Family, Inc., Scholarship Program Guidelines