The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1972 by the Massachusetts State Legislature to recruit students in the 10th and 11th grades whose socio-economic backgrounds and environmental conditions may inhibit their ability to attain educational goals. The students that are selected for this program must have overcome major adversity in their lives (i.e. physical or mental abuse, catastrophic illness, etc.). Obstacles may be mental, physical, geographic or societal.

Massachusetts students who demonstrate academic promise and desire to attend post-secondary institutions may receive up to 50%  of their calculated need at the college of their choice within the continental United States.

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• Physically reside in Massachusetts 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 a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Exhibit difficult personal circumstances, high financial need, and strong academic promise to continue education beyond the secondary level.
• Be enrolled in the 10th or 11th grade in a public or private secondary school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

A Herter Scholar Recipient must also meet the following requirements:

• Upon graduation from high school, be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in an eligible program as defined by the institution.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or another state-approved equivalent form, annually for consideration of assistance by any designated deadline, as may be determined by the Department of Higher Education and comply with financial aid verification requirements in either the FAFSA or the alternative state-approved form, as applicable.

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