Massachusetts Future Leaders Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation

Description **Purpose:** The Future Leaders Scholarship identifies and supports high school student-athletes who demonstrate leadership potential and intent to continue their education. Administered by the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation in partnership with Bay State Games, the program spotlights young leaders emerging from school, sport, and community involvement. The scholarship is competitive and seeks candidates who combine academic achievement with extracurricular and community service commitments. Selection emphasizes traits that predict success in business, education, and community leadership. Key takeaways: - Targets high school student-athletes with leadership potential. - Administered by the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation / Bay State Games. - Focus on academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and community service. - Purpose is to support continued education and future leadership development. Eligibility **Who may apply:** Applicants must be members of the class of 2027 and either residents of Massachusetts or students at a Massachusetts secondary school. Prior participation in the Bay State Winter or Summer Games is recommended but not required. The program accepts applicants statewide and assigns applicants to one of three regions for evaluation and interviews. **Region assignment:** Regions are determined by the applicant’s permanent residence; out-of-state students are assigned by the location of their Massachusetts educational institution. The three regions are Metro/Northeast (Region 1), Southeast/Coastal (Region 2), and Central/West (Region 3). Key takeaways: - Open to class of 2027 students who live or attend secondary school in MA. - Bay State Games participation is recommended, not mandatory. - Applicants are placed into one of three geographic regions. - Out-of-state students are assigned by school location. Award Value **Amount and recipients:** Each year the program awards scholarships to six student-athletes. Each scholarship is a minimum of $1,000. Final award amounts are determined by the selection committee. Key takeaways: - Six scholarships awarded annually. - Each award is at least $1,000. - Exact award amounts set by the selection committee. Application Materials **Required items:** To apply, submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and an official school transcript covering grades through junior year (spring 2026). All listed documents are mandatory; incomplete applications will not proceed to review. Follow the separate submission instructions for recommendations and transcripts. Key takeaways: - Three mandatory submission items: application form, two recommendations, official transcript. - Transcript must include grades through spring 2026. - Incomplete material disqualifies an application. Recommendations **Content and authors:** Two recommendation letters are required and should emphasize the applicant’s leadership abilities and achievements. One recommendation must come from a guidance counselor, teacher, or principal; the other must come from a coach or athletic director. Each letter should be typed, one page in length, signed by the author, and submitted directly by the author. **Submission:** Recommendations must be emailed by the author to scholarships@baystategames.org or mailed to 55 Sixth Road, Woburn, MA 01801. Email subject line: Scholarship Recommendation for "Name of Applicant". Key takeaways: - Two letters required: one academic (counselor/teacher/principal) and one athletic (coach/AD). - Letters: one page, typed, signed, and focused on leadership. - Authors submit directly via email or postal mail with the specified subject line. Transcripts **Coverage:** Transcripts must include grades through spring 2026 (junior year). Transcripts must be sent directly from the school to ensure authenticity. **Submission:** School officials should email transcripts to scholarships@baystategames.org or mail them to 55 Sixth Road, Woburn, MA 01801. Email subject line: Transcript for "Name of Applicant". Key takeaways: - Transcripts must cover through spring 2026. - Transcripts must be sent directly by the school. - Use the specified email address or postal address and subject line. Selection Process **Initial review and finalists:** Applications are reviewed using the application form, recommendation letters, and official transcript. From each of the three regions, six finalists will be selected to move forward to interviews. **Interviews and availability:** Finalist interviews are conducted virtually during the week of November 9, 2026. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by November 1 to schedule a time; all applicants must be available for the interview stage—failure to attend will result in disqualification. Key takeaways: - Review includes application, recommendations, and transcript. - Six finalists chosen per region (up to 18 finalists total). - Virtual interviews scheduled week of Nov 9, 2026; interviewees are contacted by Nov 1. - Attendance at the interview is mandatory. Application Timeline **Important dates:** Transcripts must include grades through spring 2026. Applicants who advance to the interview stage will be notified by November 1, 2026. Interviews for finalists are scheduled virtually during the week of November 9, 2026. Key takeaways: - Transcript coverage deadline: spring 2026 grades. - Finalists notified by November 1, 2026. - Interviews take place the week of November 9, 2026. History of the Award **Legacy and impact:** Over the past 30 years, the Future Leaders Scholarship program has supported many students pursuing higher education. Nearly $400,000 has been distributed to date, and past recipients have matriculated to institutions across New England and the nation, including Harvard, Brown, UMass Amherst, Vanderbilt, and UConn. The program was created based on the belief that leadership is cultivated through academic success, athletic participation, community service, and extracurricular involvement during high school. Key takeaways: - Program has a 30-year history of support. - Nearly $400,000 awarded to date. - Alumni have attended prestigious colleges and universities. - Scholarship founded on the principle that high school experiences build future leaders.