Boston University has expanded its scholarship program for Boston Public School (BPS) students, now allowing BPS alumni transferring in from another college to be eligible for the Boston University Community Service Awards, according to a press release.
The program calculates each accepted applicant’s financial ability, and awards financial aid for students’ needs including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, travel, and fees. Boston University Service Awards aim to provide assistance resulting in zero loans upon graduation.
“This scholarship will make a tremendous impact in the lives of our BPS students,” said Mayor Martin Walsh, according to the press release. “We know that BPS graduates are smart, dedicated individuals, and Boston University is offering them a fantastic opportunity to pursue their degree, without the financial burden so many students have to take on. I’m grateful Boston has a strong academic partner in Boston University, and look forward to BPS students benefiting from the expanded scholarship program.”
Each recipient must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and perform 25 hours of community service per semester after the first semester. A mentor is also provided for each recipient and serves as a resource and support throughout the student’s entire undergraduate enrollment.
The scholarship program has been limited in the past to incoming freshman, and will be available to incoming transfer students in the fall semester of 2017.
“Boston University is deepening its commitment to the City of Boston, as we remain dedicated to providing world-class higher education,” said BU President Robert A. Brown, according to the press release. “We are pleased to be able to offer scholarships to Boston Public School graduates, and are hopeful this expansion of the program will allow more students from Boston to study and graduate from Boston University.”