SPRINGFIELD – The Horace Smith Fund, a private foundation that offers scholarships and fellowships, has extended the application deadline date for the Walter S. Barr Scholarships and Fellowships until February 22, 2016, due to the low number of applications. Last year, The Horace Smith Fund awarded $420,000 to 40 area students.
“To date, we have received only 45 scholarship applications and 14 fellowship applications. It is surprising that more students haven’t applied yet,” stated Teresa Regina, chair of the Scholarship Committee and Trustee. “Applications can be downloaded or completed on line. They are also available at every area high school and college and by contacting our office.”
The Walter S. Barr Scholarship is available for graduates of Hampden County public and private high schools. Applicants may either be graduating seniors or in college. Scholarships awards of $10,000 are distributed in annual installments of $2,500 and renewable each year until graduation. Recipients are selected on a variety of criteria, including their test scores, class rank, extra-curricular activities, and a personal written account of why the student feels deserving of financial assistance.
The Walter S. Barr Fellowship awards are made annually to those wishing to enroll in full time graduate studies. In general, applicants must be residents of Hampden County, Massachusetts. Awards are made to students pursuing a specific post-graduate degree. The award of $12,000 is distributed in annual installments of $4,000 for a maximum of three years. Awards will be made on the basis of all available information, including school records, recommendations and examination scores. Consideration will be given to both the merit and financial need of the applicant.
“We hope students take advantage of this local resource,” said Regina.
For more information, visit the website www.HoraceSmithFund.org or call (413) 739-4222.
