Over $900K in Scholarships Open for 2027
Students in southeastern Massachusetts pursuing college, trade school, or workforce training can apply before the January 11, 2027 deadline.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Scholarships
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SouthCoast Community Foundation has opened applications for more than 65 scholarships totaling over $900,000 for students in southeastern Massachusetts pursuing college, vocational or technical training, certificate programs, or workforce training. Applications are due January 11, 2027.
Why it matters
The foundation says it awarded more than $900,000 to more than 120 students in 2026, and it revised its application this year to tailor questions to different types of applicants. The opening of the 2027 cycle gives graduating seniors, trade school students, and current college students a defined window to apply.
The foundation offers more than 65 scholarships totaling over $900,000, with applications due January 11, 2027. Most awards use the Universal Application, while some require separate applications.
The players
SouthCoast Community Foundation
A community foundation based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, serving 41 cities and towns in southeastern Massachusetts and administering scholarships and grants for local students.
The details
Most scholarships are accessed through the foundation's Universal Application, which matches applicants with scholarships for which they may be eligible. Some scholarships require a separate application, so students should review each scholarship's description and eligibility requirements. The foundation lists these details at southcoastcf.org/2027scholarships. The foundation also plans three optional virtual drop-in help sessions for students and families.
Timeline
Nov. 17, 2026, 4 to 5 p.m.: first optional virtual drop-in application help session.
Dec. 17, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: second optional virtual drop-in application help session.
Jan. 5, 2027, 4 to 5 p.m.: third optional virtual drop-in application help session.
Jan. 11, 2027: scholarship applications due.
Education Landscape
The foundation's scholarship distribution has run since its founding in 1995, when it began distributing $6.2 million in scholarships alongside $68 million in grants. The 2027 scholarship offering of more than $900,000 sits within that ongoing, community-based funding record for southeastern Massachusetts.
Students pursuing college, vocational or technical training, certificate programs, or workforce training in southeastern Massachusetts can apply for the 2027 scholarships, with applications due January 11, 2027. Students who need a separate application for certain awards should check each scholarship's requirements, and questions about individual eligibility can be directed to the foundation.
The takeaway
Applicants should note the January 11, 2027 deadline and confirm whether each scholarship they want requires the Universal Application or a separate form. Students with questions about eligibility can contact the foundation before applying.
What happens next
Three optional virtual drop-in application help sessions take place on Nov. 17, 2026, Dec. 17, 2026, and Jan. 5, 2027, ahead of the January 11, 2027 application deadline.
Further reading
For broader context on how aid like this fits into paying for school, explore our Scholarships coverage.
More information
Review each award's description and eligibility requirements on the SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarship page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald News.
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