Commonwealth Honors College Community Scholarship Fund

UMass Amherst was founded in 1863 on the premise that higher learning should be accessible to all people regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Over 60 percent of UMass Amherst students qualify for need-based aid; while the university has significantly increased the amount of need-based aid that it provides to students, state funding for higher education has been declining.

Giving is a critical part of the solution to easing the burden on families with financial need and ensuring that low- to middle-income students have access to an excellent college education. Commonwealth Honors College is asking our alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff to keep the doors of education open to Honors students by contributing to the Commonwealth Honors College Community Scholarship Fund.

Commonwealth Honors College Community Scholarships will:

• Provide four years of support to incoming students with demonstrated financial need,
• Give preference to first-generation college students or students from underrepresented groups on campus,
• Be awarded to a first-year student accepted to UMass Amherst and Commonwealth Honors College starting in fall 2016.

Honors College staff have already donated $5,000 towards the Commonwealth Honors College Community Scholarships. Now it's your turn. Help us raise another $2,500 in 30 days.

Every dollar we receive will move a student closer to fulfilling the dream of a college education. Even gifts in small amounts make a difference, since they add up quickly and inspire the generosity of others.

Thank you!