The One Family Scholarship Program

Name: One Family Scholarship Program (Massachusetts)

Award Amount: Varies — may cover tuition, fees, and related living expenses (up to the institution’s cost of attendance)

Information And Eligibility:
The One Family Scholarship Program is a state-funded financial aid program established by the Massachusetts Legislature to support heads of households who are working toward long-term economic stability through higher education. The core mission of this scholarship is to create a permanent pathway out of poverty by helping parents and caregivers earn college credentials while receiving comprehensive support services.

Unlike traditional scholarships that focus solely on tuition assistance, the One Family Scholarship Program combines financial aid with an integrated network of wraparound services provided by One Family, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving low-income individuals and families across the Commonwealth. Scholarship recipients receive not only funding for education-related expenses but also access to advocacy, coaching, leadership development, and peer support designed to improve persistence and graduation outcomes.

This program is specifically designed for students who are heads of households with children under the age of 18 and who are experiencing housing instability. Eligible applicants include individuals who are currently at risk of homelessness under federal poverty guidelines or who have experienced homelessness within the previous 12 months. Participation in One Family, Inc. services—including the Leadership Seminar program—is a required component of the scholarship and is central to the program’s holistic approach.

The One Family Scholarship supports students enrolled part-time or full-time in certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree programs at eligible Massachusetts institutions. Both traditional and nontraditional students are encouraged to apply, including adult learners returning to school to improve employment opportunities for themselves and their families.

Scholarship funds may be used to cover tuition, mandatory fees, and related living expenses during the period of enrollment. The tuition and fee portion of the award, when combined with other financial aid, cannot exceed the student’s official cost of attendance as determined by the institution. This ensures that aid is coordinated effectively without exceeding allowable limits.

Because this program operates in partnership with One Family, Inc., all applications are managed through the nonprofit rather than directly through colleges or the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance. Applicants must also complete the FAFSA or an approved FAFSA-equivalent application to establish financial aid eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the start of the enrolled term, with intent to remain in the state.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, eligible non-citizen under Title IV regulations, or qualify as a “High School Completer” under Massachusetts tuition equity law.
• Must apply for financial aid using the FAFSA or a FAFSA-equivalent application approved by the Department of Higher Education.
• Must be enrolled full-time or part-time in a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program.
• Must be enrolled at an eligible, accredited Massachusetts postsecondary institution participating in federal Title IV programs.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress according to institutional and federal standards.
• Must qualify as a head of household with at least one child under age 18.
• Must be at risk of homelessness or have experienced homelessness within the past 12 months.
• Must be an active participant in One Family, Inc. services and activities, including the Leadership Seminar program.

Eligible Institutions:

• Public, private, independent, nonprofit, or for-profit colleges and universities in Massachusetts.
• Institutions must be accredited and authorized to offer undergraduate degrees or certificate programs.
• Institutions must be eligible to participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs.

Application Requirements:

• Apply directly through One Family, Inc.
• Complete the FAFSA or approved FAFSA-equivalent application.
• Meet all program participation requirements set by One Family, Inc.

Deadline: Varies (applications are managed by One Family, Inc.)

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