Financial Aid is available in many different ways including loans, grants, scholarships, and federal work study. Loans must eventually be paid back, however grants, scholarships, and work-study are all great ways to offset the cost of college.
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid- required for loans, grants, and work-study. All students attending a 2 year, 4 year, or vocational college that are not paying solely out-of-pocket must complete.
CSS Profile - Addition application for Financial Aid required by some private colleges. ONLY FILL OUT IF REQUIRED.
FastWeb and Scholarships.Com - Free scholarship and grant websites
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority - great information on how to fund college
Scholarships360.org Vetted scholarships for high school, college and graduate students.
Scholarships 2024
Log on to www.fafsa.gov to complete federal student aid report on December 31, 2023
Peanut Scholarship
This scholarship has been established by Chris Paduano, a former graduate of Taconic High School in honor of his brother Ryan Paduano (Peanut) who passed away unexpectedly in 2020. He lived his life to the fullest always chasing life and his dream. Students must be going for a 4 year degree and have at least a 2.5 GPA. Please pick up a copy in Guidance. Apply by April 20, 2024
Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship
The SPMS scholarship offers renewable, four-year scholarships to students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others (in school, the community or at home), a consistent history of part-time work, grit and passion for overcoming obstacles and/or achieving goals, and leadership qualities. Visit www.phillips-scholarship.org to apply. Deadline May 1,2024, Early Response April 3, 2024
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires 2024 College Scholarship
The Henry Simkin and Frances Simkin Schiller and Dr. Stanley and Faye Simkin Scholarship Fund- to be awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership in the Jewish community. Copies available in Guidance.Apply by April 22, 2024
Berkshire Health Systems Nursing Scholarship
Awarded to students who intend to pursue an Associates Degree in nursing, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing programs. The criteria for this scholarship is financial need, superior academic performance, commitment to nursing and potential for success in nursing. Please pick up a copy in Guidance.Apply by May 1, 2024
Berkshire Health Systems Kermit Gordon Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by the Kermit Gordon Fund at Berkshire Health Systems. The scholarship's primary purpose is to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the following fields of study:Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy and Health and Health Science related programs. The criteria for this scholarship is: financial need, superior academic performance, commitment to chosen field, potential for success in field.Please pick up a copy in Guidance. Apply by May 1, 2024
Daniel Pearl Scholarship
.The $2000 award is given in memory of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter kidnapped and killed in Pakistan early in 2002. Pearl worked in the Berkshires at the North Adams Transcript and the The Berkshire Eagle. While Pearl's career was in journalism, he was also a gifted musician, trained as a classical violinist. He played guitar and mandolin as well. For this reason the award is given annually to a student who intends to study and pursue a career in either journalism or music. Two letters of recommendation. A brief essay on what inspired your interest in journalism or music and in particular,"How you believe you might be able to change the world for the better."All applications must be received by email by April 24, 2023. You can pick up a copy in Guidance and return the application and we will email to the committee.
Apply by April 22, 2024
BCC Foundation Scholarships
These BCC Foundations scholarships are open to seniors who have been accepted into a BCC program. Gifts from alumi, students, corporations, friends and staff are used to further the college's commitment to academic excellence and community service. Essay required to apply please log onto your myBCC account to apply. Apply by December 1, 2024
Aaron T. Coty Memorial Scholarship
The ATC scholarship was established to honor the life of a true "team player" Aaron participated in multiple sports ans clubs during his years at Pittsfield High School. To qualify for the scholarship award of $750 the student must psarticipatre in one or more of the following: Cross Country, Theater, Swimming, Track & Field, or The Move For Movember & ATC Memorial Scholarship Walkathon. An essay is required. Application is available in Guidance. Apply by April 22, 2024
Bianchi-Barbarotta Sportsman Scholarship
This scholarship is named after Al Bianchi and Vera Bianchi-Barbarotta, a brother and sister who impacted the young people of Berkshire county during their lives. The foundation will award a minimum of two $2000 scholarships to benefit student-athletes in Berkshire County, one male and one female. The requirements are seniors who have participated in a varsity-sport and will be attending a two or four year college next year, must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and performed volunteer work in the community. Essay required. Apply at: https://forms.gle/bDrALkwkGYD4AWxeA by May 1, 2024
Dave Zerbato Memorial Scholarship
Mr. Zerbato passed away suddenly in October of 2017. He loved helping young kids, whether it be through coaching numerous years in Pittsfield South Little League, mentoring others, or spending time with his two sons. This scholarship was created to honor Dave and his legacy while continuing to help young kids.To apply student must have played baseball or softball in the Pittsfield youth leagues, 80 GPA, resume, essay required. Please pick up a paper copy in Guidance. Apply by May 1, 2024
PIttsfield Hoop Scholarship
You must be a graduating senior who has applied to further his or her education.You must have participated in the Boys & GIrls Club or CYC Boys program for a minimum of 2 years. You must have volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club or CYC at least 2 years of your 4 years of high school. Essay required.Copies available in Guidance. Apply by May 1, 2024
UNICO of Pittsfield
UNICO- Pittsfield Charter- have 4 scholarships available: UNICO National Scholarship, Baseball/Softball Hall of Fame and Pittsfield UNICO Vocational Scholarship. Applicants must have one parent or grandparent of italian origin (not required for Baseball/Softball Hall of Fame or the Vocational Scholarship). Must submit a copy of the first page of your student aid report. (SAR). Also the UNICO Paul Capitanio, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for graduating seniors who have been a member of the football team during their high school years.(italian origin not required). Please pick up a copy in Guidance. Apply by May 1,2024
Father Robert Wagner
Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded annually to students from Western Mass. To be eligible a student must be a resident of Berkshire County, demonstrate either an intention to pursue a degree and a career dedicated to serving persons with disabilities, or be a person with a disability seeking to further his or her education. Essay required.Video essays are now an acceptable form of essays. Applications available in Guidance.Apply by May 1, 2024
Adams Community Bank
Adams Community Bank will be awarding two scholarships to graduating seniors at Taconic High school. Please pick up application in Guidance. Apply by April 23, 2024
2024 Internal Scholarships
Seniors fill out application and return with a copy of their SAI from the MEFA calculator.. Several scholarships available on one application.Please pick up a copy and return to Guidance. Apply by April 23, 2024
Carolyn T. Sacco Memorial Scholarship
Seniors planning to attend college and major in the fields of Business, Economics or Insurance.Please pick up a copy in Guidance. Apply by May 1, 2024
Pittsfield Lodge of Elks #272 Scholarship
The Pittsfield Lodge of Elks will present scholarships to students demonstrating leadership, hard work, determination, and dedication in his/her senior class. Essay required and copy of SAR. Pick up copies in Guidance. Apply by May 1,2024
Tee Off For Youth Sports in Connor Dillon's Memory
Please pick up an application in Guidance for the following Scholarships and return to Guidance. Apply by May 1,2024
Tee Off For Youth Sports in Connor Dillon's Memory
Senior Girls Softball
Senior Boys Baseball
Senior in Culinary
Donald Dwyer/South Little League only American League players
Pittsfield Little League Scholarship
A scholarship is available to a graduating senior who has participated in Little League baseball in Pittsfield.Transcript needed.Please pick up a copy in Guidance and return to Guidance, Apply by May 1, 2024
George E. Ballard Memorial College Scholarship
Applicant must be planning to enter a 4-year college, or a 2-year junior college and transferring for the two more years at another college, entering as a freshman, this fall of 2021. Grange members and their families are not eligible. The $500 scholarship will be awarded on the basis of community involvement, financial need and academic standing. Please contact Guidance for a copy to be emailed or picked up and must be returned to Guidance. Apply by April 30, 2024
Taconic Class of 1974 Scholarship
In honor of the class of 1974 (50 year reunion) from Taconic high School a scholarship has been established for a graduating senior in 2024. Please pick up an application in Guidance. Essay required. Apply by April 25, 2024
International Assoc. of Fire Fighters Local #2647 Scholarship
Available to all seniors, complete application and include 2 letters of recommendations and a resume.Please pick up a copy in Guidance. Apply by April 31, 2024
Eugene T. O'Brien Capeless Elementary School scholarship
To a graduating senior from PHS or THS, who had attended Capeless for at least 3 consecutive years in grades 3-5. Application process includes personal essay, 3 letters of recommendation, transcript. Please contact Guidance for a copy to be emailed or picked up and must be returned to Guidance. Apply by May 17, 2024
2024 Horatio Alger Assoc. Career & Technical Scholarship Program
Scholarship program for students seeking to pursue career or technical education in a post-secondary environment. Financial need.Must be Pell- Grant eligible. apply on-line at: application.horatioalger.org. Apply by June 15, 2024
Richard "Jax" Jaquez Memorial Scholarship Fund
Richard "Jax" Jaquez was a member of the U.S. Army in the 10th Mountain Division as an infantryman, he was a member of the Berkshire County Sheriff's office since 2008. In keeping his memory alive IBCO Local 297 has developed the "Jax" Memorial Scholarship Fund continuing his commitment to helping members, their families and Berkshire County students achieve goals and dreams. Each year. two scholarships will be awarded to an applicant that meets the qualifications.Three different scholarships are available: 1. Be a member of IBCO Local 297 or a family member of the Local 2.Be a student in Berkshire County seeking funds for higher education 3. Be a student in Berkshire County planning on majoring in Criminal Justice. Pick up an application and return to Guidance. Apply by May 3, 2024