Chamber Foundation taking applications for its scholarship program

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation has announced that applications for its 2022 scholarship program are now being accepted.

According to Amy Dubovick, a counselor at Oakmont Regional High School, the biggest benefit of scholarships of any kind given to college-bound high school students is that it helps them cope with the ever increasing cost of higher education.

However, at Oakmont, the $2,000 North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce (NCMCC) scholarship is not open to all students, as only selected students get to apply for it. The high school has a confidential scholarship selection committee, which is comprised of school personnel. But Dubovick said that every school that participates in the scholarship program has its own unique selection process.

A subsidiary group of the NCMCC, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation on Jan. 6 announced that the application window for the 2022 scholarship program has opened. Each year, the Chamber Foundation distributes approximately 25 scholarships to high-achieving high school students in north central Massachusetts.

College-bound high school seniors who are interested in applying for a 2022 scholarship should contact their high school guidance department to submit an application. The deadline for applications is March 1.

Each year, applications are submitted by each school in the Chamber’s service area, which are reviewed by a committee of Chamber members. The biggest factor that accounts for selection will be merit — in all aspects of a student’s endeavors, from academics and sports to volunteer work and employment.

Roy Nascimento, president and chief executive officer of NCMCC, said the Chamber Foundation started its scholarship program in 1985, granting high school students with $1,000 in scholarship. However, for the past 10 years, the scholarship amount increased to $2,000.

“We provide scholarships based on the budget approved by the board. The scholarships ... are $2,000 each and are very competitive,” said Nascimento.

In 2021, the Chamber Foundation awarded its highest amount of scholarships with a total of $52,000 distributed between 26 high school seniors from 13 different schools. North Middlesex Regional High School, Oakmont Regional High School and Leominster High School had the most recipients, with four students being awarded the scholarship from each school.

“Our students have always been so appreciative of the efforts of the Chamber. These students have attended the most prestigious schools in the nation, and with the rising cost of secondary education, the support from the Chamber allows them some financial flexibility,” said Steven Dubzinski, principal of Leominster High School.

Dubzinski said that all seniors are made aware of this and other scholarships being offered to them – some are restricted and chosen by committees, some are open to all students, and some are based on certain criteria such as class rank, career path, or even only being open to specific club members.

“Our guidance staff does an exceptional job promoting the generosity of our community,” he said.

The scholarships provided by NCMCC are highly competitive, as one area can only submit a limited number of applicants.

“The Chamber only gives Leominster High School and the Center for Technical Education Innovation a certain number of applications. A committee then decides who to select for the next round. The final process is between the student and the Chamber. There are many factors that enter into account, the most significant factor is academic success,” said Dubzinski.

According to a press release by the NCMCC on Jan. 6, “The scholarship awards are made possible through contributions from members of the NCMCC. Scholarships endowed through the Chamber Foundation are often named in honor of prominent members of the north central Massachusetts business community whose philanthropy and commitment to the community have helped shape North Central Massachusetts.”

The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is focused on assisting in the betterment of the region through charitable activities. Funds raised by the foundation are used primarily for education/workforce development initiatives and charitable activities in north central Massachusetts, including scholarships to eligible applicants pursuing education and grants to support economic and community development projects.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: North Central Chamber Foundation taking scholarship applications