For DonorsFor Applicants

Philip and Jacqueline Benincasa Education Scholarship

$6,000
2 winners, $3,000 each
Open
Application Deadline
Feb 28, 2025
Winners Announced
Mar 31, 2025
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
State:
Massachusetts
Field of Study:
Education, education administration

Philip and Jacqueline Benincasa were beloved parents who recently passed away, leaving behind their three children too soon.

In this day and age, one of the greatest ways to make an impact is to support the next generation in their pursuit of college. With the tuition and the cost of living rapidly rising, providing financial assistance to aspiring students not only makes college more accessible but ensures that the brightest minds are able to attain education and achieve their career goals.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memories of Philip and Jacqueline Benincasa by supporting students who need financial assistance to pursue higher education.

Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student in Massachusetts who is majoring in education or education administration may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us why pursuing higher education is important to you and what inspired you to study education.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Need
Published March 12, 2024
Essay Topic

Why is it important to pursue higher education? Who or what inspired you to pursue a major in education?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Amy Malone
Merrimack CollegeWilmington, MA
Empowering Futures Through Education: My Scholarship Journey In the intricate tapestry of life, education forms the resilient thread binding individuals to the promise of a fulfilling future. It is the conduit through which dreams become tangible realities and aspirations transform into meaningful careers. For me, education embodies not just a pathway but a profound passion, a driving force that fuels my desire to learn, inspire, and share knowledge with others. The notion that education should be universally accessible has been a recurring theme. I fervently wish for a world where the pursuit of knowledge is unbounded by financial barriers. This wish stems from my love for learning, a sentiment that finds its roots in the depths of my being. I yearn to see education as a beacon of hope, illuminating the lives of those who seek it unreservedly and without constraints. My journey toward becoming an educator has not been devoid of challenges. In my youth, I harbored a genuine ambition: to become a teacher. However, an insidious inner voice, echoing doubts of inadequacy, threatened to stifle my dreams. Yet, I refused to succumb. I discovered that the human mind, inherently designed to challenge us, also possesses the remarkable capacity to silence self-doubt. Through resilience and determination, I learned to silence the disparaging whispers and embrace the empowering truth: "I am enough." This realization catalyzed my transformation, propelling me toward the path of leadership I was always meant to tread. Currently, I am privileged to work with students and guide them toward their untapped potential. However, I am acutely aware of the vastness of unexplored territories, of countless young minds awaiting guidance. I recognize the need for advanced education to make a more substantial impact. I am resolute in my ambition to complete my degree and attain a Master's in education. More specifically, I aspire to master the Orton-Gillingham reading program, a profound tool aiding children with dyslexia. This skill would empower me to support more students effectively, particularly those in my town who lack these crucial resources. Yet, financial constraints have emerged as a formidable hurdle. The field I am deeply passionate about often does not readily facilitate advanced training opportunities. This scholarship, to me, represents more than financial aid; it embodies the gateway to transformative change. By investing in my education, you are investing in the future. You are enabling the growth of future leaders, the nurturing of young minds, and the shaping of generations to come. I implore you to consider my earnest plea for this scholarship. Your support transcends mere financial assistance; it is an investment in the future of education, a testament to your belief in the power of knowledge. With your assistance, I will fulfill my dream and become a beacon of inspiration for others. Together, let us light the way toward a future where education knows no boundaries, where every eager mind finds the guidance it seeks. Thank you for considering my application. Gratefully, Amy Malone Malonam@Merrimack.edu

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Feb 28, 2025. Winners will be announced on Mar 31, 2025.