Andover Dollars for Scholars

What is Dollars for Scholars?

Founded in 1996, Andover Dollars for Scholars is a community-based, volunteer-operated, scholarship foundation. Any Andover resident who has been accepted as a fulltime student in an institution of higher education is eligible for consideration.

What are the criteria?

Andover residency
Acceptance in a post-secondary program of education
Completed application
Both need and merit are considered, with special emphasis on service to the Andover community

All applications are reviewed without names and other identifying information by the Town of Andover Scholarship Committee.

What is the benefit of a Dollars for Scholarship?

Students who receive other local scholarships often find that their financial aid packages have been reduced by a percentage of the scholarship. Collegiate Partner institutions have agreed not to adjust the students’ financial aid packages to reflect Dollars for Scholars grants. Additionally, some of these institutions will match the Dollars for Scholars awards. Close to 400 colleges, universities and other accredited institutions in the United States are Collegiate Partner schools, a current list of which is available at Andover High School and Memorial Hall Library.

What is the source of money for Dollars for Scholars scholarships?

Each Dollars for Scholars chapter raises scholarship money in a variety of ways. The Andover chapter uses:

The tax check-off with property and excise tax bills
Individual and corporate donations as memorials to loved ones or in honor of milestone events
Bequests
Various fund-raising activities such as annual Freedom Walk each fall

All Dollars for Scholars funds are professionally managed by the Treasurer of the Town of Andover.

Who directs Andover Dollars for Scholars?

A group of interested citizens constitutes the decision-making Board of Directors of Andover Dollars for Scholars. Any Andover resident, who shares the vision of encouraging and supporting fellow citizens in achieving their educational aspirations, may join.

Who selects award recipients?

The Town of Andover Scholarship Committee is a separate entity appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Its sole purpose is to select the recipients of scholarship funds raised by Andover Dollars for Scholars, as well as the recipients of scholarships from other participating organizations.

How do I apply?

Applications are available each spring at Andover Town Hall, Memorial Hall Library, Andover High School, Greater Lawrence Vocational School, and Phillips Academy. You may also download a copy here.

To make a tax-deductible donation, send check payable to:

Andover Dollars for Scholars
Post Office Box 5052
Andover, MA 01810

For more information, contact:

Rena Ginsberg (978)683-7933