Great Minds Scholars Program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI launched the Great Minds Scholars Program in 2018 to recruit, retain and graduate high-achieving, Pell-eligible students from Worcester Public Schools. It aims to increase the number of low-income, academically talented and first-generation students who apply, enroll and graduate with a STEM bachelor’s degree. The scholarship works as a secondary award, meeting whatever need remains for tuition and fees after other merit and need-based aid. Scholars also get wraparound support through all four years, including mentoring, academic advising, financial literacy workshops, research opportunities, professional development and networking with faculty, staff and alumni. A related NSF-funded program, Great Minds/CoMPASS, has provided extra support for scholars’ housing and meal plans.

1. Full demonstrated financial need, up to the cost of tuition and fees, on top of federal, state and institutional aid.
2. An additional $12,000 Great Minds Housing Allowance.
3. Four years of support: term meetings, advising, mentoring, professional development and special events.
4. Up to five scholarships are awarded each year to incoming first-year students.

1. You must be a high school senior graduating from a Worcester Public School and applying to WPI as a first-year student.
2. You must be Pell-eligible, which indicates low to moderate family income.
3. You must complete the FAFSA and the CSS Profile by February 15.
4. You must be admitted to WPI.
5. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are the realistic applicants, since Pell eligibility is a federal program.