Meet the Montclair Scholarship Fund (MSF), through a documentary called “This is Us…MSF,” produced by 2016 Montclair High School grad Zack Bermack. Established in 1957 by the Montclair Board of Education to receive and administer private gifts to the public school system MSF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, awards scholarships to college-bound Montclair High School seniors with financial need. Each year, MSF awards approximately 40 scholarships of varying amounts to Montclair High School graduating seniors with financial need. The documentary, which includes interviews with former scholarship recipients, donors, and trustees, provides a glimpse into the Fund’s tremendous impact.
Each year, 20-25% of the Montclair High School senior class qualifies for Federal financial aid for college tuition. Those same students often apply for a MSF award. Many MSF scholarship recipients come from low-income families and are the first in their family to attend college.
The MSF Scholarship Committee carefully and confidentially reviews each student’s application and supporting materials. The Committee also interviews each applicant during school hours in early May. After the interview, the Committee deliberates and awards scholarships considering the student’s high school record, interests and aptitudes, donor criteria (if applicable) and financial need. Funds are sent directly to the college or university after MSF receives verification of enrollment.
MSF asks the community to consider making a donation in conjunction with National College Decision Day (May 1) to support deserving Montclair students with rising tuition costs. All donations go directly to fund the scholarships.