The Moving to College (MTC) Scholarship is the newest housing scholarship initiative within the Massachusetts Housing Scholarship Program. MTC provides an on-campus housing scholarship to Massachusetts public high school and HiSET graduates who are also an unaccompanied homeless youth. A MTC Scholarship supports a student's transition to, progress through, and completion of a college education. The Massachusetts Housing Scholarship Program is housed at the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and aligned with DHE's Strategic Plan for Racial Equity. Scholarships for up to 20 students are supported through partnership among the Departments of Higher Education (DHE), of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), and with additional support provided by Regional Youth Service Providers and participating campus partners. Scholarships are supported by state funds.

Student Eligibility

• Must be Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) income eligible. HCV uses 50% AMI for Individual Income limits. Guideline details can be found at: HUD User: Income Limits page.
• Must meet HUD's definition of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth or have recently aged out of foster care and meet HUD's criteria of an independent student.
• Provide a letter verifying homelessness written by applicant's school district's homeless liaison or service provider.
• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident/green card holder (requirement because scholarships are paid using federal dollars).

Other Requirements

• Applicant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Applicant must provide proof of enrollment at a participating institution no later than July 1.
• Applicant must maintain full-time enrollment (12 or more credits) in a degree-seeking program and maintain passing grades in order to be eligible for a renewed scholarship. In some instances, campuses may grant a waiver to a student who, for a variety of reasons, may need to temporarily reduce his/her/ their course load.
• While there is no GPA requirement, students must maintain academic and behavioral standing as defined by the campuses where they are enrolled and (if different) reside.
• Applicant must agree to meet regularly with a member of the Moving to College support team to develop academic year, summer and post-graduation plans.
• Applicant is required to choose one of the following options during Summer terms: 1. remain enrolled in at least two courses, 2. work full-time, or 3. enroll in one course and work part-time.

Participating Campuses

Thank you for your interest in a housing scholarship.

The application period for Fall 2023 has now closed.

Please check back later this summer to apply for a Spring 2024 scholarship.

To be notified when the application has been posted or to request more information, please contact basicneeds@dhe.mass.edu

We encourage you to check out additional scholarship opportunities listed on the following websites: uAspire Student Scholarship Opportunities and Office of Student Financial Assistance / Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

Last Updated: May 23, 2023