The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship (also deemed the Adams Scholarship) was first introduced 10-15 years ago when Governor Mitt Romney decided he wanted to give the opportunity for students to have a four-year tuition free ride to any Massachusetts institution.
This year, Malden High School had over 110 students receive the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. In order to get the scholarship a student must score in the advanced category on either the English or Math MCAS tests as well as score an additional Proficient or Advanced in one of the three MCAS tests according to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage students to attend college, but to also aids families who cannot afford it.
Although the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship helps benefit many of the students financially, it also gives them an opportunity to feel “recognized for doing something really well,” as MHS Principal, Christopher Mastrangelo explained. While it is usable for many schools and much cheaper, it does not cover 75% of the cost of college. “It would be helpful if… the Adams scholarship was a little more transparent; sometimes students are a little surprised or confused on what the cost really is,” MHS Guidance Counselor, Ann O’Connor stated. The cost to attend a public Massachusetts school can go up to $30,069 for Massachusetts residents while the scholarship ranges in value from $1,400 to $1,700.
The scholarship is also ideal for people who can do well on it but can also be unfair. Another MHS Guidance Counselor, Taryn Belowsky believes that “[it is] good for the people who test well.” Students coming from different countries or with disabilities may have trouble taking this test and being accurately represented as a person.
Despite this, the scholarship is a great chance for students and there are many opportunities for scholarships otherwise. To get this scholarship students do not have to be good in every subject, just come into school with a mindset of motivation and be ready to learn whatever is coming next. Things may get hard but as Mastrangelo stated, “nothing is ever just handed out in life.”
