Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund

Phillips Scholarship applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are now being accepted. Review the information below and follow the links provided to begin your application.

If you live in Lynn or Marblehead, MA: see the Gordon Hall III Family Foundation Scholarship.

Quick checklist for both first-time applicants and returning scholars (gather these before you start)
- FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) from your FAFSA account
- Most recent college Financial Aid Award Letter
- Student and parent earnings information (tax documents, pay stubs, etc.)
- Charges for tuition, fees, room and board if your college is not on our Cost of College list

Overview
The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship and the named scholarships we administer support students in bachelor’s degree programs. Awards are made based on residency, demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, merit, and commitment to service.

Before you begin an application
- Read the eligibility criteria and financial requirements
- Review the Steps to Apply and the Named Scholarships we manage
- Expect to spend time: applicants report an average completion time of about four hours
- If you still have questions, consult the FAQs or Contact Us (staff@spscholars.org)

Important dates and application details for new applicants (never previously awarded by Phillips)
- The 2026–2027 New High School and New College Application is open now. Start online.
- Final deadline: 12:00 p.m. (noon), May 1, 2026.
- Early Response (high school applicants only): submit by 12:00 p.m. (noon), April 2, 2026 to receive an earlier decision in late April that may affect your college plans. Early Response outcomes: awarded, deferred to the regular pool, or not awarded. Applicants may submit only one Phillips application per year.
- New applicants should carefully review all criteria and required materials on the New Applicants page before starting their application.
- See "How to Apply 2026–2027" for full application guidance. That document is also available in Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Materials new applicants must provide
- Contact information for at least one recommender. High school applicants: the primary recommender must be your school/guidance counselor.
- A formal personal essay (Common Application or Coalition Application essay permitted, up to 650 words) plus a brief service essay (up to 250 words) describing how you serve others at school, home, or in your community.
- For students already enrolled in college: a college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) that includes grades through Fall 2025. If you have completed fewer than three college semesters, also include a high school transcript.

Eligibility — who may apply
Applicants must:
- Be entering or returning full-time undergraduate students (minimum 12 credit hours) at an accredited U.S. institution, pursuing a bachelor’s degree for the first time (BA, BS, BFA, BSN, etc.). Certificate programs or associate degrees do not qualify. Students in combined five-plus year programs leading to a master’s may apply for the undergraduate portion (first four years).
- Be a U.S. citizen, or a noncitizen who either (a) currently has lawful presence in the U.S. with employment authorization, or (b) files (or is claimed as a dependent on) a U.S. income tax return.
- Be a permanent resident of one of the six New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont.

Academic expectations
Competitive applicants generally:
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Are enrolled in a rigorous course of study
- Demonstrate strong writing ability

Financial eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate financial need:
- A Student Aid Index (SAI) of 13,000 or less on the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). If your SAI is above 13,000 but you believe you have exceptional financial circumstances, contact staff@spscholars.org.
- An unmet financial need of at least $7,000 at the college you plan to attend, as determined by our Financial Eligibility Calculator.
- A low- to moderate-level parent Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Helpful context: among 2025 new awardees, 91% had federal SAIs under 10,000, and 90% had family AGIs of $100,000 or less.

Character, citizenship, and personal qualities
Strong candidates typically:
- Show a commitment to making meaningful contributions to society now and in the future
- Maintain a balance of community involvement, school activities, and work
- Pursue goals with integrity, perseverance, self-discipline, and sound judgment
- Hold part-time employment while studying

Questions or need help?
- Contact staff at staff@spscholars.org
- Consult the FAQs and New Applicants page for detailed guidance

Thank you for your interest in the Phillips Scholarships. We encourage you to review all materials carefully before completing your submission.