May 1, 2024
ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City High School students and graduates received great news Wednesday, May 1, 2024, when Mayor Marty Small, Sr., announced the criteria for the next $1 million of his $3 million scholarship program for Atlantic City residents.
“Last year was a life-changing experience for the individuals who received these scholarships, and we’re looking forward to offering this opportunity once again,” said Mayor Small. “We’ve expanded our requirements to include more residents, and our committee will be even more aggressive in the selection process to ensure the most deserving candidates are awarded the money."
According to a prepared statement, once again, 100 scholarships of $10,000 each ($5,000 for the Fall 2024 semester and $5,000 for the Spring 2025 semester) will be available. The money comes from the Addressing Educational Disparity category of American Rescue Plan funds that the City of Atlantic City has received.
The eligibility breakdown for the second year is as follows:
· 40 Scholarships – Atlantic City residents who are current seniors graduating from Atlantic City High School this Spring who plan to attend college in the Fall,
· 40 Scholarships – Atlantic City residents who graduated from Atlantic City High School who are incoming college sophomores, juniors, and seniors this Fall,
· 10 Scholarships – Atlantic City residents who graduated from Atlantic City High School who are currently pursuing a Masters or Doctorate Degree,
· 9-Scholarships – Atlantic City residents graduating from Atlantic City High School this Spring who plan to attend Trade School this Fall,
· 1 Scholarship (broken into 10 parts) – Partnership with nonprofit Battle by the Bay for them to distribute $1,000 each to Atlantic City High School students.
Donald Harris, Director of Secondary Education, said the scholarship program has the potential to have a lifelong impact on the winners.
“It will leave a lasting positive effect on many students,” said Harris. “When you talk about investing in children, it’s major.”
Applications and submission instructions will be posted on the City of Atlantic City website (acnj.gov) and the Atlantic City Board of Education website (acboe.org) on Monday, May 6, 2024. Applications will be due by end of business on Tuesday, May, 28, 2024. The selection committee will begin reviewing applications immediately after that. "Congratulations to last year’s awardees and good luck to this year’s potential awardees,” McKinley said.
See various reactions below:
See the press conference in its entirety below:
