The Walter S. Barr Scholarship
Each year, our Walter S. Barr Scholarships are awarded to residents of Hampden County, MA who attend any of the region’s public or private secondary schools. See the list of eligible high schools.
These high school senior scholarship awards are determined using available information including school records, college entrance examination scores, general attainments, recommendations, and financial need. The awards continue through the four-year course if justified by the student’s record and need.
Scholarships are granted in the amount of $3,000 per academic year, paid directly to the college or university in $1,500 installments each semester, and can carry a maximum value of $12,000. Scholarships may be automatically renewed each year provided a minimum GPA of 3.0 is maintained.
Instructions
Listed below are the step-by-step instructions to apply for the Walter S. Barr Scholarship for high school seniors. Awards will be based on all available information, including academic records, recommendations, and examination scores. Consideration will be given to both the merit and financial need of the applicant.
Completed application, letters of reference, transcript, and college financial aid package must be received in the Horace Smith Fund office no later than March 15th. If you receive your college’s financial aid package (school-awarded scholarships, grants, work/study) after your application is submitted to us and prior to March 15th, please forward the information to our office.
DO NOT staple or permanently bind any of your application materials in any way.
Step 1: Official High School Transcript
Applicants are responsible for having an official high school transcript mailed to the address below. Alternatively, you may request to have your school’s guidance department email your transcript directly to info@horacesmithfund.org. If you are applying before your first marking period has ended, please have your transcript sent after grades have been finalized.
The Horace Smith Fund Bismarck Place 16 Union Avenue, Ste. 2K Westfield, MA 01085
Step 2: College Entrance Exams
Applicants are encouraged to take the SAT or the ACT college entrance examinations and submit scores to enhance their application. The College Board measures general verbal and quantitative reasoning with the SAT, and the ACT measures achievement related to high school curricula. When registering for the SAT or requesting your scores through College Board, indicate you would like them sent to us electronically by using our organization code of 0017. If you have taken the ACT, please have your score report mailed to:
The Horace Smith Fund Bismarck Place 16 Union Avenue, Ste. 2K Westfield, MA 01085
Step 3: Reference Forms
Three people, not relatives, should complete reference forms for you. At least two references should be from a high school guidance counselor and teacher who are familiar with your ability and potential. Seek appropriate references from those who are willing to write about your accomplishments. You are responsible for sending your recommenders a link to the reference form. Alternatively, you can download blank forms and provide them with a paper copy. If mailing, please have them sent to the address below:
The Horace Smith Fund Bismarck Place 16 Union Avenue, Ste. 2K Westfield, MA 01085
Step 4: Personal Statement/Essay and Application
The personal statement, which is part of your application, is very important. This essay will help to distinguish you from other outstanding applicants. Your essay should present who you are and who you hope to become as you pursue your education and career goals. Avoid a mere relisting of activities that are presented elsewhere in the application. Your academic records, activities, and recommendations will define your merit; your statement in the essay will provide the impact of this scholarship on your financial need.
Complete and submit the scholarship application below or download blank forms. Completed application forms can be mailed to:
The Horace Smith Fund Bismarck Place 16 Union Avenue, Ste. 2K Westfield, MA 01085
Applications are closed.