The Walter S. Barr Fellowship
Walter S. Barr Fellowships for graduate student scholarships are awarded to permanent or qualified former residents of Hampden County who graduated from an eligible high school and are pursuing full-time post-graduate degrees. If that degree program requires more than one year of full-time study, the award can be renewed for an additional year, if warranted.
Fellowships are granted in the amount of $7,500 per academic year, paid in $3,750 installments each semester, and carry a maximum value of $15,000. Fellowships are automatically renewed each year provided a minimum GPA of 3.0 or passing grade is maintained.
Awards are determined using all available information, including school records, recommendations and examination scores. Consideration is given to both the merit and financial need of the applicant. If the student’s residency is in question, the Fellowship Committee reserves the right to make this decision.
Instructions
Listed below are instructions to apply for Walter S. Barr Fellowships available to students seeking full time graduate degrees. Completed applications and all related documents must be received in the Horace Smith Fund office by March 15th.
Awards made will be based on all available information, including academic records, recommendations, and examination scores. Consideration will be given to both the merit and the financial need of the applicant.
Eligibility: In general, applicants must have graduated from an eligible high school or homeschooled in Hampden County, MA and be a permanent resident. If residency is in question, the Fellowship Committee reserves the right to make this decision.
Step 1: Necessary Documents
The applicant is responsible for having an official undergraduate and any applicable graduate transcripts mailed to us. Alternatively, you may request transcripts to be sent via electronic delivery to info@horacesmithfund.org.
Your college handles hundreds of requests to have transcripts sent to many agencies. Make your formal request in writing as soon as soon as possible and keep a copy of it in case you need to telephone later. Give your sources plenty of time to process your request.
Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be sent directly to our office. Other professional school tests, such as the LSAT, can be forwarded to us from the applicant.
At least two of your three references should be from college or graduate school professors who are familiar with your ability and potential. Complete and submit the form online or download blank forms. If Mailing, PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO:
The Horace Smith Fund Bismarck Place 16 Union Avenue, Ste. 2K Westfield, MA 01085
Step 2: Application Form
Complete and submit the fellowship application online or download blank forms. The “personal statement/essay” is a critical part of your application as it helps to distinguish you from other outstanding applicants. It should present who you are and who you hope to become as you pursue your education and career goals. Include any extenuating circumstances that you think we should be made aware of. A completed application includes the following items:
- Financial statement
- Official college transcript and graduate school transcript, if applicable
- Scores on Graduate Record Examination or other professional school tests, if applicable
- Three reference forms
DO NOT staple or permanently bind any of your application materials in any way. Completed application forms can be mailed to:
The Horace Smith Fund Bismarck Place 16 Union Avenue, Ste. 2K Westfield, MA 01085
Applications are closed.