Bard College at Simon's Rock: the Early College
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Scholarships

All first-year applicants are considered for scholarship awards. The generosity of Simon’s Rock alumni and donors help ensure that 80 percent of our students receive financial aid.

Our scholarships are categorized into three groups: scholarships for entering students, scholarships and fellowships for study away programs, and scholarships for returning students. 

 

Scholarships for Entering Students

Simon’s Rock Scholarships

In addition to the named scholarships below, Simon’s Rock scholarships in varying amounts are typically awarded to more than one-third of first-year students.

Elizabeth Blodgett Hall and Livingston Hall Scholarships

These full tuition scholarships are named in honor of the College’s founder and her husband.

Clark Early College Fellows

This fellowship recognizes bright, talented students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership ability and potential. It was endowed by Overseer and alumnus James McConnell Clark ’76, who believes that access to an outstanding liberal arts education should not be determined by a student’s age or financial resources but by his or her ability and motivation.

W.E.B. Du Bois Scholarships

The W.E.B. Du Bois Scholarships meet a significant portion of the financial need of eligible students of color who are underrepresented in higher education and have a record of academic achievement and motivation.

Young Writer's Workshop Scholarship

This award (renewable annually) helps to meet the financial need of students who have participated in this renowned summer creative writing program held at Simon's Rock.

Berkshire Regional Scholarships

This scholarship supports eligible students from 14 surrounding counties. Students must be under age 19 at entry and may choose to live at home if their families reside within commuting distance. Eligible counties are:

Massachusetts:

  • Berkshire
  • Franklin
  • Hampden
  • Hampshire

Connecticut:

  • Hartford
  • Litchfield

New York:

  • Albany
  • Columbia
  • Dutchess
  • Greene
  • Rensselaer
  • Ulster

Vermont:

  • Bennington
  • Windham

Mason Hirst Scholarship

Established in 2009 by the Mason Hirst Foundation and alumnus Jeremy Hirst '92.

Mullaney Corporation Scholarship

Awarded to a student from Massachusetts on the basis of need, this scholarship was established in 2000 by David Mullaney, the general contractor for the Alumni Library, the Fisher Science and Academic Center, and the Kilpatrick Athletic Center.

Nadiri AliKhan Memorial Scholarship

Following the graduation of their daughter, Loren ’99, this scholarship was established by Dr. Mahmood AliKhan and his wife, Linda, in memory of his mother.

The Vince Finisdore Family Scholarship

Established in 2006 by Marcia Finisdore, mother of alumna Susan Finisdore Higgins ’81, this scholarship assists students who qualify for financial aid and who have a hearing loss as measured by professional audiological testing.

Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Scholarship

This scholarship helps to meet the financial need of students who have completed two CTY residential summer courses after completing the 9th or 10th grade, or two CTY online courses in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Students must be applicants new to Simon's Rock, have earned a minimum of a B in the courses taken, and must submit all CTY transcripts and comments at the time of application.

Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) Scholarship

Students who have completed two SIG residential summer courses, or two 8-week SIG online courses, are considered for the SIG Scholarship. To be eligible, students must be applicants new to Simon’s Rock, and documentation must be sent by SIG to Simon’s Rock indicating successful participation in and completion of the two courses.

Study Away Scholarships and Fellowships

Rodney Christopher Scholarships for Study Abroad or Away

This endowed fund, established by Chairman of the Board of Overseers Emily H. Fisher, gives students need-based scholarships for study abroad and study away. The fund is inspired by and named in honor of alumnus Rodney Christopher ’86, who remains a constant champion for equal academic and social opportunity. These scholarships are primarily intended for students in the BA program, but all students may apply. The scholarships will be awarded based on a student’s academic achievements, financial need, and the merits of the proposed study abroad or away program in the context of the student’s program of study. To receive the scholarship, the recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student at Simon’s Rock for one semester after their studies abroad or away.

The James Monsonis Junior Fellowship

Established by alumni of the College in 2003 on the occasion of his retirement, this fellowship is named in honor of Dr. James Monsonis, for 25 years a faculty member in sociology and social sciences. To be awarded annually, the fellowship is designed to provide support to a student undertaking a project—usually an internship with a social change organization—that fosters his or her understanding of the relationships among peace, justice, and social change.

Scholarships for Returning Students

The Returning Student Scholarships include a range of scholarships and need-based awards available to support students who have demonstrated academic commitment and achievement in their first two years, have made significant positive contributions to the life of the College, and/or have financial need. The Returning Student Scholarships include a variety of awards, with total amounts ranging from $500 to a maximum of $5,000 per year for the semesters students are in residence (not on leave to study away and enrolled full time) at Simon’s Rock. Most scholarships support students during their junior and senior years, although a few are dedicated to supporting students in their sophomore year.

 See All Returning Student Scholarships

Additional Sources of Scholarships

You may also find scholarships through your local community foundation, special interest groups, religious or community organizations. A number of websites and referral sources exist to help you research and apply for scholarships. Please use caution in providing your personal information and avoid scholarship applications requiring a fee. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Fastweb, and CareerOneStop are among many sites and organizations that may be useful to explore. If you are applying from outside the United States, consider EducationUSA.